HYDERABAD: In a candid chat with us, Vidya shares her love for music, blending cultures through the art form and jamming with international sensation, Alexandra Stan
I, me, myself
I was born in Chennai and grew up in the US – DC area. My family is Tamil, but are from Palakkad, Kerala. So I can speak Tamil fluently, and a teeny bit of Malayalam as well. I love all things food and fashion. I’m also really passionate about leaving a small carbon footprint. It’s important for each one of us to take care of the Earth!
The beginning of a music journey
I started learning music at the age of five, along with my sister. In the beginning, I was too young to really understand it or love it. My grandma started to nurture the love for music in us as we grew older. She would constantly quiz us about raagas. This habit has stayed with me.
Favourites
I love and draw inspiration from all of kinds of music – from Carnatic & Hindustani to EDM and R&B. However, I have special love for Indian classical.
Mashing it all up – songs to clothes
It was actually hard to find a balance between two cultures. I’d be at home eating dosas, speaking to my mom in Tamil. I’d go to school and listen to Usher, Destiny’s Child and Shakira. I’d always thought to myself “how can I bring these worlds together?” and mash-ups seemed like the perfect way. Mashups, for me are the perfect harmony between both worlds.
Choice of songs
Mashups sometimes work, sometimes they don’t. Indian music and western music have common elements in them, even though they seem very different. I make sure the songs are on the same scale and rhythm.
Collaborating with Tucker
Shankar Tucker band collaborates quite a lot and hence he also has a number of guest vocalists. He released Nee Nenaindal & Munbe Va with my sister and I and we started performing more regularly with him. It was my first band experience.
Things I love
I’m a huge bookworm! I travel so much, so while flying I read! I also love to play tennis and take long hikes.
Biggest Inspiration
It’s so difficult to pick one. But if I absolutely had to - Beyonce.
Performing at White House, NCPA, Webster Hall
They were all such amazing experiences. I hope I get to go back to all of those venues.
Popularity on YouTube
It’s been such an amazing journey so far. I’m so thankful to all the amazing people who have supported my channel!
Special mentions
When Hrithik Roshan tweeted about my mashups, I couldn’t stop screaming. I still occasionally look at that screenshot on my phone to tell myself that it was real. I’ve been a fan of him since Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. It’s always great to be recognised by people who have mastered their craft, pushes me harder to do the same. Although, I know I’ll always be learning music. It’s a bottomless ocean of learning!
More in Telugu?
I’ve been getting lots of requests to do Telugu mashups. The most requested song was Sakhiya Cheliya which I mashed up with Rihanna’s Work. Definitely more coming!
Jamming with Alexandra Stan
I randomly met her at a gig and our trailers were connected so we got to jam a bit! She’s an inspiration, and so humble. She also has the most amazing voice! Hopefully, we’ll collaborate more in the future!
Singing for films
Actually, I haven’t received any offers yet. I’d definitely go for it if it was the right project. I’m currently working on my EP, with fully original songs that I’m going to write.
Quick five
All time favorite song
Anantamayi Patarunna -Bhajan
Favourite music director
All of them?! A.R. Rahman, Shankar Eshaan Loy, Vishal Shekhar, Salim Suleiman - all are so amazing!
Favorite holiday destination.
Any island
Comfort food
Tacos
Have been long waiting to mash up
A.R.Rahman’s songs from Roja. I still need to find an western song that will do justice to that album!