Q. As multi-lingual singer, with a multi-national upbringing as well as a career spanning the globe, it appears that you have had quite a globetrotting journey so far. How would you say it has influenced you ?
A. I feel like I’m living the dream, having seen so much of the world, having met so many incredible people, and having received praise and appreciation from all corners. This has also helped me diversify my style of music and bring versatility into my singing. Through my journey, I have also learned from various artists and personalities on how to better myself. I am grateful to have had the opportunities I have had though I think I still have a long way to go.
Q. Do you feel more connected to a specific city or country where you have lived and if so, what role would say it has played on your music career ?
A. Toronto plays a special role as I started my music career from there, which includes debuting my original singles Jee Le Live Life and Ajooba, performing at IIFA with music maestros Salim-Sulaiman, my break with The Piano Guys, and performing all over North America and other parts of the world.
Q. ‘Jalebi baby’, being the epic international sensation that it is, do you feel like more reggae or pop singles are in your future? How did the massive success of the song impact your life ?
A. Tesher had contacted me to sing the hook of Jalebi Baby. I recorded this from my home in Dubai, while we were all in lockdown. I think the way the song took off has surpassed most people’s expectations.
Q. Having worked with so many extremely talented artists, what would you say your biggest take-away been from the process?
A. My biggest takeaway having worked with so many artists is to always be humble and realize that there’s always more to learn. Having performed with the all-time great Sonu Nigam and experiencing his down-to-earth humility as well as his discipline towards music and approach to never stop learning are very inspirational.
Q. Did you always know you waned to be a singer? What inspired you to finally take the leap?
A. Singing was a hobby for me. I used to participate in school competitions for fun, but then decided to enter the North American talent hunt by Sangam Kala Group. Winning that competition gave me the confidence to pursue singing professionally and eventually I gave up my corporate job to focus on music.
” I would love to do a duet with Arijit Singh someday. Internationally, collaborating with Beyonce would be a dream come true!”
Q. You’ve had a stint on an Indian Television channel called Zoom a long time ago, how was that experience for you? Would you be open to participating in more television programs and reality shows ?
A. I was part of the Sunsilk Gang of Girls. It was a great experience, living in a house with 4 other girls, each with their own personalities and drama. It was fun and the only time when I lived with 4 roommates, so there were a lot of adjustments. The best part was that we performed at various stages around India and it gave me a better understanding of the Indian television industry. I would love to do more television, though I’m not sure about participating in reality shows.
Q. If you could work with absolutely anyone in the music industries in India, Canada, UAE and North America, who would it be ?
A. This is a tough one, because there are so many musicians I admire and would love to work with. If I absolutely had to choose one, I would love to do a duet with Arijit Singh someday. Internationally, collaborating with Beyonce would be a dream come true!
Q. What is next in the pipeline for Shweta Subram ? Future projects that you are excited about ?
A. I’m currently working on my own originals, while at the same time experimenting with content on Instagram as well as working with other musicians. I am enjoying the process of recreating songs as covers, and I just love to be on stage. Keep an eye out for my future performances.
Q. Who according to you has been the standout artist of the decade? And what songs do you think have left their mark on the audiences ?
Sonu Nigam is who I would call a standout artist. He is pitch perfect and a magnificent performer and entertainer. His song, Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin, has left a mark on audiences and continues to be one of my all-time favorites. The composition, the lyrics, and Sonu’s voice in that song touches my soul!
