Breaking Free: How I'm Learning to Unchain Myself from Tradition for My Music

Hey there, lovelies! It’s your girl Sharma here, and today I want to talk about something that’s been weighing heavily on my heart lately - the struggle between tradition and my passion for music. Growing up in a conservative Hindu family, I was taught to prioritize respect for our culture and values above all else. Don’t get me wrong, I love my roots and where I come from, but as an artist, I’ve been feeling increasingly stifled by the expectations placed upon me. Should I stick to what’s safe and acceptable, or should I take a risk and follow my true vision? That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?

I remember when I first started out in the music industry. I was so excited to blend pop with Indian influences, but every step of the way, there were voices telling me to tone it down - don’t be too bold, don’t reveal too much of your body, don’t use certain lyrics that might be considered risqué. And for a while, I listened. I played it safe because I didn’t want to disappoint anyone. But you know what happened? My music fell flat. It didn’t resonate with people the way I wanted it to because it wasn’t coming from a real place. It was like trying to fit into a mold that wasn’t made for me.

Lately, though, I’ve been doing some serious soul-searching. What does success really mean to me? Is it about pleasing everyone else or staying true to myself? The answer seems obvious when you say it out loud, but trust me, it’s not always easy to put into practice. So here’s what I’m trying to do: little by little, I’m taking off those chains of expectation and embracing my authentic self - flaws and all. It’s scary as hell sometimes, but it’s also liberating in a way I never thought possible. To all my fellow artists out there who might be going through something similar, just know you’re not alone. Let’s break free together and make some magic happen!