Meet musician from Mumbai, Aditi Ramesh.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a musician based in Mumbai and am influenced by Jazz, Soul, Blues and Indian Classical music.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

Mumbai has been aptly described as the city of dreams. The energy here is constantly moving.  Its both the artistic and business capital of India and thousands of people come to this city every day to pursue careers in acting, theatre, music, law, commerce, and odd jobs. Something about this city inspires me to overcome my inertia and pursue my goals with single-minded dedication.

Mumbai has been aptly described as the city of dreams.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

This city is as inspiring as it is heartbreaking. The best thing is the drive that Mumbai gives you as well as the thriving art and music scene. The street food is so flavourful yet is inexpensive. The worst thing is the traffic and pollution. The fact that both the affluent, middle class and destitute reside in the same areas is the best and worst thing. It gives you perspective and is also at times heartrending.

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Vibrant, Diverse, Inspired

How did you start your career in music?

I used to be a corporate lawyer, but my heart was never in it. I sang Carnatic (South Indian Classical) music as a child and learned Western Classical piano for 10 years. I gave all of this up when I entered high school, went to law school and went on to work in a corporate law firm. Towards the end of my tenure as a lawyer, I had this increasing feeling that if I wasn’t doing something with music in my life I wasn’t going to be happy. When I quit my job I took up a day job and had the aim of spending all extra time on practice and getting back to music as I was very out of touch. I am fortunate that thing led to another and I am now a full-time musician.

I used to be a corporate lawyer, but my heart was never in it.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

I want to see the world and take my music to different spaces and audiences. I am just beginning to venture outside India with my band and I hope to do more international tours. Apart from this I constantly want to grow in musicality and write more original music.

I want to see the world and take my music to different spaces and audiences.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

Esperanza Spalding / Nai Palm

How would you describe the women around you?

The women around me are empowered and pursuing their dreams. It is amazing to watch and it feels so good to see this sisterhood of female creatives grow and develop.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

Tipriti Kharbangar from Shillong based Blues band Soulmate has always been and continues to be someone I really look up to.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

At times you aren’t taken as seriously as your male colleagues, particularly with respect to playing instruments, being a bandleader and composing original works. However, this trend is definitely changing. As more and more female artists boldly put out their work, the imbalance which existed earlier is steadily being reset.

Your work and story are important to a larger and ever-growing narrative. Never be afraid to put yourself out there.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Your work and story are important to a larger and ever-growing narrative. Never be afraid to put yourself out there.

Photos courtesy of Ronit Sarkar.