We had the good fortune of connecting with Ira Sharma and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ira, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
As a child, I was always passionate about the arts and being able to pursue it as a career had always been a dream of mine especially since I looked up to global icons like Beyoncé and Rihanna. Being able to sing and write songs is a gift from God and to turn it into a full-time career, being a full-time recording artist. has always been a dream of mine. It is also a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. Besides, there was no reason for me not to become an independent artist as I was trained in piano, guitar and voice since I was 8 years old and started writing and releasing original songs at the age of 12. Being an artist enables me to be vulnerable, offer my feelings and voice my story with fans who have had similar experiences. At the end of the day, my main aim is to connect with my audience and build a community of people who aren’t afraid to feel their emotions to the fullest extent through the power of my music.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a rising independent artist based in Boston, MA and raised in Delhi, India. My latest indie pop track “Say You’re Sorry” is one of my most captivating self-produced singles available on all streaming platforms as it blends together infectious melodies in the verses with an unforgettably catchy chorus. At only 13 years old, I began writing and releasing music and since then I’m extremely grateful to have caught the attention of top-level executives from Atlantic Records and Universal Music India. My music is a blend of fearless songwriting with ridiculously dynamic vocals. Although it wasn’t easy, starting off as an indie artist in Delhi, I was lucky to have the trust of my family and friends in my dreams to pursue an artist career. My school where I studied from Kindergarten till grade 12th, Lotus Valley International School, gave me multiple opportunities to showcase my artistic talent. For example, I had the pleasure of playing the lead role in the broadway musical “Annie” as part of my school’s Annual Day Celebration. While in 9th grade, I had set my heart to go to a music college after graduating high school, and you bet, I did exactly that! Currently an undergraduate student at Berklee College of Music, Boston, I am dual majoring in Songwriting and Music Production & Engineering and minoring in Audio Post-Production. I am so lucky that everything has worked out in my favor and I believe that as long as I am perseverant, my dream to reach millions of people’s hearts through my music, won’t be far away.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In Boston, oh my gosh, I have such a huge list! I would definitely take my best friend on a leisurely stroll along the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile route that passes by 16 historically significant sites. Visit Faneuil Hall Marketplace for shopping and dining. Breakfast at Tatte Bakery & Cafe for delicious pastries and coffee. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts for an impressive collection of art and culture. Lunch at Quincy Market for a variety of food options. Afternoon visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. Explore the Boston Commons and the Public Garden. Breakfast at Flour Bakery & Cafe.Take a walk along the Charles River Esplanade. Cross the river to Cambridge and visit Harvard University. Lunch at Grendel’s Den, a popular local spot near Harvard. Explore the MIT campus and the MIT Museum. Head back to Boston and have dinner somewhere in the North End, known for its Italian cuisine. I would also take them to Trident Booksellers and Cafe to explore some amazing books and catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Besides, if a pop music act is performing at TD Garden, Fenway Park or MGM Music Hall, there’s no chance we’re missing it!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my parents and family for their endless support and encouragement. Coming from a country where a career in the arts is yet to be more widely accepted, my parents still believed in me and pushed me to pursue my passions. I also want to thank institutions like Noida School of Rock and Berklee College of Music, which have significantly shaped me as an artist and musician, constantly pushing me to become better and stay humble.

Website: www.irasharmamusic.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/irasharmamusic

Twitter: www.twitter.com/irasharma9

Facebook: www.facebook.com/irasharmamusic

Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/irasharma

Other: Link to my latest single release: li.sten.to/irasharma

Image Credits
Mateo (Instagram: @alchemistlens)

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