In this interview spotlight, I chat with Kashmira about the latest music, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I’m from Pune, India. I grew up learning and surrounded by Indian Music, but somehow, I was always influenced and fascinated by Western Music. I think most of my music in its early stages is experimental.  I don’t know what to categorize them as, but “Break Through” was produced smoothly to be a mixed Pop and Rock song. Let’s see how the next songs turn out to be!

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

Honestly, in my case, I didn’t have to ‘choose’ music. I was raised in a family of artists. They always encouraged me to sing (primarily Indian music). Later I picked my own way, saw if Acting in Theatre plays was also an option. Even right now, I’m taking a Bachelors’ degree in Philosophy- and all I can say is, amongst other things I try- Music always stands out, and I always find my way back to it.

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

This is my first song that I got to release. Although, it isn’t the first one I’ve ever written it. I started writing and composing songs about 3-4 years back.

Somehow, when I finished making the demo for “Break Through” in Oct 2020, I was absolutely sure I wanted to release it. I had the chance, I had the means, I had a demo, and an amazing producer, Mayank Katare, who could bring it to life with his own vision and mastery in this field. I’m lucky to have my first release out. The next song is in process, and honestly, that’s a song I’m going to have to figure out a genre for.

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

I feel like since COVID has played such a major role in everyone’s lives, all musicians have had to face the loss of earning via gigs, studio sessions etc. As do most Indie musicians, I think the chances we have to appear in different places, automatically reduce since most of us rely on our original music. People want to listen to covers of songs they’ve heard a gazillion times- over and over again. I wonder when the audience will be ready to listen to new independent artists and their own work. It costs us time, energy, money to rent studios etc, countless things. I wished we were given fair chances to be heard for our OWN work.

However, the technology we have of being able to produce at our own home, easy softwares etc, has made it easy for us to take a lot of responsibility for ourselves, and we don’t always have to depend on other resources to make our music.

What was the last song you listened to?

Ozzy Osbourne’s “Mama I’m coming Home”. What a killer ambience! And lest I forget, Eddie Vedder’s “Hard Sun”. Such a beautiful song to hear, at all times, all moods (ironically, even when it’s raining 😛 )

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I used to listen to ABBA on a CD as a child. I would’ve loved if CDs still had the importance they did have before. They were fun- the protecting, keeping them safe from dirt, or not letting it break, everything. It was like carefully handling the only one source of music you had. But then again, we to grow with time, I guess. Most devices don’t even HAVE CD drives anymore. Mp3 it is!

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

For me to listen to? I listen to music on Amazon Music. One platform for everything, for me.  Prime benefits of movies, shopping etc + plus music without ads so, not paying for every platform differently.

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

Instagram can be exhausting to use sometimes, considering how negative, or addicting it can be- but it’s a good place for me to give updates about my music and whatever projects I take up. It’s more popular than a lot of other platforms from what I can see. 😊 Would love to connect there.

Anything else before we sign off?

Guys, support everyone in all ways you can, especially now. It’s a hard World for so many people right now who’ve lost their loved ones, their livelihoods and too many things due to the pandemic. That’s it from my side. I hope you like my next song all those that follow. Thankyou for giving me this opportunity!