‘Any feedback we give each other comes from love’: Alyssa Mendonsa

Alyssa Mendonsa is all set to perform at The Quarter on June 28. The singer talks about her year-long tour with Arijit Singh, why one doesn’t hear her often in Bollywood and what conversations with her illustrious musician father Loy Mendonsa (of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy) are like.

What songs should one look forward to at the gig?

I will be doing all original material that I’ve written and composed for the show, which is very personal. Performing your own material is scary and exciting and I’m open to whatever the experience has to teach me.

How was the year-long tour with Arijit Singh?

It was the best experience of my life, creatively as well as spiritually. There is a lot that I learnt and I was extremely fortunate to work with a team who is so loving, positive and passionate.

In spite of chartbusters like Uff Teri Ada (Kartik Calling Kartik), Khwabon Ke Parinde (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) and more, why don’t you sing in Bollywood more often?

I ask myself the same question, and believe me, I’d love to sing more often. I’ve reached out to composers and wish to work with them in future. Also, there was a rumour that I don’t live in India anymore, which is not true at all. I do have some things lined up that I’ve composed and written myself but they are more collaborative.

After Soldier and You Were There For Me, any more singles coming up?

My gig will have all original material, but I’m going to hold on to releasing them on the net for a bit. When I feel strongly about putting something out, I will.

Do you and your dad get time to jam together? Do you both critique each other’s works?

More than jamming, we spend time sharing deep thoughts and analysing approaches and other artistes. We love and get excited about the why of a creative choice in a piece and only critique when the other asks for an opinion. All art should be free of judgement. It comes from a higher place and I think we could do with a little less judgement and a lot more acceptance in this world. Any feedback we give each other comes from love. We are not here to bring one another down.