Sandhya Chari: ‘My Music Will Always Have a Piece of Me in It’

Sandhya Chari, a California-based Tamil-American singer, celebrates her origin and culture musically without limitations. She says: “I hope one day we can see artists from different regions across the world blending their styles of music to create something global that everyone will be curious to listen to and appreciate.”

Chari, who is continually experimenting with new mixed genres, creates her own artistic expressions with sounds that are constantly changing. Her childhood was always a mash-up of two worlds, with Carnatic and Indian film music influencing her at home and western pop, R&B, rap and other genres influencing her at school and college. It’s something that she thinks has definitely impacted the way she perceives and appreciates music. “It has also influenced my artistry because there is always more than one style present in my songs.”

Honoring her history and legacy, Chari’s debut independent single “My Roots” was a kaleidoscope of her homeland’s diversity. The trilingual song is a fantastic fusion of Indian classical music, folk and western pop elements. Now she is back with “Someone Special,” a cross-bridge between western pop and Punjabi folk. Thus, like a true diasporic talent, the rising artist is reimagining how one claims their heritage while producing distinct sounds.

The singer notes that at the end of the day, she stays true to herself while drawing inspiration from a wide range of musical styles, artists, genres and eras, also asserting that “in every new piece of music that I put out to the world, there is always an underlying meaning or purpose behind it.”

Learn more about the musician, her latest song, and how she is exploring music while remaining true to her creative calling in the excerpts that follow.

Through your music, you are revolutionizing how one asserts one’s roots, which is fantastic. Do you also want to use this to express your emotions and the nuances of the diasporic experience?

Of course! I believe music on a larger scale is a way of storytelling. If I am able to share my experiences in a way that even a few people can resonate with, then that speaks volumes.

What is your stance, as a part of the diaspora, on the use of fresh, mixed genres to convey a clearer picture of how the community is redefining music?

I wouldn’t even call it redefining, but simply creating a channel for ourselves to represent our multicultural upbringing. For some listeners, it might seem unusual, but for artists mixing genres, it’s a way of us exploring music without any barriers or creative blockages. Some combinations may work and some may not, but it’s important to always stay authentic to certain music elements even while being experimental.

How do you want to distinguish your music while simultaneously connecting with the greater South Asian diaspora in other countries?

My music will always have a piece of me in it. There will always be a signature touch to my songs, whether that be a little bit of Tamil, Indian beats, or Carnatic notes. No matter how experimental I get with my sound, one of these three elements will be present in my music to showcase my roots. The way that I combine these genres and languages together with ease is where I believe I stand out. The greater South Asian diaspora in other countries will be able to connect with my music through the cross-bridge of various styles, its vision, and the message that I hope to deliver.

If your debut single, “My Roots,” was a trilingual track, the follow-up song “Someone Special” is a modern-day western pop track with a hint of Punjabi folk. You prefer to employ melting and mixing, among other methods. Tell us more.

I always want to challenge myself as an artist. “My Roots” covered under-represented topics and touched on women empowerment, cultural diversity in South Asia, and breaking barriers. This song was regal, empowering and a blend of various genres of music. “Someone Special” is a complete 180 in contrast to “My Roots.” It’s a fun, light-hearted party song that everyone can vibe to. I rarely come across South/North Indian collaborations in music, and I thought it would be interesting as a Tamil girl to attempt singing in Punjabi. I hope one day, we can see artists from different regions across the world blending their styles of music to create something global that everyone will be curious to listen to and appreciate.

In a previous interview, you mentioned that the words “powerful,” “versatile” and “no borders” occurred to you when you thought of “My Roots.” How do you characterize “Someone Special”?

“Someone Special” is definitely a fun, peppy, party song. However, it’s not just another Punjabi pop track. The blend of English and Punjabi intertwined in the song makes it easy for everyone to understand and vibe to. It’s for sure a banger that would be perfect if you’re in a good mood and just want something chill and fun to listen to!

What served as the song’s inspiration?

Honestly, I just wanted to test my potential and see myself attempting things that my listeners wouldn’t have expected of me. I grew up listening to lots of Punjabi music, and there are several artists based out of the US who have been an inspiration in many ways. I thought it would be new and refreshing to see a Tamil artist singing a song in Punjabi and I figured, why can’t that be me?

You use music to express yourself while also producing pieces with a broader audience in mind. How do you plan to up your game in the future? What’s coming up?

I’m at a point in my life where I just want to be able to create as much music as I can and give my 100 percent. I don’t go into my songs with the intention of beating my previous ones. I view each song as an entirely different project, so I never compare. But, moving forward, I hope to collaborate with some brilliant artists and producers, and hopefully bring something refreshing and new each time. I am currently working on a Tamil/English RnB track, which again has a completely different vibe from my previous songs. I also have an EP coming up soon, so exciting stuff is yet to be shown to the world!