Indie Music Artist Spotlight - Mallika Mehta

“Mallika Mehta sings in multiple languages. She has the amazing voice of Asha Bhonsle, Adele, Shreya Ghosal and Sunidhi Chauhan.

On the 28th of January, 2018 she had her 2nd concert “Fusion” at Y.B.Chavan Auditorium in Mumbai where the show was booked within hours of opening the ticket booking. Mallika performed with live orchestra and she sang in 5 languages – English, Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi and Spanish. Mallika Mehta has been singing for over 10 years and professionally since the last three years.

The Adele from Mumbai. So titled by leading newspapers and magazines Indian and international. She was on the cover of the August issue of Jamsphere Music Magazine and October 2017 issue of Tunedloud Magazine USA. Mallika has done her Marketing Management at Harvard University, Boston last summer.

Rising Mumbai star Mallika Mehta is emerging as one of the hottest new female artists in the underground pop genre.”

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What’s New with The Adele from Mumbai – MALLIKA MEHTA

1.) So, who is Mallika Mehta? What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?

Since the age of 5, I have been singing and have participated in various inter school competitions. I almost always have won prizes and got appreciation for my singing from everyone. I have always been passionate about singing and did not miss a single opportunity. I guess in my own way somewhere I had paved my way to the music world. Adele has been the biggest influence for me to have started singing professionally and enjoy doing that. Her songs are deep and soulful and challenging enough to enjoy it every single time. I look up to many artists but Adele’s songs make me love music.

2.) You’ve been compared to Asha Bhonsle, Adele, Shreya Ghosal and Sunidhi Chauhan. How do you feel about the comparisons? Is it flattering or would you prefer to be recognized for having your own distinctive sound?

They all are stalwarts in the music world and in their respective genre. I am truly flattered even to be mentioned in the same line as them let alone be compared. Although I have grown up listening to their singing and they have a strong influence on me, I would and am working toward creating my own niche and be appreciated and recognized for the same.

3.) Singing in multiple languages is very impressive. That sets you apart from many other musicians out there who can’t sing in multiple languages, so how has that been an asset to your career so far?

I have grown up listening to and singing songs in both English and Hindi and luckily for me they are both diverse but yet widely spoken languages. Since I sing in multiple languages it gives me a chance to sing in different styles and genres which is always a fun thing to do. But more importantly it gives me a chance to connect with people from different cultures, societies and countries. Apart from English and Hindi, I also sing in a few more Indian languages like Gujarati and Punjabi and am attempting to sing in a few more.

4.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?

Most artists sing full songs when they are performing at concerts and festivals. As for me I rarely sing an entire song. I think in the future I’ll be known for the mashups I make. As I sing in multiple languages I try to mashup songs of different languages, which makes it very interesting for me as an artist, the band and most importantly, the audience. They are always taken by surprise as I connect songs which would normally not be expected to be linked.

5.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?

Honestly, I am and have been taking baby steps this entire time. I’d like to leave that on destiny and see whatever is better for me as an artist when the times comes. Although having my name attached to a major label would be an honour.

6.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves?

Social media is a boon as well as a bane in the modern world. It has made it far more easier for artists to attract their target audience and generate awareness about their new songs, albums or concerts but at the same time people have stopped buying CDs, LPs etc. It is much easier to click on a link and listen to the song instead.

7.) Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?

In my opinion, no artist will be able to survive in today’s day and age without a social media handle. It is much more than just branding, marketing and selling. It is all about connecting with the target audience.

8.) You went to Harvard University for marketing management. How was that experience for you? What have you learned that you think would be invaluable to you on your journey as a professional in the music industry?

One of the most important things I learnt at my time in Harvard was that every artist needs to have something different to stand out in the crowd full of talent. Right after I came back I paid more attention to my style of singing which was in the form of mashups.

9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Dreams are meant to be big and so I like to dream big. I see myself touring around the world in the next five years, having at least 2-3 of my original albums and getting my music recognized and spoken about at every social meet. I want to do some playback singing as well.