# data[].attributes.body
I am an 18 year old singer-songwriter and a self taught guitarist. I have been vocally trained in Indian Classical music (carnatic) for around 14 years. I mostly practice Indian music, however, I also play around pop and contemporary R&B while composing songs.

# data[].attributes.body
Shreya Ghoshal made a huge impact on my musical journey when it comes to singing in different languages. As a musician myself, I love to explore different genres and cultures of the music in my home country. Being able to correctly pronounce the words in different languages while connecting with the listeners by keeping up with the emotion of the melody is not an easy task, and with hard work and dedication Shreya was always able to bless our ears with such good music where she ‘literally’ conveyed the message - “music has no language”. She did not just influence me in terms of music, but also as a person. Watching her interviews, I admire the way she expresses herself in words to her audience, her discipline and how well spoken and educated she is.

# data[].attributes.body
Lata Mangeshkar’s influence on Shreya Ghoshal is evident through her style of singing and her way of conveying emotions while singing let alone the language being sung. Lata Mangeshkar is known for her versatility and singing in different genres effortlessly. Shreya admired her work ethic and her talent to evolve constantly. Lata’s style of singing changes almost every decade. Doesn’t mean that she didn’t have her own unique style of singing but, it says that she could modulate her voice according to the changing taste of her listeners. She never mispronounced a single word. (Sunanda Vashisht, Feb 8 2022) Today, Shreya Ghoshal is also known for singing in different languages including Bengali, Bhojpuri, Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and more. (Desk, 2024) "There's a generation out there who has not heard Lataji. I'm trying to bridge that gap for them to access her.", says Shreya in one of her interviews. (BBC Asian Network, 2024)

# data[].attributes.body
Known as the "King of Pop" Michael Jackson was and still is an icon in the music industry. As a dancer and vocalis myself, Michael Jackson's influence on me was all about the performance side of music and dance. The songs I compose are not similar to Michael Jackson's when it comes to the genre. However, while watching his performances, his stage presence sure made an impact on my way of conversation through music with movement. It makes me want to put out such a trademarking performance.

# data[].attributes.body
In Indian classical music, "gamagas" are a crucial part of singing with emotion. When Shreya was just 13 years old, she sang her notes plainly. The moment she heard Asha singing with so much perfection

She learnt from her that conveying emotions to the audience in a way that they are immersed into it is very important. (Berklee College of Music, 2020) She says that Asha sings with such perfection with expressions on point, and when it comes to the cinematic quality she captures the whole emotion of the actress while singing to lip-sync in movies. (Ani - Official, 2020)

# data[].attributes.body
James Brown, the 'Godfather of Soul' was a major influence to Michael Jackson. Jackson said, “When I saw him move I was mesmerized. I’ve never seen a performer perform like James Brown and right then and there I knew that that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.” (Darrencostello, 2013) Michael Jackson admired Brown's musical ingenuity and incorporated similar elements into his own music, infusing his pop sound with elements of funk, soul, and R&B. (Jackson, 2024) Jackson also admired Brown's ability to take the audience in his hands through his exceptional footwork and rhythmic movements. Jackson also took note of Brown's vocal style that helped him bring emotion and power in his performances.

# data[].attributes.body
“This is in memory of a great man who has touched the hearts of the world with his art of making people laugh and cry. You will always be in my heart. I love you, Charlie Chaplin.” (Michael’s Tribute to Charlie Chaplin, 2014)

Chaplin's and Michael's similarities highlight the fact that Michael was influenced by Charlie Chaplin. Michael dressed up as Charlie and also drew a picture of him which later became a famous photo. The two artists used their talent not just to entertain but also to educate the listeners by promoting human dignity and justice. He was the king of pathos. "He knew how make you laugh and cry at the same time" (Michael’s Tribute to Charlie Chaplin, 2014) Jackson followed Chaplin's footsteps and mastered the way of conceptualizing his works in a way that there is always a message conveyed to his audience, to educate them. Some examples are - Jackson's songs like "Heal the World" and "Man in the Mirror" tackled topics such as humanitarianism and self-improvement. (Jackson, 2024a)

# data[].attributes.body
Michael’s older brother Jackie once stated: “[Michael] always studied Walt Disney. He loved Walt Disney. He read books on him every day on the road. He worshiped the guy.” (Sampson, 2009) Jackson admired Disney's creativity and his artistic vision which. He always talked about his love for the Disney movies and its characters. He also collaborated with Disney in projects like the song "Caption EO" which was a 3D film at Disneyland. He loved Walt Disney so much that he asked for Walt's nurse Hazel George too. (Thomas, 2009) It is also interesting to know that Michael Jasckson's influence Charlie Chaplin also influenced Michael Jacksons other influence Walt Disney.

# data[].attributes.body
Shreya particularly talks about K.S. Chithra in her interviews while talking about her influences. She first heard Chithra's song when the movie "Rosa" came out in 1992. Chithra sang the songs "In fact, Chithra ji is one of the major influences in my singing style also." says Shreya. (Simha Gorji, 2021)

Chithra's way of expressing emotions while singing any song - whether it be a simple melody or a complicated one with many gamagas - she does it in her own style. This bit of influence can be seen in the way Shreya sings especially when it comes to Chithra's mother tongue - Malayalam.

"I really adore her, she is. my inspiration" says Shreya during one of her live performances. (@tiktokoli3516, 2017)