From NIT To IIM Indore To Becoming A Full-time Musician

Maersk, Mumbai, 2015. A heavy student loan looming over my head. So I had to chalk out a practical plan and not just throw the burden of my passion-libido on my parents. This was one of the more sensitive times in my life. A lot of college-people, friends whom I trusted to be with me in my path, to support me or just to be there for me - didn't do so. So there I was, alone, new city, new job, and a passion with no technical background. It was an apt time for me to turn bitter and destructive. But I tried to chose the only path I knew - old fashioned perseverance. I started with my humble YouTube channel uploading my cover songs/renditions. Started reaching out to people in the 'industry' only to be given pretentious lectures. I persisted. Rejected in reality shows by Bollywood biggies. I persisted. I found a few genuine friends on the journey. I also realized that kindness and empathy are such a rarity nowadays. I was doing pretty well in my job, irrespective of hardly being interested in it. Still, I persisted.

2017 was a turning point. I realized the clutter in the music scene i.e. too many singers in tier II and III, because of lack of originality. I realized all YouTubers are not necessarily proper musicians and I don't want to be in that spiral. I started taking guitar, vocal lessons and switched to planning originals. And after almost two years; collaborating with more than thirty artists; loads of sweat, love, and work  - I have recently come up with an original album "Project SWA". I feel so grateful to 'music' which not only served me as a getaway but it has taught me patience, kindness, and helped me become a more independent person.

For a boy who was not confident to decide his own future, taking control of his life and telling people to do the same, means a lot. Music has led me to a better phase. A more independent and musical phase. Thank you MUSIC.

If you are still reading this, thank you! I would really like you to check my music on youtube and all streaming platforms. Attaching a few links from my debut album - Project SWA. And do support independent music.

You can find my original work on YouTube and other streaming platforms by typing 'Anurag Mishra' or 'Project SWA' 

-Anurag