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Shraddha Sharma’s self shot music videos on YouTube have created a sizeable fan base, with 1,43,623 subscribers at last count. The 18-year-old talks about her journey and being signed by a top music label
What led you to upload your first song video on Youtube? What is your own favourite?
After being rejected by a couple of reality shows I wanted to find my own way of achieving fame and creating an identity. I saw people singing on YouTube, and some of them playing the guitar too. I thought it’s a cool way to showcase your talent directly to the audience, without any judges.
I uploaded my first video Main tainu samjhawan ki on 30 April 2011. Then I put up a few of my cover songs, which luckily went viral. I was amazed by the fact that people were actually watching my videos and liking them. Gradually I realised that YouTube has given me a start for my career and I have to nurture it now. Haal-e-dil from Murder 2 has been my most viewed video About your debut album Raastey.
Raastey depicts my journey — of a girl singing on YouTube, then being approached by brands like MTS and Hair & Care and finally being picked by one of the biggest non-film music labels in India.
I am from Dehradun. My mother is a trained classical singer, and she has been teaching Hindustani classical music at home. I finished a 4-year-old classical singing course at 13. Although I wasn’t very fond of it at that time, I now realise it gave a solid base to my voice.
Please elaborate on how you make the videos.
Initially I would just sit in front of my camera in my room with the guitar and sing the song in one take. Those were made without any editing or cuts. After some time I signed a contract with a company who
started helping me in handling my YouTube account.
Audience feedback, comments on the Internet can be crude and harsh. How would you handle criticism?
Earlier when people used to abuse or post negative comments, I used to take it to heart. I would cry, be disheartened but I slowly learnt that it is an essential part of the game. Some people who genuinely care about you will point out your flaws but in a very polite manner. And I have learnt to ignore the abusers.
How different is the experience of recording in a professional studio set up?
The production quality has really gone up. They are much more professional and I had to pay far more attention to my surs and taals. It was an honour working with the legendary Leslie Lewis and Jim Beanz — a Timbaland producer who has also produced three songs in the album.
Your idols.
AR Rahman. I am also inspired by Anoushka Shankar’s bold personality.
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