Vasuda Sharma, who debuted in the music industry in 2003 as a member of the pop group Aasma, is best known for chart-topping singles such as Chandu Ke Chacha and Jeet Lenge Hum. Vasuda later released India’s largest crowdfunded album, Attuned Spirits, which brought together thirty musicians, and she has appeared in Bollywood and Marathi films, as well as some documentaries.
“I always believe that the best is yet to come. Looking back on my career, one of the most memorable and fulfilling performances of mine, where I felt most connected to my music and audience, was the launch of my debut solo album Attuned Spirits at Blue Frog in Mumbai. It was a dream come true to perform my own songs in front of musicians and artists I admire, as well as people who have followed and supported me throughout my musical journey,” says Vasuda.
BAND WITH PROMISING SOUND
‘Sharma And The Besharams,’ her Pop fusion band, is an upcoming indie band with a promising sound.
Another digital-age move made by the singer-songwriter is the launch of her own label, Song Nest. With two recent singles — Sach Hai Na and Manwa Bhaagey “I don’t follow a set pattern when compiling and selecting songs for my upcoming releases,” Vasuda says adding, “It is a very natural process. I would occasionally experience writer’s block. Everything I came up with would be rejected. That’s when I take a break, let inspiration strike, travel, read, immerse myself in nature, and return with a new perspective.”
Vasudha enjoys all types of music, from Krishna Bhajans to a Canadian-American singer and songwriter Alanis Morrissette’s compositions.
“A personal experience, a strong emotion, a story I heard, or even a piece of art or literature can all spark an idea for a song. Emotions are frequently used as a strong foundation for the theme. At times, I’d like the stylistic approach, arrangement, or feel of a piece I’d heard somewhere, and that might spark the songwriting process,” she says.
Music as an expression
“Music is a powerful medium for artistic expression. I saw the music industry as a medium through which I could express my thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I saw the creative freedom and the ability to shape my own distinct musical sound and style,” says Vasuda, who is known for bridging the world of Indian classical and folk with western contemporary music.
Bringing Lyric Theme to Life
Berklee College of Music has greatly aided her development as an artist and approach to making music. “I was born a believer and a dreamer. The themes of my songs are inspired by either a personal experience or a borrowed emotion. Aside from the expected themes of love and heartbreak, I’ve written songs about life, hope, self-empowerment, self-discovery, freedom, dreams, and aspirations,” says singer-songwriter.
Inspiration
“Although I write songs in both Hindi and English, I have always admired and been inspired by songwriters such as Bob Dylon, The Beatles, Alanis Morisette, John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, and Harry Styles, to name a few,” says Vasuda.
Experimental music
As a solo artist, you have total creative control over your music. “I make all of the decisions regarding songwriting, musical style, arrangements, and so on. The decision-making process is also quick and efficient. Working with the band, on the other hand, has its own advantages, especially if you are working with musicians you respect and admire. Being in a band allows for a collaborative creative process in which each member brings their own unique skills and ideas to the table. As a result, the musical output is more diverse and rich,” says Vasuda, whose second single SATB —Kataar Mein will be released soon with her band Sharma & The Besharams.
Performance anxiety
“When I first started working with Aasma, I experienced normal levels of performance anxiety. I used to experience shortness of breath and anxiety just before going on stage. But, with time and practise, I was able to develop coping strategies that were most effective for me. The key is to be patient with yourself, to celebrate your accomplishments, and to focus on the joy of sharing your music with others.”
