Ridi Oswal, a vibrant presence in the world of Indo-European pop music, stands as a testament to the power of cultural fusion and musical innovation. Born of Indian heritage and raised amidst the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland, Ridi's music is a captivating blend of her rich cultural background and modern pop sensibilities.
Ridi's music has not only captivated listeners but has also garnered critical acclaim. Her songs have been featured on major platforms such as the BBC Asian Network and in prestigious publications, including Rolling Stone and VICE. Her global appeal is further evidenced by her tracks trending on Apple Music and Spotify charts and her engaging social media presence, especially on platforms like Instagram, where she connects with a vast Gen Z audience.
Ridi's activism extends beyond the realm of music. As a co-founder of the "Stop the B" campaign against social bullying, she leverages her influence to champion positive change. This initiative has garnered international support and recognition, including celebrity endorsements and an invitation for Ridi to speak at a UNESCO global forum. We spoke to Ridi to find out about her story so far.
Tell us something about yourself, your growing years, and your schooling.
Hey there, I'm Ridi, and I'm all about blending my Indian roots with Western influences to create indie pop music that speaks to a global audience. I might only be 19, but trust me, my social skills can make me seem 15 at times! I've been tinkering with music since I was a kid, starting around age 8, but it wasn't until I hit 14 that I decided to dive into it professionally.
My musical journey is all about bridging cultures and crafting tunes that resonate with people on a deeper level. Growing up wasn't always easy – I faced my fair share of challenges, from being bullied in high school for my Indian heritage to enduring stereotypes about my food choices and cultural background. My identity became a joke to some. But in the midst of it all, music was my steadfast companion. It was my lifeline, my way of finding connection and meaning in a sometimes chaotic world. And you know what? I want to share that sense of connection with others through my music, to be that comforting voice in someone else's storm.
But hey, music isn't my only passion. I'm also pursuing a degree in chemical engineering in London – I know, quite the shift from the music scene! But education has always been a big part of my life, just like music. Science and studying have a way of grounding me, providing balance amidst the whirlwind of creativity. So yeah, you could say I'm juggling quite a few hats, but hey, isn't that what makes life interesting?
Starting your music career at a young age, do you think you get more time to build your craft and get hold of your journey better?
Jumping into music so young? It's been a rollercoaster, honestly. It's given me a ton of time to play around, figure out what works and what doesn't, and get to know my sound. Growing up in the music biz means I'm always learning and changing, and that's been super cool for my music too. It lets me take risks and mess up here and there, but always with the goal of getting better and staying true to myself. For a while I didn’t quite understand what suited me, I had to play around with sounds and trash many songs, because they just didn’t feel ‘right’. But I truly believe that at any age, you’re always still figuring yourself out, discovering different parts of yourself.
Tell us about your music - what is the inspiration, how do you work?
My music is a reflection of my journey – a blend of personal experiences, cultural influences, and creative expression. Inspiration can strike anywhere, whether it's a fleeting emotion, a poignant moment, or a melody that simply won't leave my mind. When it comes to songwriting, I believe in letting the process flow organically. Sometimes, it starts with a lyric or a melody, while other times, it's a story waiting to be told. I find solace in my voice memos, where I store countless ideas and fragments of songs, ready to be revisited and refined. Collaboration is also key; working with talented musicians and producers allows me to explore new sounds and perspectives, enriching the creative process.
Seeing my music connect with people worldwide fills me with pride. "Top Guy," my debut track, made waves back in 2021, sparking important conversations about social issues. And then there's "Happier" and "Aaja Baby" – both hold a special place in my heart. I love how they blend Indian vibes with modern themes. And my latest release, "Guilty Feet"? It's been taking India by storm! At the end of the day, my goal is simple – to create music that resonates with others, evoking emotions, sparking conversations, and leaving a lasting impact on the hearts of listeners.
Ridi's activism extends beyond the realm of music. As a co-founder of the "Stop the B" campaign against social bullying, she leverages her influence to champion positive change. This initiative has garnered international support and recognition, including celebrity endorsements and an invitation for Ridi to speak at a UNESCO global forum. We spoke to Ridi to find out about her story so far.
