Mumbai pop artist Shriya. Photo: Harita Odedara
After a few years of releasing singles and establishing herself as a pop/R&B voice, singer-songwriter Shriya Rao (who goes by her first name as an artist) has put out a journeying debut EP In A Box in a bid to escape easy categorization.
The four-track EP kicks off with “Her,” written in the aftermath of having her “first experience with a broken heart,” according to a press release. The artist says in a statement, “In life, we’ve all experienced someone we love, breaking our trust in different ways. Whether it’s as a child when your mom lied to you about buying you candy, or in a relationship when you find out about your partner’s infidelity, similar to in this song.”
On “I’m Not Alright,” there’s a familiar teenaged reflection about mental health struggles that often go unnoticed, set to the style of a piano ballad. A press release adds, “The song’s heartfelt lyrics and evocative instrumentation create an intimate space for listeners to connect with their own struggles.” The more breezy and club-friendly “Are You Down” shifts the mood, focusing on how music has been a “source of solace and survival” for the artist and “her lifeline in turbulent times.”
After celebrating the importance of music in her life, Shriya goes one step further on the resolute “Dream About It,” which closes the EP. A press release describes the song as a “poignant reflection on self-doubt and resilience.” It adds, “Written during a period when Shriya questioned the viability of a music career, the track is a triumphant reminder of her unwavering passion and determination.”
Shriya says in a statement about her first collection of songs, “This EP is my way of connecting with my audience on a deeper level. It’s about showing them that they’re not alone in their struggles and that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.”
Over on Instagram, the artist shared the release and said, “This one’s been such a journey, diving into those moments when you feel trapped, stuck in your own head or circumstances. but through it all, I’ve found there’s always a way to break free. This EP is for anyone who’s ever felt boxed in, but kept pushing to find their way out.”
Shriya will launch the EP with a full set comprising her songs at The Cube, Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai on Mar. 29, 2025. The singer-songwriter’s sold-out show features drummer (and producer for the lead single “Her”) Yohan Marshall, keyboardist Shivam Trivedi, guitarist Fardeen Siddiqui and bassist Russell Fernandes.
Shriya performs live at The Cube, NMACC in Mumbai on Mar. 29, 2025. Get details here.
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