With her heartfelt blend of indie-pop and R&B, Indian-origin singer-songwriter Asmi Aderay is carving a space for herself on the global music scene. A Berklee College of Music graduate, she wears vulnerability like a strength. In a conversation with The Hitavada, she talks about honest songwriting, finding her voice, and how her roots continue to shape her music. Q: Your songs are deeply personal yet resonate with so many listeners. How do you transform your own emotions into music? Asmi: Songwriting has always been an intensely personal process for me. I never begin with the intention of creating something that will appeal to everyone. Most songs start with an emotion I can’t shake off—something unresolved or something I’ve been carrying for a long time. Music becomes my way of processing those feelings. I believe honesty is what makes a song connect. I don’t try to exaggerate emotions or make them sound more poetic than they are. If something feels uncertain, I let the song remain uncertain. I’ve realised that the more truthful I am about my own experiences, the easier it becomes for listeners to find pieces of themselves in my music.

 

Blending indie-pop with R&B has happened naturally because those genres allow me to express emotions in the most authentic way. Q: How did studying at Berklee College of Music shape you as an artist? Asmi: Berklee completely changed the way I saw myself. Before that, I often questioned whether I had a unique voice. Being surrounded by talented musicians pushed me to take my craft seriously. Working with mentors like Debo Ray taught me that artistry isn’t just about technique—it’s about having a vision and trusting your authenticity. Berklee also gave me the confidence to trust my instincts. Constantly creating, collaborating and performing helped me become more comfortable with being seen and heard. Q: As an Indian-origin artist building a global career, how do your roots influence music? Asmi: My Indian heritage is always present, even if it’s not obvious in every song. It influences the way I view emotions, relationships and storytelling. At the same time, studying in Boston and building my career in Los Angeles has exposed me to diverse musical styles, allowing me to experiment freely.