Indian Electronica - Sneha Mistri

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Sneha Mistri

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Sneha Mistri

AiM: You have a strong image and musical style - who are your main influences?

SM: The main one has to be prince. I have seen him over 20 times in concert and at smaller gigs and his performance presence is second to none. I do get excited about current industry figures as well though, whether it's a stage performance by Britney, crazy costumes by Kylie, a vocal riff by Beyonce or a sweet melody from Alicia Keys!

AiM: You mention Prince, he frequently used sexual imagery to promote himself and his music. Is this something you would approve of?

SM: Of course image is very important in this game - I look a particular way and I make myself look the best that I can. With respect to clothing I've never intentionally made myself sexual - perhaps sensual, and there is a big difference. (Before choosing an outfit) I always ask myself - what would my mother say if she saw this? I think it would be much worse to dress in a way that suggested that I was someone that I am not. Most importantly I do think about the responsibility I have in portraying a strong, Asian British woman.

AiM: What do you think of the Asian music industry?

SM: The industry is hard and very challenging. I'm a hard worker and of course I'm ambitious so I treat every set back as a spur to move forwards. The Asian industry is quite small so you have to know all the key players. Everyone is in the same game and has to look out for themselves. Having said that, now that so many (Asian performers) are trying to break into the mainstream everyone is really rooting for each other because it can only open doors, at least that's the idea.

The fear is that could end up with the whole "ok we've filled our Asian quota - lets find something else!' shpeel. Equally I am a firm believer that real talent will always shine through in the end.

AiM: Do you think more established figures treat newcomers badly? Do others help or hinder?

SM: No one has treated me badly - at least not to my face! You cannot stop people making judgements about you so no point in worrying too much about it. Sometimes when the people are negative about you it's easy to get despondent and think 'come on - give me chance!' There are a lot of people out there with opinions who feel they have the right to make a judgment on a person they do not know or really care to get to know and sit at their PC's hating away...ho hum!

On the other hand, you do get the supporters who make you feel that it's all worth it. The messages of support are fantastic - they far out way the negative. There's even been support from within the industry and I'm getting recognised as an artist who is just getting on with it and working hard. Slowly but surely we're all finding ways of working together - whether that be through promoters or the media.

AiM: Give us the low down on your new single - what are you hoping to achieve with it?

SM: The new single is called "Intoxicating" written by myself, Marvee Wood and the producer Wayne "Tatz" Beckford. I'm releasing it as an official online download from the 8th November and it'll be available from my website: snehamistri.com

I've taken the step of using new technology to push it and hopefully we'll sell a few downloads which will be reflected in the official download chart. It's a risk but it means that at this moment I am in complete control.

I would love a distribution company or label to pick it up and get it in the shops. A lot has been done already in terms of the production of the song and video, which we've also finished. Heaven knows I know all about costs and risks - I just want someone to take that risk with me. Either way I will continue plugging away at the job I feel passionately about. So I can never really lose!

AiM: Is there an album on the way and when can we catch you on the live circuit?

SM: I'm starting with the single to get my sound out there and raise my profile. I'm working on new tracks all the time and I'd love an album out for next summer. I am always out there performing live - I think I have 5 planned for next week alone! Generally speaking they are mainly personal appearances at nightclubs across the country. But watch this space! There are plenty more coming up...anyone who registers on my site will get all the gig dates first.

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