July 2024

Ms. Gayathri Krishnan is a recording artist and a music educator. Listening to her music is a unique experience - her lyrics are healing and her sound is a beautiful blend of world cultures. I recently spent a morning trying delicious sweets with Ms. Gayathri while learning about her experiences in music.

Why do you believe music resonates with you so profoundly? 

I feel like music is a space where I can let down my walls. Since it’s through melodies, rhythms, and movement, I  feel more free to communicate things that I’m scared to talk about. If you were to ask me if I feel more comfortable singing on stage versus talking, I’d say singing! 

Your soothing, assured music resonates with me every time I listen to songs like “444”. My favorite line is “ The universe is on my side, I'm manifesting what is always meant to be”. 

How do you write your music, and what impact do you strive to make with it? 

Sometimes I listen to a progression and I create a melody on the spot. Other times, I feel an intense emotion and I'm like, “Okay, I need to get this out through writing about it”. And when I’m feeling creatively uninspired, I have to journal or listen to other people's songs for inspiration (creating music can really range from free flow to pushing lyrics out!). 

I want my music to be a medium that inspires others to create their own art. It's really cool to see people still dancing to my music, doing yoga to it, and making covers of my songs almost three to four years after they’ve been released. 

Your music seamlessly melds techniques and sounds from around the world. How do you explore world music, and what insights have you gained through exploring it?

I’ve been introduced to world music from a young age - there is always music in the background at my family home and in my own spaces. I am continually exploring and learning by listening to different music in my free time and on my drives to work. I’ve been exposed to different genres (South Asian Classical Music (Carnatic Music), Indian fusion bands, Choral Music, RnB, Persian Music, the list goes on and on). 

I soak up all the elements from the music around me - the different vocal and songwriting approaches, instruments, and grooves - and this has further developed my creativity. 

You also work in music education. How does this influence your artistic approach? 

I'm a preschool music teacher. I teach students music theory fundamentals, regulating emotions through music, meditation, cultural appreciation, and even Bharatanatyam (Indian classical dance). When they’re in music class, the kids are so wide-eyed and they love interacting with each other. They really remind me of the joys of music! Also, through teaching and explaining, I learn more about my craft and develop a deeper understanding of what I do. 

You’ve performed at a wide range of events, from opening for Londrelle at Zula Den to taking the stage at South Asian Music Festival ‘Masala Mixtape’. Which performance stands out as the most memorable for you? What have you noticed about audience reactions when you perform? 

I really loved performing with Khanvict and Raaginder at the Lodge Room. I felt confident in my vocals that day, my band was incredible, and I loved my outfit!

I feel like my audience is super present! I rarely see people on their phones, and everyone is just there, intently listening and soaking in the music. I’m really grateful for that. 

When I perform, I’ll sing “eat your greens” at the beginning of my set, and I do this call and response thing where I have the audience do an affirmation. Then towards the end of my set, I do a song with a completely different energy, “F*** S***”, and everyone's screaming with it. This interactive journey through emotions with the audience is so much fun. 

What are you most excited about exploring next, both in your music journey and in life? 

I’m exploring more of my vocal range and expression with my upcoming project. I would say this project is a mix of neo soul with hints of jazz and blues. It’s very from-the-heart, natural, and I feel like people can sing along with it. I’m so excited! 

My relationship with my creativity and artistry is something I’m always working on. I’ve learnt to set boundaries with my practice. This way I can be fully rested, and more productive and successful than if I were to just keep pushing. So I'm also exploring life outside of making music, and finding other activities I love to do. I love dance, so I've been going to a bunch of hip hop and choreo classes. I’ve also been exploring parks and reading books.

Lastly, what is the one piece of advice you would give aspiring female-identifying creatives, or you wish someone had given to you? 

Trust your abilities! When I had just moved to LA, I would think “Oh, this producer knows better. This person can do it better than me”. But I built up my self-esteem and confidence by taking on the mindset that I also have the ability to lead tasks successfully and to initiate things. 

Also, trust your gut. If you want to do something, trust yourself and do it all the way. And if someone gives you advice, sit with it and see if it feels right. If it doesn't, don't force yourself to follow it.