- Sunday, April 28, 2024
By: India Weekly
AT just 19 years old, indie pop singer-songwriter Ridi Oswal captivates audiences with her unique blend of Indian heritage and Western influences, showcased in hits like Merry Go Round and Happier, garnering over 65,000 monthly listeners on platforms like Spotify, while her latest single, Guilty Feet, is a vibrant testament to self-love and the unapologetic expression of women’s desires.
Read her in interview below:
Music’s always been that friend who stuck around, you know? Music has been my constant companion, echoing through the corridors of my life from the very beginning. It wasn’t just something playing in the background; it was a lifeline, especially when I grappled with the challenges of bullying due to my heritage. At home, the air was always alive with the diverse sounds of Indian classical music, mingling with the pulsating rhythms of global pop hits. It was this eclectic soundtrack that nurtured my deep connection to music, turning it into my preferred mode of expression.
Music became my sanctuary, a space where I could seamlessly blend my Indo-European identity, translating my thoughts and emotions into a language that transcended words. It was in these melodies and beats that I found a sense of belonging, a way to navigate my experiences and carve out my own path. Music chose me, in a way, pulling me into its embrace, showing me the power of my voice, and teaching me that through melody, I could bridge worlds and connect with others on a profound level.
My musical journey commenced at the tender age of 8 when I immersed myself in the worlds of jazz and opera at a New York music academy. At 14, I took my first steps into the professional scene. I am deeply attracted to fusion music, which mirrors my dual cultural identity. The blending of Eastern and Western music, the marriage of traditional Indian sounds with modern beats, speaks to my soul. While I find beauty in diverse genres, it’s in fusion where I truly find my voice.
Growing up, my playlist was this wild fusion of everything from A.R. Rahman’s epic soundtracks to Beyoncé’s powerful anthems. It’s this mashup that kinda shaped my own sound. Rahman’s genius in blending Indian classical with international vibes definitely lit a spark in me. And Beyoncé, well, she’s the queen of turning music into a movement. Their influences taught me it’s cool to mix it up, to let my Indian roots groove with global beats, creating something that’s entirely me.
It’s tough to pick favorites, but “Guilty Feet” and “Love Me Until You Lose Me” are both close to my heart. “Guilty Feet” emerged from a period of introspection about my identity and the cultural stereotypes that I’ve battled due to my heritage. It’s about overcoming those challenges, a tribute to anyone grappling with similar issues. The bullying I faced, characterized by mockery of my Indian background and traditions, fueled my resolve to use my music as a medium of empowerment and self-expression. On the flip side, “Love Me Until You Lose Me” is inspired by the complexities of love and the journey of self-discovery. It’s about understanding your worth, even when it means walking away from situations that don’t serve you. Both tracks, in essence, are musical reflections of my journey—confronting bullying, embracing my roots, and evolving through love and loss. They’re like two sides of the same coin, my musical diary entries.
Honestly, the whole ‘massive success’ thing still feels surreal. It’s like one day, you’re dreaming about sharing your music, and the next, there are millions vibing to it. Pressure? Sure, it’s there. But it’s more like this constant buzz to keep pushing, to stay true and keep the tunes coming. It reminds me that there’s this whole community of folks who get what I’m trying to say, and that’s the real deal. It’s not about the numbers; it’s about the connections, the stories we share through every beat and lyric. I am humble to see such love and support for my latest single ‘Love Me Until You Lose Me’ and I was deeply honored to see that my last single ‘Guilty Feet’ was trending for over a month since its launch. These things do create a push to do even better in future.
“Love Me Until You Lose Me” is born out of personal growth and a deeper understanding of self-worth. It is this raw dive into the chaos and calm of figuring out love and putting yourself first. Born from my own tangles with letting go and the whole ‘you do you’ mantra, this song is my heart talking. It’s about understanding your worth, and yeah, sometimes walking away is the bravest thing you can do. With an Indian drop in the chorus adding to my story, this track is all about valuing yourself and remembering that it’s okay to choose your happiness, to step back and say, ‘I’m worth more.’
This track was like peeling back layers of my own experiences with love, self-worth, and the journey of putting myself first. It’s a message I wanted to send out loud and clear – love’s complex, but so are we. And through it all, finding the courage to love yourself, to recognize when it’s time to let go for the sake of your own happiness, is crucial. It’s a reminder to all the amazing souls out there that sometimes, the best love story is the one you have with yourself. It’s a call to action— to love fiercely but also honour oneself enough to walk away when love no longer serves us.
Dream collaborations would be with artists who share a similar passion for storytelling and emotional depth in their music, like Taylor Swift or Sam Smith. Their ability to connect with audiences through relatable narratives is something I admire and aspire to emulate. A collaboration that bridges our diverse musical backgrounds would not only be a creative endeavor but also a chance to blend different cultural expressions, creating something truly unique and impactful.
For me, it’s always going to be about continuing to explore and experiment. There’s a whole universe of sounds out there, and I’m just getting started. “Love Me Until You Lose Me” is just the teaser of all the cool stuff I’ve got lined up. Beyond that, I’m all set to dive headfirst into a sea of new tunes, experiment with genres I’ve been itching to try out, and, fingers crossed, maybe even drop an album that’s like a musical buffet of everything I adore. It’s about pushing boundaries, exploring uncharted musical territories, and continuing to connect with folks through melodies that strike a chord. So, stay tuned, cause we’re about to embark on an epic musical journey together, and trust me, you don’t want to miss what’s coming next.
