Noida girl Sharvi Yadav has won The Stage, Season 2 and says she still cannot believe in it. Team Viva reports
This young singer of 21 is a bit of a brat. She lost her voice for a year and that was the worst period of her life. Sharvi, who has a strong craving for ‘indivuduality’ works towards portraying the same in her style of singing. A grade 5 Trinity College of Music Distinction, Sharvi is also a pianist. She has learnt Jazz Program under Berkley College of Music and Manhattan School of music graduates as well.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a hyper energetic 21 year old who believes in living in the moment and believes that music is embedded in us, it’s like breathing, it’s always there within you but you just need to be aware that it exists. I love dogs and the relationship I most value in the entire world is the teacher—student relationship. It’s because of my teachers that I do what I do.
How does it feel to have wonIJ
I still cannot believe it, it still hasn’t sunk in. Thousands of people auditioned for this, brilliant voices, and I was the chosen voice. It’s overwhelming to know and to realise that I’ve won and the judges and the country thought that I deserved it. Major gratitude pouring.
When and how did you start singingIJ
I started singing when I was a kid, almost nine years old. My brother used to follow this show where Sonu Nigam was the host, he started listening to his music and never did we know he would start singing Bollywood, that too very well. As a younger sister, I started following my brother. I started with Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal.
When I reached standard 6th, my western music teacher, Tracy ma’am asked me to sing an English song and I did and she was shocked. She selected me in the band and since then I’ve never stopped. That’s the reason I always say that I owe my music to my teachers.
How would you describe your current soundIJ
My current sound is very unconventional, I feel. Not a lot of people sometimes relate to it. It’s inspired by jazz, blues, latin and African music. My sound is very vocal oriented. I’ll sometime become the bass drum, bass guitar, shakers. The voice can be anything. You should know how to mould it.
Who do you listen toIJ
I listen to lots of jazz and blues. RnB inspires me!
What is your inspiration as far as musical career goesIJ
Bobby McFerrin and Sia are my biggest inspiration! Bobby McFerrin has changed the way I see music, he has made me realise the true meaning of music. He’s made me realise that music is like breathing, he’s made me realise that you’re voice can be anything, can be any instrument, you just need to realise your worth.
Who out of the judges is your favouriteIJ
With all due respect, I cannot choose because they all have helped me in so many different ways.
I have idolised Vishal for the longest time, his music, his voice, his persona, everything, and when I sang in front of him for the first time, I couldn’t believe my eyes. And when he sang with me–creep–I shivered! I pinched myself a zillion times to only know that it’s all real.
Ehsaan sir is the smiling sun. He smiles at you to only remind you that the world is a beautiful place, Always so motivating, always so sweet. He’s the epitome of humility.
Monica Dogra is my soul spirit. Her vibe, her music, her genuine care for you makes you feel home.
Devraj is the nicest man I’ve Met. He will make you realise that you’re worth everything. He will make you realise that all the hardwork will pay off and never to give up on anything.
What are the major differences that you see in English singing in India and in WestIJ
In India, not a lot of people listen to English music unlike the West. People here prefer Hindi (Bollywood) for obvious reasons because of our culture. But the indie scene is progressing, there’s so much talent in our country, ahhh, now that we have platforms like the stage, I’m sure our talent will reach out to more and more people, not just in India but Internationally as well.
What do you think about Bollywood musicIJ How much time you think will English music take to get in to the ‘mainstream’ music industry in IndiaIJ
Bollywood music, indie music, music, all music is beautiful! It's all the same. We just have a habit to define them.
But yes, the indie scene will take some time to have the same reach as Bollywood music but I’m sure it's going to happen in a few years. Platforms like The Stage definitely help in bringing people more closer to English music.
You are also a pianist, how often do you play nowIJ
I don’t play the piano as much as I sing now, to be very honest. I focus on my techniques a lot specially after I lost my voice. But I make sure that every week I play a few songs on my keyboard.
Any immediate plans for this weekendIJ
My mother is in Mumbai with me right now, so I want to show her around, she hasn't travelled a lot, and now that I'm in this new city and mom is here for me, I want to make this visit worth it for her. It's my time to take care of her now.