Akanksha Dhyani pop Indie born and brought up in Dehradun, Akanksha is a musician in her dreams and a software engineer in pursuit of her dreams. She believes in music that has roots in memories and mostly writes about happy days, nostalgia for home and nature.

She has a decent following on digital platforms and in 2019 she collaborated with Preyas Sangeet for his song Bandeya Ho and later Bekhabar. In February 2022 she once again joined hands with Shubh Sahota for an Indian folk based peppy song Pahado Mein.

Recently Akanksha released her first original release titled Kaagaz ki Kashti.

Verus Ferreira had a telephonic chat with the young singer to capture her musical journey and her new song.

So Akanksha tell us about your journey in music?

My journey so far has been very rewarding. I started back in college, about 7 years ago when my best friend heard me sing for the first time and encouraged me to pursue it. Soon I started my Instagram handle, @vocal_exprssions just to document my singing journey. But one fine day, a music account with a decent following reposted one of my covers, and it was a hit. The response was so overwhelming that I reached a following of 7K+ overnight. Since then, I’m grateful to have a community of music lovers who show great support for my talent and keep me motivated to do more of what I love.

What inspired you to take on this journey ofmusic?

Music itself has been my inspiration to pursue music. It fascinates me. To me, it is a tremendously powerful medium to express, to move, to put my thoughts out there in the world. Some of my favourite songs have also inspired me to make such good songs that people connect to them.

What are the obstacles and setbacks you’ve encountered as asinger/musician/artist?

Consistency is one major challenge that I face as an artist, especially online. There are ups and lows for artists too, and it’s required to disconnect every once in a while. But when that takes a toll on the engagement, it’s quite demotivating. Nevertheless, I’m learning to navigate through this in myjourney.

How did your family view your musical career?

My family has always been supportive of my choices. They try to help and contribute in any way they can, so I’m very grateful for that. Since I don’t do music professionally yet and I’m not trained, they also encourage me to pursue training if I want to take it up as a full-time career someday.

We saw your Instagram and saw that you have been praised by some very well known industry figures; what are yourthoughts?

I’m just grateful to the core. It’s so reassuring to even be acknowledged by such well-known artists in the industry, and to receive appreciation just takes me to cloud 9.It also fuels up my motivation to keepgoing.

How do you feel about the indie artist scene?

I feel that today opportunity is everywhere. Artists are independent to create, release and take credit for their music. So many amazing artists have come to the limelight purely based on their talent, and that is the kind of change we are seeing from the conventional music industry. As an indie artist, personally, it gives me hope for a brighter future in music. I felt a sense of deep elation when my track was launched by ‘Kaan Phod’ and more indie artists have access to such platforms.

Tell us about your experience with Kaan Phod?

It has been a joyful ride. The creative freedom they gave me for my song was truly commendable. The song turned out exactly how I imagined it when I first wrote it. And it was a pleasure to work with the team, with their creative ideas, the planning, the comfortable environment, the entire process of filming was a delight. Kaan Phod really stood up to their vision of providing a good platform to indie artists.  

Tell us a little bit about your upcoming song Kaagaz ki Kashti?

My new song, Kaagaz ki Kashti is a piece of my heart. I came up with it on a rainy day while I was just sitting with my guitar, playing tunes. I started with a melody, words poured in, and an entire song shaped up. For an amateur, I’m very proud of the lyrics and composition. It’s a calling to everyone who is engrossed in their day-to-day life to take a moment and appreciate life. Independent music and artists like us needs an impetus, and Mic-test on ‘Kaan Phod’ is the springboard that does just that.

Have your family and friends treated you differently since your public figure?

Friends, not really. I’m a private person, so I’ve always had a small circle of genuine people who understand me and treat me the same way they used to before. As for family, not many of my relatives knew about my seriousness for music. So when I shared my new singles with them, they acknowledged and also appreciate it. But yeah, they treat me lovingly like they always used to.

Any apprehensions about the rate at which you would be recognized as a singer – musician - artist?

Honestly, these days, someone could be making great art but not get noticed for years, while someone else may post their first video and go viral. So, it’s difficult to anticipate, really. But I believe in delivering the best, and not expecting too much. For now, I feel content when my community of 50K people shows support and love to my music. And hopefully soon “recognition” will come too.

What’s your all-time favouritevsong?

I’m more drawn to meaning lyrics, and mostly ‘Old is Gold’ is true for that matter. One of my favorites is Jeena isi ka Naam Hai. The sweetness of its music rings in my ear as I answer this, it’s really a treat to the ears.

What’s your all-time favourite artists you look upto?

There are a lot of artists that I adore. But if I have to name one, I’d say Shilpa Rao. She is an extremely versatile singer, she can be mesmerizing, she can be powerful, she can sing upbeat songs, sad songs, and what not! I’m a complete fan.

Given a choice which song you wish you had got an opportunity tosing?

This is a tricky question but I know the answer now. I made a cover of the song Laree Choote and it was so well received that I wish I had sung an official female version of it.

Any message for your fans?

I just want to say Thank you. I am what I am. I do what I do because you receive it with so much love. An artist is incomplete without an audience, and you all put me in such a happy place. I’ll be coming up with more of my originals soon, and I hope you’ll be giving them the same kind of love.

Interviewed by Verus Ferreira