VEYLEX EXCLUSIVE: NBC SONGLAND'S CHARISMA RELEASES NEW EP "KING ELLIOTT" / Q&A
Hailing from the mother land, Charisma uprooted her life from Kolkata, India to Los Angeles to pursue songwriting. Placing herself in the center of the industry in a new country she says was one of her biggest challenges, but through hard work and determination anything is possible. Charisma was recently apart of NBC's hit television series, Songland, securing a placement for her track "Invincible" with the Black Eyed Peas, co-written & produced by Ryan Tedder of One Republic. We had the opportunity to talk to Charisma about her debut EP "King Elliot" and her journey as a song writer and artist. Check out our exclusive interview with Charisma below!
What inspired your career in the music industry?
I always had a passion for music, ever since I was a little girl. I grew up singing in church with my brother Calvin, back at our hometown, Kolkata India. I decided to take the next step, by pushing myself further into music, learning to write better songs, moving to Los Angeles made me meet so many creative people who I learn from day to day.
What's the biggest challenge you've faced so far on your musical journey?
Moving into a new country, and a whole new culture was definitely a challenge for me and it took me awhile to adjust myself and hang in there. I was learning to hustle and make decisions to be myself was another challenge. I had so many offers that I had to decline as it was not me or that had anything to do with my brand.
Who were your favorite music artists growing up and who are you listening to now?
My favorite music artists growing up was Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Dido and Michael Jackson. Right now I’m listening to Jaden Smith, The Weeknd, Post Malone, Drake, and J. Cole.
Tell us about your latest EP, "King." What was the writing process like?
It took me 3 years to make this EP, "King Elliot." We had like a bunch of tracks, we kept going back in forth with it, sometimes it takes months to complete a song, once the idea was put in, we go ahead and make another song! We had all the songs ready by April, and we played around with the production, adding in some harmonies, production elements and going back & forth with the final mix.
What advice would you give to desi youth wanting to get into the music industry?
My advice is don’t try too hard to fit in, it’s always best to stand out among the crowd.
Never be afraid to be yourself, and most importantly, believe that you can do anything, and with that determination and focus, you’ll eventually head towards where you want to be.
How was your experience working on "Songland?"
My experience in Songland was beyond what I had expected. Honestly I was nervous, and being it my first time on television, but everyone seemed so warm and welcoming. Whoever I met during the process of the show, like the songwriters and the judges, they were all so humble and grounded. I really had a great time and I wish I could do it all over again.
Charisma - King
Charisma Performs "Invincible" (Produced by Ryan Tedder) - Songland 2019
