Hope To Push Ways How The West Receives South Asian Artists: Raveena Aurora

Raveena Aurora became the first Indian woman to play at Coachella in 2022. She says while it was a fantastic experience to perform at one of the world's largest music festivals, it was also "absolutely nuts that it took that long for an Indian to be invited there to play." Aurora, who was born to Indian immigrants in the United States, grew up listening to music that empowered her to pursue her artistic side. Pick any song from her library and you’ll find how the lyrics stand for integral themes like mental health struggles, hardships, sexuality, identity politics and love.

Aurora fell in love with the music at age 11, by listening to soul singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. She wanted to understand everything about it, so she sang for hours in her bathroom. Her interest in vocals as a teenager shaped her journey into pursuing music professionally, and it wasn't long after that, as a teen, she wrote her first song. Aurora, who performed at the maiden edition of Lollapalooza India held in Mumbai recently, is widely known for her experiments with genres. From her first album Shaanti to her latest Asha's Awakening, Aurora has come a long way in navigating her way in an industry that is still struggling to offer equal platforms to South Asian artists.

In an interview with SheThePeople, Raveena Aurora talks about her career as a musician, the challenges she faces in the fast-paced world of music, and brown representation.

Raveena Aurora Interview

What were the initial challenges when you entered the music industry?

I can recall several challenges including a lot of sexism and racism. Also, just trying to be a working artist is an absolutely crazy career path to try and break into. Mainly, because there are no rules and very few concrete guides unless you have a parent in it, and I didn't, of course. Another challenge was finding a sound, and learning how to speak up about my vision took so long. I have been practising and studying music since I was 10 and I still feel like I'm a student, learning and growing every day.

"Just trying to be a working artist is an absolutely crazy career path to try and break into."

What is your creative process like?

It is within me and always around me. I have a very disciplined schedule I just started, where I rehearse for three hours a day at the beginning of the day, following which I try to get to the studio and write for three days a week. My writing process is always just a reflection of what I'm going through at the moment. I try to have a lot of instrumentals on hand, and I write down everything in chaotic free writes so that when the time comes to write a song feel more prepared with ideas.

"My writing process is always just a reflection of what I'm going through at the moment."

Which factors impacted your growth as a musician significantly?

My discipline, both physical and emotional. Learning not to get distracted by all the bullshit took so many years, and learning how to handle an immense amount of creative, public and financial pressure. I have found a way to always come back to the music, and realise that I'm a humble student of life to it.

"What has impacted my growth is learning not to get distracted by all the bullshit that took so many years, and learning how to handle an immense amount of creative, public and financial pressure."

Do you feel like the dynamics are evolving concerning independent musicians in terms of outreach?

It's evolved and made it more equal, but also way noisier and there's a pressure to be constantly online. You have to be a great marketer now vs a great musician, which really sucks and I think is affecting the quality of ">music all around. However, the people who are dedicated and in love with art will always be there and find their way into people's hearts.

You're a role model to young girls, especially in South Asia. What impact do you hope to make on the community?

I hope I can push the ways in which South Asian artists are received in the West. We are sensual, beautiful, and talented and have so much to offer in high art spaces. Our art is truly magnificent and so many of us need more chances to shine on the world stage, I hope I can be a small part of that eventual cultural shift.

"I hope I can push the ways South Asian artists are received in the West. Our art is truly magnificent and so many of us need more chances to shine on the world stage."

Who are the musicians that inspire you?

Corinne Bailey Rae, Sade, Stevie Wonder, D'Angelo, AR Rahman, and MIA Art is also personal too.

How do you channelise vulnerability into music?

It is just supernatural to me to be an over-sharer and I constantly want to empathise and be vulnerable in my music. My music is therapy for me and, maybe, that's why it can feel that way for others.

How do you push boundaries for yourself?

I do that in so many ways; mostly by engaging in other mediums. I love learning about visuals and directing, dancing, aerial silks, and learning new instruments. Currently, I'm really focused on the guitar. And to submit to being a student of art and music for life. Understanding that I could spend a lifetime learning and still know very little because the range is so vast.

Is there a project closest to your heart?

I love If Only from Shanti. Petal and Still Dreaming from Lucid. I love Asha's Kiss and Mystery from Asha's Awakening. I love Headaches from Moonstone EP. The Toronto show on the Asha tour will forever be one of my favourites, as well as Coachella Weekend 2.

What changes have you witnessed with the representation of people of colour in the music industry?

There is so far to go. I really feel like whiteness and sameness are still prioritised, globally. I think finally South Asian artists have a bit more acceptance in Indie Music, but there's so much work to be done for our presence in the diverse mainstream.

What is your one piece of advice to aspiring musicians?

I'd say Practice, practice, practice. And always believe in yourself to a delusional degree.

Suggested reading: Tu Jhoom: How Mansa Pandey Sang Her Way To Nation’s Heart