Interview with Pri
Photos are taken by Yuhan Xin (IG:_astronaut_xx_)
What is the best advice you have ever received as an artist? - or which advice would you give other artists?
If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.
I’m someone who’s often been riddled by self-doubt and I know that there are other artists, and people in general, that face issues with self-doubt as well. But, what I’ve realized is that I have to be my biggest advocate because people can sniff out insecurity really easily and if you don’t carry yourself with confidence, people will think lesser of your art. It can be really tough at times, especially if you start comparing yourself to others, but you have to remember why you started doing music in the first place - for the love of it. Everything you create is uniquely yours and that’s what makes it beautiful.
When did you realize that you wanted to become a singer for the first time?
I always knew from a young age that I loved singing and I’d been singing before I even knew how to speak properly. I think the age at which I was completely sure I wanted to be a singer was around the age of 9. Back then I thought I’d be a Bollywood playback singer but then I found Kelly Clarkson and I became obsessed with her music. Ever since then I’d fallen in love with more ‘western’ styles of music and decided to pursue a career in that lane.
What is your fondest music-related memory?
This is so difficult. I have SO many fond music-related memories so I’m not sure how to even pick one! Honestly, anytime I perform it's so special to me. Being on stage is incomparable to anything else for me; I feel like I thrive on stage. I don’t know how to explain it, it’s such a release of energy and it’s a beautiful experience seeing how the audience receives my energy, each and every time.
Can you tell us something about the process of creating "Thief"?
The writing process for “Thief” was quite fast for me but the recording process was way longer. I recorded vocals for “Thief” at least 4-6 different times until I was completely satisfied with my recording. It was quite a challenging song to sing even though I wrote it for myself haha.
What is the inspiration behind your song "Prove I'm Lying"?
I wrote this song at a time when I didn’t believe in love. Literally. I wrote this song when I was 19 and at that age I genuinely didn’t believe in love or the power of love. I was so cynical about love (that may or may not be a hint towards my next release hehe). But, deep down I’ve also always been such a hopeless romantic. I know that sounds so contradictory - being cynical towards love and also a hopeless romantic - but this song is basically a combination of those sentiments.
Can you tell us about the process when working on new music (production, writing)?
It can be a little different each time. Usually, though, I have a topic or theme in mind that I have a desire to write about. I then lay down some chords and a melodic idea over it. Once I have a melody I like, I write lyrics to it. I then take my demo to my producer and give him some ideas for how I would like the produced out version to be and he always nails it :)
Who are your favorite artists at the moment?
I’m currently really loving Tori Kelly’s latest release, “missin u.” I love all her songs but this is such a great new direction for her music. I’m also always listening to BTS haha.
Could you give us some spoilers on upcoming music?
Maybe some fusion stuff is in the works?? Haha I don’t want to spoil too much because I’m super excited to share what I’ve been coming up with recently but what I can say is that my new music is going to be really, really experimental. I think I’m at a phase in my life where I just want to try out anything and everything without placing any limitations on myself. It’s been hard to adopt that kind of mentality because so many people have told me to find a lane and stick with it, as in, find a sound and stick with it. But, that’s always felt so restrictive to me and I think I’m finally ok with pushing those boundaries that have been placed on me.
What other genre of music would you like to try?
I would LOVE to try house music and other electronic styles of music.
What's it like being at Berklee - how has it changed/influenced your perspective on music or your working process?
Being at Berklee is so wonderful and it has definitely influenced my perspective on music. I think the biggest influence it’s had on me is imparting a sense of teamwork and community within me. Before coming to Berklee, I was so used to not asking anyone for any help and kind of just doing everything on my own. But, music has always been a communal thing and I realized I was missing out on a huge essence of music after coming to Berklee. During my time here I’ve learned to lean on my community and ask people for help and I’ve noticed such a tremendous growth in my artistry and musicianship.