starry skies: meet the star of fellowship 2022
4 min
Hey y’all, Meera here and I’m thrilled to announce that our first annual fellowship winner, Priya Mani has officially completed our program and released her song “Starry Skies”!
Born in the U.S., but brought up in Bangalore, India, Mani was born into a music-loving family and began learning Indian classical music at a young age. Soon after, she found a passion for other styles with inspirations such as Adele, Ella Fitzgerald, and Coldplay. After returning to the U.S. in high school, she followed her love for music to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA where she blossomed into a vocalist training in genres from around the world. During undergrad, she also served as the Assistant Music Director of the acapella group, Treble Threat, and has performed with Ustad Zakir Hussain as part of the Berklee Indian Ensemble. As an artist, she aims to express stories and a range of emotional experiences through a unique sound for her listeners. Since graduating in 2022, Mani is pursuing music full-time and works as a freelance arranger and composer in Los Angeles, CA.
I had the best time chatting with Priya and feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to learn more about her story. I hope you all enjoy our interview (full video below)!
Was there a lesson you learned from one of the project team members or from the fellowship in general that had a great impact on you?
One of the biggest things I realized was initially, I used to think being an independent artist meant doing everything on your own. Artists were writing, arranging, composing, basically wearing every hat in the process of creating music. I tried doing the same, but I felt I wasn’t able to give my music what I felt it deserved. Through this fellowship, I got to work with people who specialize in their own facets and it made me realize, especially in the music industry, how important collaboration is. If you want your song to live up to its full potential, reach out to people, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. With the contribution of others, it will take your music to new heights. Be open to both receiving help and helping others as well.
Fast facts:
One song that heals your soul: Atlas: Heart by Sleeping at Last
An artist you’d love to collab with: Coldplay
Favorite film soundtrack: Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
Music hot take: I actually love the song Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen
Priya’s pure spirit and driven nature continue to leave me in awe every time we meet. Her sense of humility paired with her multifaceted talent will take her so far as an artist and we are really excited to see what is in store for her beyond the fellowship. She is on her way to becoming a star and the industry should prepare to watch her shine. Let us know in the comments if you’ve listened to “Starry Skies”!
Did you know the RRA team has already begun planning for Fellowship 2023! If you’re interested in applying for Fellowship 2023, sign up to get notified for updates! To get involved with projects like Fellowship, reach out here.
Stay well, shine bright.
~Meera
