The South Asian music industry is flourishing with up-and-coming artists and many of them are making quite the name for themselves. This month I had the opportunity to sit down with two very talented ladies, Sheena Melwani of the United States and Kazz Kumar from the U.K. Both of these singers are unique in on their own terms and dictate the way they do music. They stand as positive role models to young and aspiring singers, not only in their hometowns, but on a global level as well. Sheena Melwani has created her place in this music industry through the Internet and her Myspace page is reaching close to 7 million views! Kazz has become an international icon after linking up with the popular Sona Family. Together they are both on a mission to spread their music globally, one song at a time!

Sheena Melwani

Sheena, you’ve created quite the stir for all music lovers out there because of your melodic voice and YouTube videos! For those of our readers that have not heard about you yet, tell us who you are and what you do?
I’m just a girl who loves to sing and is living her dream of sharing her music with the world.

What triggered the singer inside of you and made you want to pursue a career in music?
I’ve wanted to sing for as long as I can remember. I’ve been singing since I was a little girl, with my first concert in a preschool musical. Now, more than 20 years later, I am even more passionate about music and can’t really imagine life without it.

How supportive were your family and friends when you said that this is something that you’d consider pursing as a career?
My family is amazing and I really cannot ask for any more encouragement from them. This has been a team effort from the very beginning and the support from friends and family is why I am where I am today.

Looking back at all that you’ve accomplished so far, which moments would you label as your “top three”?
This whole journey since I put my first video up on Youtube has been exciting. But just for you, I’ll admit my favorite moments include: 1- receiving emails from listeners who sign off with “your biggest fan!” (how cool is that?!?); 2- having been on Montreal’s Mix96 for a couple of interviews with radio station DJ Cat Spencer; and 3- I have to say, my first magazine cover was pretty wild!

Please tell us there’s an album in the works?
I’m so glad you asked because I can finally say YES!!! I am working on an album right now. I spend all my free time writing new music and we’re expecting to be ready for an iTunes release in early 2009. The best way to stay up to date is to visit my website at www.SheenaMelwani.com and join my mailing list. No spam, I promise!

A lot of South Asian artists have been making moves in the mainstream industry. Do you think that people are finally catching up to this idea of the “South Asian sound”?
I think North American culture is just starting to scratch the surface of what the eastern world has to offer, and this influence is not limited to music alone, but also extends to fashion, cuisine and the arts in general. I definitely think that people are not only “catching up” to the idea of South Asian music, but are embracing all that it has to offer and incorporating it in their own musical styles.

What advice do you have for those who want to pursue a career as a singer?
Keep singing. Sing at every opportunity you get and don’t get discouraged. Nowadays, all the tools you need are available from your living room via the internet. Look into YouTube, Myspace, Reverbnation, etc., all of which are great ways to get your music out there!

Do you have any last words for the readers of Rivaaj Magazine?
Yes, thank you for reading this article and for letting me share this musical experience with you. If you haven’t seen my site or heard my music yet, please visit www.SheenaMelwani.com where you will also be able to join my mailing list and find links to all my other online pages. Thanks again. xoxo.

Kazz Kumar

Kazz, you are known for your melodic voice, how would you describe yourself to our readers?
I am the female vocalist in Sona Family. Crazy, funky, unique and funny are probably the best words to describe me!

At what age did you realize that singing was a career path you wanted to pursue?
Young! Like when I was 10 or 11! I used to watch Madonna on TV and be like…”Wow I want to be her, I want to do that!” I’ve been singing all my life but I knew at a young age that I wanted to be a performer, whether it was singing, acting or dancing!

Since joining Sona Family, how do you think you’ve grown as an artist?
I have learnt so much. Honestly this has been the greatest experience in my life so far. There have been some really hard times and good times. I’ve grown up so much and I know myself a lot better now. I know what I want and feel like a stronger person now. It’s a tough lifestyle and now and then, people try and trip you up! You definitely have to grow a thick layer of skin to survive the things people throw at you. It’s not all parties and limos as people may think.

What has been one of your most memorable moments so far in your career?
There have been lots of them! Performing to 20,000 people in Dubai and hearing them sing our songs back to us, watching my fave MTV show ‘The Hill’s’ and hearing our song in the background and touring around the world with my favorite people! It just keeps getting better!

If we were to drive down to South Hall in a total party mode, what would we be jamming to in your car?
Wow, if you were partying with me, we wouldn’t be going to Southall!! We’d be hittin’ Central!!! Well right now I’m obsessed with Rihanna’s Distubia and Madonna’s Give it to Me, so either one of those!

I’m going to take you up on that offer! Do you think that mainstream listeners are slowly starting to become more accepting of the “South Asian sound”?
Yes and no; I think they are quite selective! If Timbaland or Jay-z have Asian elements in tracks, it seems to go down real well, but it’s tougher when Asian artists try and deliver Asian tracks! But God willing things will change, I mean, the musical trends are forever changing so who knows what will happen next!

Where do you see yourself five years from now?
29 years old! Haha! Well I hopefully will be singing still, but I do want to be settled down with a husband at some point too. Hopefully not too much will change, I just hope our music takes off and does really well!

What advice do you have for those who want to pursue a career as a singer?
Be confident, be strong, be prepared for ups and downs, be grounded and most importantly be yourself and don’t forget those who were there for you from the beginning! Being humble is the way forward!

Do you have any last words for the readers of Rivaaj Magazine?
Yes! It’s such a pleasure to be featured in the mag! To the fans, I appreciate you all for the love and support! Please keep in touch via Facebook and Myspace. I read all your messages and try my best to reply. Watch out for the new single ‘Broken Dreams’ (Tare Tooteh) coming soon!