Musician Riccha Paul's overwhelming journey

I come from a family that enjoys music. When I was younger, my father would make my sisters and me sing. He’d record it and send them to the rest of the family abroad. I remember listening to those tapes over and over again and that’s probably when the bug bit me!

My first significant performance was when I was 17. I was the only female vocalist to represent a college band and ended up winning the award for best vocalist! It was one inspiring moment in my life. But, I got into music professionally only a little over a year ago.

After I got done with my engineering, I got myself the regular ‘straight-out-of-engineering’ job at the usual MNC. Luckily, it drove me insane. I quit and began to pursue what really drives me. The journey from that moment, till now has been overwhelming.
I’d been performing with Retronome for over a year and a half. I live for the thrill of having a crowd cheer you and sing along with you. Individually, I’ve collaborated with music director Ricky Kej for Universal and Virgin Records; I worked with Ray ‘N’ Brotherhood from Mumbai and I’ve recorded almost 100 jingles and voiceovers.

The Bangalore crowd is very appreciative. This city is packed with music lovers who’d be more than happy to relax and listen to a good performance. Unfortunately, there aren’t as many places as there should be, but with newer venues opening and the ban on live performances being lifted, I’m pretty sure we can only go up from here!

So what’s in store for the New Year? Apart from singing, hosting a movie quiz show and a little bit of writing, I’m starting a few new projects, so 2012 looks promising.  And if the world is really going to end, I’m going to make sure I spend the next 365 days singing my little heart out!

Riccha Paul is the vocalist for Retronome