Shobha
Shobha was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and moved to Toronto less than 10 years ago. Her parents’ are from Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Recently, I had a chance to interview Shobha about her music career.
- How did you get into the music industry?
I’m not sure when exactly writing songs and playing music turned into being “in the music industry”, but I guess you could say I began writing and performing in my teens and haven’t really looked back since. I
released my first album in 2008, got my first publishing deal with Sony/ATV earlier this year and am now starting to release singles from my upcoming sophomore album, which remains nameless at the moment.
- Who/what inspired you to get into this industry?
I got into the business because I realized I would never stop writing songs and trying to get them out into the world. I got my education, had a career in Radiological Technology, then Software Sales, but all the while, still chasing the dream. I knew if I was really going to make a go at it, I would have to make music my full time gig and put my all into it. It’s scary but risk is everything!
- What kind of music do you make?
My songs are most often categorized as pop, R&B and singer/songwriter.
- How long have you been in the music industry?
Not sure how to accurately answer this, but I guess I’ve been writing and performing seriously for 15 years or so??
- What are your goals for this year?
I plan to release an EP or full album.
- Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I like to set realistic goals. In the next 5 years I hope to stay true to myself musically, never compromising or chasing trends. I would be honoured to be an established and recognized Canadian artist. I’m also going to put it out there that I hope the Juno’s are in my not too distant future 🙂
- Have you won any awards?
Yes – most notably, I came first place in the National Canadian Radio Star Songwriting Competition, which was held at Canadian Music Week in 2008 . I also won a Toronto Independent Music Award for Best Urban the same year.
- What would you say is your greatest accomplishment so far?
I suppose my greatest accomplishment is managing to make records, win accolades, get national radio play, shoot music videos and receive worldwide attention and coverage completely independently. I never had an official manager or label to help. It’s really my own blood, sweat and tears that got me to where I am – and the music itself of course. I definitely have been putting my time in and because of that I take nothing for granted!
