'I look up to Ed Sheeran a lot'

City-based solo artiste  Teenasai Balamu is living her dream by making her own music and performing at varied gigs. The singer-songwriter who  aims to release her EP soon is excited about how it's shaping up. In a candid chat with Tini Sara Anien, she talks about her latest tracks and more.  

Did your entry into the music arena happen by accident?

I was trying different things like copywriting and helping a college senior with producing shoots. As a child, I used to take keyboard lessons but I left them soon. I joined Carnatic music classes soon and my bond with music grew. One fine day, I recorded myself singing 'Riptide' by Vance Joy and posted it on YouTube. Cutting the long story short, the video went viral and the right people saw it  and before I knew it I was offered gigs across the city.    

What kind of music connects to you?

I connect to music which is melodious, indie folk, pop  amidst  other mainstream music and contemporary folk tunes.        

What attracted you to indie-pop and alternative music?

I was deeply influenced by bands like 'The Lumineers' which inspired me to try the independent music scene. The interest in alternative music came from my  love for rock music during high school.        

How is the indie-pop and alternative music circuit in Bengaluru?

Thankfully we have an audience which encourages independent music. Music listeners in Bengaluru are very receptive and encouraging.  

Tell us about your bond with your guitar.

I feel naked without my guitar. Ninety-nine percent of the time, I perform with my guitar. I am almost never seen on stage without it.  Music means honesty for me.  Some people express themselves best when they are writing, I express myself best through my music and with my guitar.

What is more exciting, performing  or writing music?

I am often anxious when I am on stage but after my performance, I feel exhilarated and deeply satisfied. While writing, once I have penned my song down, play it and sent it to my friends, I  feel excited.  Both of these activities come with a fair share of  adrenaline rush.  

When you're with your friends and someone asks you to play a song, which one  is it usually?

'Creep' by Radiohead. It's a beautiful song and I somehow connect to it in a way I can't explain.    

How is your EP coming along?

My EP  will be out soon. Of the six tracks in the EP, three of them are 'Wait For You', which is one of my first songs; another interesting number called '28' and an experimental track called 'It's You'.    

Could you list a  song that affects you deeply?

'Same Love', a song by American hip-hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.  

Is there any artiste you can listen to anytime of the day?

Ed Sheeran! I love his songwriting and I look up to him a lot.  

What was the last song you heard?

A really intriguing number called 'I Like Me Better' by Lauv.