BSCkids recently got the chance to chat with Indian/American pop singer/songwriter Asha Sing! The talented singer spoke with us about her music, culture, and newest singles.
Sing was offered a record deal at age 16 but instead turned it down to attend the University of Miami Frost School of Music to better understand the music business. Straight out of college, Sing landed her first gig as a backup dancer/singer for superstar Shakira. Sing later released her first single “Mercy” which claimed No. 7 on Billboard’s Hot Hits Chart last year. This fall, Sing released her music video for her single, “Satellite” and has been visiting schools up and down the South Florida coast on her Be Unique Tour.
BSCKids: Asha Sing
Considering you were offered a record deal at 16, how long have you been singing?
My entire life. I grew up singing in church and in front of family members and it kind of expanded from there.
Growing up, who did you listen to and love?
I absolutely adored Celine Dion. I always had her albums on her repeat. I also listened to a lot of different Christian artists growing up.
When did you know that music was something you wanted to make a career?
I have always dreamed of being a singer. The only thing I would want to do other than singing is learn how to create professional pastries! lol Singing has always been a part of my life and I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life.
Was it a difficult choice to turn down your offered record deal to go to school instead?
It absolutely was but I felt so uncertain about it. It was almost a relief going to school because I figured I could learn about what it is that I really wanted and be better prepared if a deal came my way again.
How supportive was your family about your career choice?
What was it like working for Shakira as a back up singer and dancer?
Do you have any fun stories you can tell us from your time with her?
Tell us about “Mercy,” your first single. What inspired it?
The lyrics of Mercy were written about a girl who didn’t have very nice things to say to me. (If you listen closely, you’ll hear her name 😉 ) She had some very personal opinions of me and we had mutual friend circles but I had never met her in person before. Word obviously traveled and affected me and the lyrics were the result of those emotions. Production wise I knew I wanted to incorporate my Indian culture so we used a bhangra loop and a Hindi phrase “Chale Chale Jao” which means “Go Away” to incorporate that side.
This year your released a music video for “Satellite,” where did you get the idea for the video?
Where do you draw inspiration from for your songs?
Mostly experiences but sometimes I’ll hear a track already produced and it will tell a story I’ve never experienced but I want to write.
Tell us about your Be Unique Tour and why it is important.
The Be Unique Tour is one of the most important things I have done in my career. I knew that I wanted my single to reach more people and I had never been on tour before. When I got the idea of visiting schools , I created a proposal, submitted it to the school board and it was approved! After my first show I realized just how much of a mutually beneficial event this was. Kids were getting an amazing experience out of it, learning about the music business and asking me questions that I could answer and give advice about. At the same time, I was expanding my fan base and promoting my single in a very effective way. The response I have received has been great.
What do you do when you aren’t working on your music?
Writing, recording or working Promotions in radio creating and executing concerts and events!
If you could work with anyone on a new single, who would it be?
Lately, It’s been David Guetta but my answer changes quite often.
Be true to the kind of music you want to do. Just because you are Indian, doesn’t mean you have to incorporate that into your artistry. Don’t ever let it limit you but instead use it to your advantage!