Interview: Ladders
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
My mother. I grew up watching her sing, and my love for music started there. I was in the 7th grade when I thought to myself ‘what could be better than coming home and singing.’ I still remember that moment so vividly. That’s when I decided I wanted to do music.
I think I would probably be a visual artist or be studying psychology. The human mind fancies me even as an artist, I get to learn so much about it. It’s amazing.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I like to write, take photos, sketch, play basketball, sleep and try to decipher my dreams. I tend to draw out a lot of imagery from my dreams. These things help me explore and align my emotions and thoughts, which ultimately help my craft.
How long have you been making music?
High school, I think.
Where are you based and how did that influence your music?
I’m currently based in Los Angeles, and being here gives me the ability to explore a diverse range of music, making it more experimental.
Tell me about your most memorable shows.
Right before the lockdown in India, I was playing a show in Mumbai at The Finch. It was the first time I was playing in front of my family, and it was a beautiful experience.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
Daniel Caesar, Billie Eilish, Lianne La Havas, and so many more.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?
Keep at it. Practice, and never forget why you do what you do. Create more short-term goals.
What is the creative process for “Dead Rose” and what inspires you to write your music?
"Dead Rose started" with the words, "I feel like a dead rose," that came to me one evening while I was practicing. I hummed a very simple arpeggio that I was exercising to, 1-3-5-8. I continued those lines and showed it to my friend/producer, who turned it into this gorgeous track. I’m inspired by introspection – especially for this song. I was either speaking or deciphering my mind. This song talks particularly about the struggles or some effects that being on the internet can have on one’s mind. What it had on mine, where I felt delusional and confused.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
That you’re not in this alone and some things, like the conflicts in our minds, are similar regardless of where we come from. It is empowering owning your melancholy.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
I plan to release more music, play live shows, and connect with people. Yes, I’m starting to play in and around Los Angeles. Hope to see you there.
Look out for the next release, too!