Born to sing

by MALIN GURUNG

FROM ISSUE # 161 (May 2009) | IN THIS ISSUE
	REFER TO FRIEND		PRINT THIS ARTICLE

ANUP PRAKASH

"Words come to life whenever I put on the headphones," says 22-year-old Shreya Sotang, "just like characters on a book, the lyrics of a song comes alive and I live in it." Shreya is the face behind the popular song Polcha Mutu, which is ruling the airwaves these days.

Shreya's foray into music was guided by nothing more than pure instinct. "It just happened," says Shreya, " but releasing a solo album was in the cards for the longest time." Daughter of popular artists Uday and Manila Sotang, singing came naturally to Shreya and her first step into music industry was as a child artist as she sang for a compilation album for Nhyoo Bajracharya. So, being an artist, for Shreya, was more instinctive than anything.

But that didn't mean there were no first time jitters for the young singer. "Facing the microphone for the first time, for my solo album was a remarkable experience – a sweet mixture of excitement, nervousness, contentment and achievement that is hard to describe in words," says Shreya. Shreya's debut album, Suruwat, or the beginning, has been out in the market for quite sometime now and the response to the album has been positive altogether.

Suruwat has eight songs, which Shreya describes as general pop. The album was completed in about a year's time and given her parents' involvement in music, it was relatively easy for her to get a break. Shreya admittedly says, "It's comparatively easy, but you have to sustain on your own. And there is also the pressure of being compared to your parents, who are in the league of their own." Shreya is thankful for the guidance from her parents but she is realistic enough to know that the times ahead are not going to be
so easy.

Although just an album-old, Shreya is already learning the tricks of the trade. "Talent is not the only factor," says Shreya, when asked if an artist can survive on sheer talent, "marketing, publicity, good press, all in all a complete package is required."

So is she a musically driven person? "Everyone is," says Shreya. "It may not be apparent and maybe on a subconscious level but everyone loves to hear a good song or two. As for me, music is the food for the soul, something I cannot live without."

With the release of a solo album, a hit single ruling the airwaves and numerous concerts and shows, Shreya is on a roll with her newfound glory. "I haven't changed much. I am still the same old girl, leading a normal life," confesses Shreya, who says getting her first fan mail was the weirdest experience till date. Shreya is now working in the album's promotion and on the video for her next single, which she plans to direct herself.

With powerful vocals, a clear insight of the trade, sheer dedication and a good stage presence – Shreya has it all and is a welcome change among the crowd of male voices dominating the market.