Tell us something about yourself, your growing years, and your schooling.
Hey there, I'm Ridi, and I'm all about blending my Indian roots with Western influences to create indie pop music that speaks to a global audience. I might only be 19, but trust me, my social skills can make me seem 15 at times! I've been tinkering with music since I was a kid, starting around age 8, but it wasn't until I hit 14 that I decided to dive into it professionally.
My musical journey is all about bridging cultures and crafting tunes that resonate with people on a deeper level. Growing up wasn't always easy – I faced my fair share of challenges, from being bullied in high school for my Indian heritage to enduring stereotypes about my food choices and cultural background. My identity became a joke to some. But in the midst of it all, music was my steadfast companion. It was my lifeline, my way of finding connection and meaning in a sometimes chaotic world. And you know what? I want to share that sense of connection with others through my music, to be that comforting voice in someone else's storm.
But hey, music isn't my only passion. I'm also pursuing a degree in chemical engineering in London – I know, quite the shift from the music scene! But education has always been a big part of my life, just like music. Science and studying have a way of grounding me, providing balance amidst the whirlwind of creativity. So yeah, you could say I'm juggling quite a few hats, but hey, isn't that what makes life interesting?
Starting your music career at a young age, do you think you get more time to build your craft and get hold of your journey better?
Jumping into music so young? It's been a rollercoaster, honestly. It's given me a ton of time to play around, figure out what works and what doesn't, and get to know my sound. Growing up in the music biz means I'm always learning and changing, and that's been super cool for my music too. It lets me take risks and mess up here and there, but always with the goal of getting better and staying true to myself. For a while I didn’t quite understand what suited me, I had to play around with sounds and trash many songs, because they just didn’t feel ‘right’. But I truly believe that at any age, you’re always still figuring yourself out, discovering different parts of yourself.
Tell us about your music - what is the inspiration, how do you work?
My music is a reflection of my journey – a blend of personal experiences, cultural influences, and creative expression. Inspiration can strike anywhere, whether it's a fleeting emotion, a poignant moment, or a melody that simply won't leave my mind. When it comes to songwriting, I believe in letting the process flow organically. Sometimes, it starts with a lyric or a melody, while other times, it's a story waiting to be told. I find solace in my voice memos, where I store countless ideas and fragments of songs, ready to be revisited and refined. Collaboration is also key; working with talented musicians and producers allows me to explore new sounds and perspectives, enriching the creative process.
Seeing my music connect with people worldwide fills me with pride. "Top Guy," my debut track, made waves back in 2021, sparking important conversations about social issues. And then there's "Happier" and "Aaja Baby" – both hold a special place in my heart. I love how they blend Indian vibes with modern themes. And my latest release, "Guilty Feet"? It's been taking India by storm! At the end of the day, my goal is simple – to create music that resonates with others, evoking emotions, sparking conversations, and leaving a lasting impact on the hearts of listeners.
Your music is described as blending global and desi influences. Can you tell us more about how your cultural background influences your music?
My music's all about mixing it up, bringing together the vibes from my Indian background with all the other sounds I love. It's kinda like having a foot in two different worlds and making them fit together. I've been lucky to grow up appreciating all kinds of music, and now I get to create tunes that hopefully make others feel like they're part of this big, global family, too. It's about sharing stories that anyone, anywhere, can get into, making something new but also familiar. Growing up amidst bullying, I endured school changes. This adversity fuelled my music and led to my co-founding Stop the B, an anti-bullying initiative with my sister. Through music and activism, I intend to empower others to stand against discrimination, fostering unity and understanding.
How do you approach songwriting? Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset?
Writing songs for me is super personal. It usually starts with something I gotta get off my chest or a story that's just begging to be told. But there is no set ritual at all the more I push it the more mechanical it sounds. The best songs I truly believe come out when you’re not trying. Being in the correct mind frame is of course a must, but that’s with anything. The one place I think I truly store all my ideas is my voice memos, I have over 5000 voice memos, haha, and probably gonna increase dramatically this year! The worst fear for any songwriter is forgetting what they made, and having to keep thinking about it, so voice memos are your best friend.
