There are a handful of artists out there who are giving what many R&B fans have been missing, and Shriya is atop the list. We caught up with the Mumbai-based artist to talk not only about her latest single, “Her,” but also the power of choosing to be positive, songwriting, and more like giving you the ultimate heartbreak mixtape.
Kendra: You’ve been at this for a handful of years now. What transpired at 14 that made you want to take that leap towards music?
Shriya: At 14, I faced significant challenges. I was under immense pressure at school while trying to balance my passions for competitive skating, professional ballet, and music. After finishing a national-level skating competition, I realized it wasn’t what I truly wanted. On top of that, I was dealing with bullying. Amid this turmoil, I turned to music as my refuge, using it to express and release my emotions through song. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I made for my mental health.
Kendra: Your latest single, “Her,” sets the stage for a scene we’ve all been the star of at least once or twice in life where you’re into someone and it’s clear you ain’t that someone. Lyrically, I loved how to the point it was, waiting for a call that was never coming. Was this inspired by true events or were you digging into the imagination and walking in someone else’s shoes for this one?
Shriya: “Her” draws inspiration from my first heartbreak at 16, a time that was challenging. My boyfriend at the time left some lasting impressions on my mind and heart, and one of the most difficult aspects was the persistent uncertainty about whether I could trust him.
Kendra: I also love that this song isn’t about putting the other person down. You sing praise towards this other girl, comment on her beauty and whatnot. How much better off would we be in life if we realized it does nothing positive to be negative when it comes to matters of the heart?
Shriya: When we choose kindness over negativity, we not only elevate others but also nurture our own emotional well-being. In this particular situation, I found it overwhelming to hold onto hatred for two people. Initially, when I carried such feelings, it only fueled my anxiety and sadness, creating a cycle of resentment that was hard to break. Embracing forgiveness, or at least acceptance, allowed me to free myself from the burden of those negative emotions and focus on healing instead.
Kendra: Genre-wise you’re riding the line between R&B and pop, which having grown up in the ‘90s – I will always cheer on. Do you ever feel any sort of FOMO when listening to artists from back in the day?
Shriya: Absolutely! I can only imagine the incredible experience of being present in songwriting and recording sessions with artists like Mariah Carey, Brandy, D’Angelo, and Jill Scott. The chance to witness their creative processes firsthand would be a dream come true.
Kendra: In regards to songwriting and composing, it sounds like you’ve been in the game just as long as people who’ve been doing this two, or three times as long as you. Who are some people you look up to who are more involved behind the scenes in terms of writing and production?
Shriya: Currently, when it comes to production, I’m very inspired by genre-fluid producers, Timbaland, Pharrell William, Mac Miller, Daniel Caesar, Lauv, Reuben James, and some smaller artists, whom I think deserve a lot more attention like CD Rose, Thomas Ng, UMI, Okay Coleman, and so many more. I admire the songwriting of artists like Tom Misch, Lizzy McAlpine, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, SZA, Eminem, and some newer artists like Amelia Moore, ASTN, Bryant Barnes, and Rich, as I feel they deliver the correct intensity of emotions.
Kendra: Speaking of songwriting, I think that is a huge deal when it comes to cover songs. I feel like a song that has good bones (lyrics) is hard to mess up when covered by another artist. You just started your own Covers Series that we can check out on Instagram. For you, what makes a song scream “Hey, cover me?!”
Shriya: Any song with a strong hook and transparent lyrics definitely calls to me. I also love when singers showcase their vocal agility with challenging runs and riffs. If a song features intriguing chord changes and progressions, I’m always excited to take a shot at covering it.
Kendra: If life was really “Like That” and we could see your future “Written in the Stars,” what do you think the Celestial planes would say about the year that lies ahead for you?
Shriya: I’d say the cosmic vibes are tuning up for a symphony of new music! Get ready for a playlist of fresh sounds and unexpected melodies as the universe is telling me we’re gonna be dropping some dope vibes in the year ahead!
Kendra: Lastly, with “Her” being about heartbreak, I’d love it if you would make us a mixtape tailor-made for that. Five of the best songs for the Ultimate Heartbreak Mixtape!
Shriya:
The only songs you need to get over a breakup.
“Detached” – Lyn Lapid
“Consequences” – Camila Cabello
“Her” – Shriya
“Better Off” – Ariana Grande
“Love Again” – Ashwarya
Shriya
Instagram: instagram.com/justshriyarao
Apple Music: music.apple.com/in/artist/shriya/1578643979
Vagina Sing-Alongs 
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