How did your journey as a singer-songwriter begin?
I started writing lyrics back in 4th or 5th grade. It was around this time that I saw so many artists online releasing their own music at only 14 years old and I knew I wanted to do the same. I released my first song at 14. I made the instrumental with loops, then wrote a melody to go with it, then recorded it all on BandLab. I didn't have a microphone, so I recorded my vocals directly on my iPad in my closet. That was the start of my career as a singer-songwriter.
When was the first time you realized that music and dance were your true passions?
I always loved listening to songs, singing and anything to do with music, so naturally I got interested in dancing too. I loved the way that music made me feel. When I was about 8 or 9 years old I began listening a lot of pop and EDM music and fell in love with the emotions that music could evoke. Watching artists play their own music on stage live inspired me even more. I learned that dance was a big part of these performances, so I learned my first hip-hop routine from YouTube, which led me to a dance academy where I got trained in various dance styles. Ever since, music and dancing have been an inseparable part of my life.
How has your experience and style grown since releasing your first song?
When I first started making music, I knew very little about production. I created my first single using loops on BandLab, recorded without a microphone, and mixed it with very little knowledge. Over time, I watched many tutorials and learned from talented musicians who helped me improve my skills. Today, I write my own lyrics, produce my songs from scratch, and record and mix my vocals. Looking back, I can confidently say I'm much closer to making the music I've always dreamed of creating.
What does a typical day of creating and practicing look like for you?
A typical day always begins with vocal warm-ups and exercises, as I believe consistency is one of the most important parts of improving as a singer. As for creating music, whenever I get an idea, I start writing or producing right away. I'll often spend hours on my MacBook making music, experimenting with different melodies, and singing random words or phrases related to the idea until they gradually turn into meaningful lyrics. Music is a huge part of my life, and I also try to stay consistent on social media by sharing content about my original music and posting covers of songs by different artists.
Can you share a video of you performing one of your original songs live? What made that performance special?
This video is from a live performance at an event conducted by the creative organization 'Srajnika, Rachna Sansar'. Here, I performed an original song called 'I Am' and some covers as well. It was an unforgettable experience, and performing my own music live in front of an audience made the moment incredibly special.
What does your home studio or workspace look like, and how does it inspire your creativity?
My setup is quite simple, but it has everything I need to bring my ideas to life; a MacBook, a MIDI keyboard, an audio interface, headphones, and a microphone for recording. As for the atmosphere, it really depends on the type of music I'm making. If I'm working on a bright, summery song, I like the room to be well-lit. For party tracks, I switch on LED lights, and for slower, more emotional songs, I prefer dim lighting. I enjoy matching the atmosphere to the mood of the music because it helps me get into the right creative mindset.
What's the story behind your favorite song lyrics, and why do they resonate with you?
These lyrics from 'Counting Stars' by OneRepublic have always resonated deeply with me. I love how they express such honest truths in a poetic and relatable way. It reminds me that it's okay to question the way things are, make your own choices, and stay true to yourself instead of simply doing what everyone expects of you. When I listen to these lyrics, I feel understood and inspired to produce music that is honest and meaningful.
Walk us through your process of turning a raw vocal recording into a finished track.
Every finished and ready to release song starts out as a simple idea. I usually start by building the instrumental with a few basic elements like piano and pads. After getting the basics done, I experiment with different sounds and instruments that complement the emotion and atmosphere of the song. Once I know how to continue and what is the path to follow, I write lyrics that match the original idea and record my vocals. Finally, I mix everything together to create the finished track. Inspiration can come from anywhere; a melody, a single word, a personal experience, or even something I read. I also listen to music within the same genre while I'm making music to learn new techniques and discover ideas that help enhance my production.
What was it like performing live? Describe the energy and connection you felt with the audience.
Performing live feels completely different from recording in a studio. Being in front of an audience amplifies not only my energy but also gives me the encouragement to put forth all of my effort when performing on stage. Seeing people connect with my music, sing along, or simply enjoy the performance feels absolutely magical. Those moments remind me why I create music and inspire me to keep improving as both a singer and performer.
How does the final version of a song differ from your initial vision? Share a before-and-after comparison.
As I stated before, at the beginning, every song is simply an idea. Usually, my first actual draft consists of a rough vocal recording of the melody with a few basic instruments to capture the emotion and direction of the song. As I continue developing it, I add more layers, refine the production, improve the arrangement, and polish the vocals through recording and mixing. By the end, the song evolves into something much richer, more detailed, and much closer to the vision I had when the idea first came to me.
Contact and Follow
Email: navyaa.asthana@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navyaa_asthana?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@navyaa_asthana
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2w0qwsAXlUgaJ7FFApx5KO?si=YHhUg6xlRlWIj20pCob3RA
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/in/artist/navyaa-asthana/1657670192
