It is no surprise that many new artists in the R&B and pop realm were inspired by the boy band wave of the late ‘80s and ‘90s. From New Kids on the Block to N’SYNC, young minds everywhere were molded into believing they too could one sing and dance on stage. One of them being Urban Pop’s Sharmila.
The Netherlands based songstress is ready to make her presence known with the release of her self-titled 2019 debut, out now. And if her lead single, “Burning For You (Club Mix)” is any indication, the world will be singing and dancing along to her sooner than later.
Her debut single, “Burning For You (Club Mix),” dropped in Fall 2018. Just a few short months after her history with boy bands came full circle opening for O-Town in Portland on their 2018 reunion tour. Sharmila kept the momentum going strong as she said goodbye to 2018 and prepped for a whirlwind in 2019.
Not only did she release the girl power anthem, “Respect Your Body,” but she also has more music up her sleeve. Not only did she release her self-titled in 2019, but already has her sophomore album ready to go. People can look forward to DNA Damage out in late 2019.
While fans wait for that, they can have their fill of the self-titled. Nine songs deep, Sharmila features an array of songs that captivate the pop lover in all of us. From the positive message in “Respect Your Body” to the classic love song of “You Turn My World,” Sharmila not only proves the power of her pipes on every track but the power of her pen. The songstress is also the songwriter.
Songwriting that has gotten her recent praise from numerous outlets. Indie Music Reporter noted of her latest single, “‘Respect Your Body’ delivers poignant lyrics, showcasing Sharmila’s passion for the song’s message.” While both Music-News and Soundlooks appreciated the “catchy memorable hook” and how Sharmila “blends R&B with rap elements to form a catchy pop number.”
Sharmila’s self-titled debut is out now, but that again that is not all she has in store for fans this year. She’ll be releasing DNA Damage in late 2019. In between then and now she’ll be promoting and performing her debut. The first stop being at Pianos Showroom in New York City on July 22.
https://open.spotify.com/album/2B7dpU6mX2wYZhLz2ykAvJ
https://music.apple.com/us/album/dna-damage-single/1467417733
1.) 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?
From a young age I was interested in performing arts and took dance lessons when I was 7 years old. In my childhood I was always busy with dancing on my favorite tunes from the 80’s and 90’s and loved watching music videos to keep up with the latest new dance moves. Music was always important to me. My influences are 80’s and 90’s music.
2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?
My music is pop music, sometimes I like to do other genres too. Most songs are uptempo, because I like songs where you can dance on and I write my own songs.
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?
I also write songs about things that happened in my life.
Being a colored woman artist from the Netherlands was quite a challenge I had to deal with, but I think it’s important to do what you love most and I’m grateful to do so.
4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?
I write songs about my life, things I see happening in the world, but lyrics often just pop up in my mind along with a melody.
5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or hard work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed? 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?
Just by releasing new music and performing in different countries. I stay independent, because it allows me to be myself.
6.) Are you able to make a living with your music? If so, how were you able to attain a career doing what you love? If not, what do you do in order to fund your music career? What advice would give to someone who’s interested in pursuing a career in music?
Still busy working on that. Stay true to who you really are and to what makes you you.
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? 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?
Yes sure, I’m not that much on social media either but there are many ways to market yourself, just don’t wait for others to do it.
8.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
Being independent works best for me.
9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Still writing songs and performing.