Exposed Vocals interviews Tanya Nambiar – a singer/songwriter based in Delhi, India.
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Tanya Nambiar : I was looking for different platforms online to showcase my music and stumbled upon you guys.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Tanya Nambiar : I am based in Delhi, India. Music has been such an important part of my life and being a full time vocalist is me living my dream. As a kid, for a fancy dress competition, I dressed up as Madonna. I can’t imagine life without music.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Tanya Nambiar : I am using my own name. Want to keep it plain and simple. I want the world to know me for my music and hence my name works perfectly for that. 🙂
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Tanya Nambiar : Right now I am giving away my music for free. It’s to be shared and heard. I think online music sharing is great. I mean why not! People all around the world get to hear something you’ve created , something you’ve put your heart and soul into.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Tanya Nambiar : First of all, find your sound. Don’t try be to someone else. Discover your style and genre. Also you have to promote yourself, you have to reach out to people for gigs. You can’t expect gigs to just happen. It takes time. Remember, if you can’t sell your product, no one else can either. Look out for platforms that feature upcoming artists. Technology is there to connect you to any part of the world. So reach out to music blogs.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Tanya Nambiar : Doesn’t everyone? You have no option but to handle it. As they say “the show must go on” 🙂 Don’t fret when something goes wrong. Just relax and carry on and give it your best.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Tanya Nambiar : Yes I do tour. Every gig is an experience. I remember once during a gig, a drunk man gave me a stained tissue with the name of the song he wanted to hear while I was in the middle of performing. Oh, drunk people.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Tanya Nambiar : I like to keep my songs simple. Something that people can connect with. My songwriting process is a crazy one. I work out a melody first and then get down to writing the lyrics.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Tanya Nambiar : I have a soundcloud channel and a facebook page as of now.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Tanya Nambiar : Oh boy, plenty of those. To name a few I’ve got T-pain – take your shirt off , kesha- crazy kids , and girlicious- like me.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Tanya Nambiar : Travel , make more music, music videos and travel some more and spoil my dog silly !
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Tanya Nambiar : I have a studio I work with. A simple setup right now as most of my stuff is acoustic.#musiconabudget #independentmusician sigh.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Tanya Nambiar : Social media, hallelujah! Social media has made it so easy for musicians to promote their stuff. I use facebook, soundcloud, twitter and instagram to promote myself and my music and reach out to people.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Tanya Nambiar : I would want to perform with Amy winehouse at the Royal Albert Hall. I miss her music. What an artist.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Tanya Nambiar : I am working on a few singles, an EP in the pipeline and some collaborations with other artists.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Tanya Nambiar : I can’t imagine myself doing anything else other than music!
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Tanya Nambiar : The first album I bought was “Spice” by the Spice Girls. Lol. Like every girl, I was such a big fan , I just had to get their album.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Tanya Nambiar : I quit a sales job with a media house to pursue my passion for music. I am now a full time musician. Apart from performing, I also anchor for shows, host karaoke nights, and do voice overs. I am doing what I love so I enjoy juggling all these things.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Tanya Nambiar : More music. That’s what I am here for. 🙂