I've been hugely inspired by Khalid, XXX, Post Malone, and The Weekend. That's the kind of sound that has really inspired me.
Ananya Birla
The pandemic has been such an awful time for so many people around the world, but it has also been a reminder for us about the things that really matter - the people in our lives and the love we have for them.
I don't succumb to pressure.
'Let There Be Love' is going to be my very first international single release after going independent and I'm beyond excited.
The world belongs to those who want to make a difference, and gender is no barrier.
From my dad I learnt that it is very important to stay calm.
I fly to London or the U.S. to record my music nearly once a month.
I love music and I want to make India proud on a global level and I will not stop till it happens, I don't think there will be a finish line.
Gender rules were made to be broken, especially if you have been told throughout history that you're 'less than.'
I want to work on reaching out to people, through my music, at the grass-roots level.
I look up to people like Michael Jackson because he set up pop culture.
If I want to dance, I listen to Meghan Trainor, Katy Perry, Justin Timeberlake.
Junk food was never allowed at home, and personally too, there is no love for aerated drinks.
I witnessed first-hand the self-defeating results of putting yourself under so much pressure to perform.
The Microfinance segment is a challenging client servicing space and thus requires a great amount of dedication, integrity and teamwork.
'Livin' the Life' is about celebrating life and spreading love and kindness around the world.
My parents have always been very supportive. Whenever any of them says they are proud of me that's the highlight of my day!
I often take off with my friends for a beach break in Maldives.
I work out one-and-a-half hours a day, five times a week to strengthen my muscles and increase tone.
I am privileged to have people around me who understand mental illnesses and mental health. However, the stigma around it is huge.
My great-grandparents have some beautiful sculptures which have come down the generations. They are priceless and whenever I look at them, I am inspired.
I believe that friendship is life's most precious and amazing gift and an incredibly powerful force.
Of course, I have privileges that others don't. But, you don't choose where you are born. If you want to hate me for that, I am sorry.
I often buy things, feel a little guilty, but then think that it's so worth it.
I believe it is only when one comes out of adversity, that one starts to see real beauty.
I just came from school one day and told my mom I want to start my finance company.
I have always been musically inclined, whether it's been playing the santoor from a young age or writing poetry that has now evolved into songwriting. So, I wouldn't really call it a focus shift, but just pursuing a career path I am passionate about.
I have five tattoos. One says conquer, another Svatantra, a third mind over matter. I have a heart on my collar bone, and another tattoo saying Always Mommy's Girl. I got these tattoos in different places at different times in my life and they all mean something to me.
When I was growing up, my father was naturally a very busy man and was not around for long periods of time. Despite that he was always emotionally with me.
Power and money are not what truly matter, qualities of heart matter more.
Mumbai can be contagious. The pace of life is so fast that if I travel out of the city I am happy for a few days, but then I crave the Mumbai hit.
I write about personal experiences.
Music has influenced my life and is one of the most treasured things for me. It speaks a universal language and for me, it is extremely important to stay connected to it.
I used to be locked up in my bedroom for hours, just listening to music, making some of my own, doodling and writing poetry.
My sole intent is to spread love through music - to let people know the power of music.
Mental health is an issue ailing everyone - it is so omnipresent in society, we must work towards making it better.
I have seen the way a conglomerate works. My personal calling was in start-ups, so I built my own start-up.
It's important to be unconventional.
When I was at university in England, I went through a difficult phase. Outwardly everything seemed fine, and I was doing really well academically, but I was suffering from anxiety and frequent panic attacks and found it so difficult to reach out for help without people undermining my abilities.
I am following my dream. I've always loved music and believed in making music.
I started writing poetry when I was 12 years old and also undertook vocal training since a young age. However, it was only during my time at the University of Oxford did the musician in me came alive.
There are not many musicians from India who are working internationally in pop. My aim is to change that and show the world that we have so much more to offer.
I have always felt most comfortable singing in English, perhaps because I think in English.
I actually started learning the santoor around the age of 9. I was inspired by my mother who I used to watch play for hours.
Aaron Pearce, a Grammy-winning producer sent me 14 songs, out of which I opted for Let There be Love.' My strategic manager Greg Thompson pitched it to SiriusXM and it all just came together.
I have promised my mum that I am going to get a degree even if I turn 50.
I highlight the importance of self-care and the need to be there for people. I participate in various shows and panels and also use my music to promote mental health. This is a subject close to my heart and I often discuss it on my social media platforms.
I would describe my sound in the field of electro pop. A combination of deep yet simple lyrics coupled with easy beats.
The beauty of music is that it is a universal language. I truly believe it knows no boundaries of any kind.
My earliest memory of music has to be watching my mother play the santoor.
