Meet Sejal ($EJ) Kargal | Indian-American Artist & Singer-Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sejal ($EJ) Kargal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sejal ($EJ), do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Knowing whether to keep going or to give up is a deeply personal journey, intertwined with passion, purpose, and perseverance. Music has been my lifelong love, from learning the violin at age 6 to performing in symphony groups throughout my life to my own current independent music project as a singer-songwriter. Growing up, I never saw authentic representation of South Asians in the American music industry, which fueled my determination to change the narrative. Despite facing challenges and feeling overshadowed by industry giants, the desire to fill this void and showcase the richness of South Indian culture keeps me going. While the path may seem daunting at times, the prospect of inspiring others like me to embrace their roots and pursue their dreams makes every struggle worthwhile. My journey isn’t just about creating music; it’s about paving the way for underrepresented voices and fostering a more inclusive industry for future generations.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is a reflection of my journey as a South Asian-American musician, blending cultural influences with indie vibes to create a unique sound. What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity and storytelling, exploring themes of identity and self-discovery through my music. I’m proud of how I’ve carved out my path in the music industry, despite facing challenges as an independent artist. It hasn’t been easy—I’ve encountered struggles in getting opportunities based on talent and merit alone, as the algorithm and industry biases often favor established names. However, I’ve remained fully self-made, independent, and self-financed, pouring my heart and soul into my craft even when faced with adversity. Balancing my music career with other aspects of life has been challenging; dedicating all my free time to music while managing other responsibilities can lead to burnout. Despite the uphill battle and the lack of immediate rewards, I remain steadfast in my belief that my time will come. I refuse to compare myself to others, especially when the same big names dominate the charts while independent artists struggle for recognition. Through perseverance and dedication, I’m determined to make my mark and showcase the value of authentic, independent artistry. Additionally, being underrepresented in the industry adds another layer of difficulty, as there is a lack of diversity and visibility for artists like me. Creating something new and innovative with my cultural identity is especially challenging, as audiences aren’t accustomed to hearing such unique perspectives and sounds. Nonetheless, I see this as an opportunity to break barriers and introduce fresh narratives to the music scene all of which I will be illustrating through my art in my upcoming releases. 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

When it’s time to explore the local music scene in San Francisco and Los Angeles. I’ve got the perfect itinerary.

I recently performed a Breaking Sound show at Milk Bar SF on March 13th.

Catch me performing a Major Stage show at Los Globos LA on March 20th.

And for a taste of San Francisco’s vibrant music community, hit up Bazaar Cafe for cozy vibes and an open mic every Thursday night, swing by Vibe at the Studio at Purusha Yoga School every last Friday of the month for a chill show, Winters Tavern’s Tuesday Night Open Mic in Pacifica, and The Hotel Utah’s Monday Night Open Mics all of which have been wonderful and welcoming places for me to share my art.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents, who despite not having a background in music themselves, wholeheartedly supported my musical journey from the beginning. They enrolled me in violin lessons at the age of 6 and encouraged me to pursue my passion, always driving me to symphony performances throughout my childhood, finding talented gurus for my Carnatic vocal training, and never discouraging me from aiming high. Their belief in me has been my greatest inspiration and something I highlight in my EP “1/0” I released this past Diwali. 
Additionally, I’m grateful to the local Bay Area music community for embracing my unique fusion music and providing opportunities to perform throughout San Francisco, allowing me to share a part of my culture and identity with others. 

Website: https://spotify.link/ZD4Mc3gzYDb

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sejalkargal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sejalkargal

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCpNjsbE7dJiBWPGljDh_qXA?si=ZEP6Y8SCg0u8ffmO

Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sejalkargal?_t=8jsvxi9IzMM&_r=1 Spotify: https://spotify.link/ZD4Mc3gzYDb Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/%24ej/1657914085

Image Credits
Photo 1: Ezekiel Ketcham, Photo 2: Pooja Eega, Photo 3: Chris Cothran