How important is visual aesthetics to you as an artist?
How my music looks is just as key as how it sounds. It's gotta tell the same story. Whether it's a music video, the cover art, or what you see at a show, I want it to feel like you're stepping into my world. Every bit of it is put together to make the music pop off the screen or stage, adding another layer to the story I'm telling.
Are there any specific artists or musicians who have influenced your style and sound?
I've been inspired by so many incredible artists. Legends like A.R. Rahman, who's a master at blending different musical worlds, and powerhouses like Beyoncé, who just owns every note she sings. They've shown me it's all about being fearless in your creativity and connecting with folks through your art. It's about pushing the envelope, staying true to your roots, and hopefully, inspiring others along the way. But honestly, it's hard to pinpoint just a couple of artists, we are surrounded by music every day, and so all songs influence us in some way or another, whether it be a song at a café or something playing on the radio, it always leaves an imprint on you, so I can’t pinpoint anyone!
Tell us about the Stop The B campaign.
Stop The B is not just an initiative; it's a movement close to my heart. Co-founded with my sister, Stop The B aims to combat bullying and promote inclusivity in schools and communities. Having personally experienced the pain of bullying during my school years, I knew I had to do something to make a difference. Stop The B strives to empower individuals to stand up against discrimination through music and activism, fostering a culture of kindness and acceptance. Together, we're spreading awareness, providing support, and inspiring change, one step at a time.
Your music is described as blending global and desi influences. Can you tell us more about how your cultural background influences your music?
My music's all about mixing it up, bringing together the vibes from my Indian background with all the other sounds I love. It's kinda like having a foot in two different worlds and making them fit together. I've been lucky to grow up appreciating all kinds of music, and now I get to create tunes that hopefully make others feel like they're part of this big, global family, too. It's about sharing stories that anyone, anywhere, can get into, making something new but also familiar. Growing up amidst bullying, I endured school changes. This adversity fuelled my music and led to my co-founding Stop the B, an anti-bullying initiative with my sister. Through music and activism, I intend to empower others to stand against discrimination, fostering unity and understanding.
How do you approach songwriting? Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset?
Writing songs for me is super personal. It usually starts with something I gotta get off my chest or a story that's just begging to be told. But there is no set ritual at all the more I push it the more mechanical it sounds. The best songs I truly believe come out when you’re not trying. Being in the correct mind frame is of course a must, but that’s with anything. The one place I think I truly store all my ideas is my voice memos, I have over 5000 voice memos, haha, and probably gonna increase dramatically this year! The worst fear for any songwriter is forgetting what they made, and having to keep thinking about it, so voice memos are your best friend.
How important is visual aesthetics to you as an artist?
How my music looks is just as key as how it sounds. It's gotta tell the same story. Whether it's a music video, the cover art, or what you see at a show, I want it to feel like you're stepping into my world. Every bit of it is put together to make the music pop off the screen or stage, adding another layer to the story I'm telling.
Are there any specific artists or musicians who have influenced your style and sound?
I've been inspired by so many incredible artists. Legends like A.R. Rahman, who's a master at blending different musical worlds, and powerhouses like Beyoncé, who just owns every note she sings. They've shown me it's all about being fearless in your creativity and connecting with folks through your art. It's about pushing the envelope, staying true to your roots, and hopefully, inspiring others along the way. But honestly, it's hard to pinpoint just a couple of artists, we are surrounded by music every day, and so all songs influence us in some way or another, whether it be a song at a café or something playing on the radio, it always leaves an imprint on you, so I can’t pinpoint anyone!
Tell us about the Stop The B campaign.
Stop The B is not just an initiative; it's a movement close to my heart. Co-founded with my sister, Stop The B aims to combat bullying and promote inclusivity in schools and communities. Having personally experienced the pain of bullying during my school years, I knew I had to do something to make a difference. Stop The B strives to empower individuals to stand up against discrimination through music and activism, fostering a culture of kindness and acceptance. Together, we're spreading awareness, providing support, and inspiring change, one step at a time.
