“Music Transcends Everything”: Shibani Kashyap On Taking Indian Sound Global

Shibani Kashyap is expanding her global footprint as a singer, composer, and live performer, blending music with cultural and social impact.

From performing at the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 to representing India at international showcases in New Zealand and Uzbekistan, her journey reflects a growing cross-cultural presence.

Alongside her music, she remains active in advocacy and cultural initiatives, positioning herself as both an artist and a global ambassador of Indian music.

In this exclusive interview with Loudest.in, she reflects on her journey, opens up about her latest collaboration, and shares what lies ahead.

Here are edited excerpts:

Shibani, how would you describe your journey in the music industry so far?

It’s been a fascinating journey,almost like reading a book where every chapter unfolds something new. I’ve lived through the transition from cassette tapes and CDs to the digital boom, and now the AI era. I’ve not just witnessed change, I’ve actively been part of it. From early virtual concerts in 2010 to performing on the metaverse, it has felt like constantly stepping into the future. But through it all, the essence of live, organic music has remained irreplaceable for me.

You’ve experimented with AI in your recent work. How do you view its role in music today?

AI is a powerful tool,it can enhance creativity, offer suggestions, and speed up processes. But it should remain an assistant, not the foundation. Music is deeply human. The imperfections, the emotions, the rawness,those can’t be replicated. I do use AI, but I always build on it with my own creativity. That’s where the soul lies.

Tell us about your recent Women’s Day release and its response.

The song was very close to my heart,it carried a strong message of women’s empowerment. We experimented visually as well, using AI-generated environments while keeping my performance real. The response was organic and encouraging, especially after it was supported and shared by influential voices. Performing it live in Mumbai on Women’s Day was a special moment,it connected beautifully with audiences both online and offline.

You recently performed at a major AI summit. What was that experience like?

It was electrifying. The energy was all about innovation and new narratives. I performed at the launch of an AI creators platform, which felt like being part of something futuristic. But even in that tech-heavy environment, my core belief remained the same,technology can amplify music, but it can’t replace human emotion.

Having performed globally, how has that shaped your understanding of music as a universal language?

Performing across cultures has reinforced one thing,music transcends everything. Language, geography, culture,none of it matters when people connect with a melody. Whether it was Las Vegas, New Zealand, or Vietnam, audiences sang along to Indian songs word for word. It’s a beautiful reminder that music is truly universal.

Do you think independent artists face more challenges compared to those in Bollywood?

There is a difference, no doubt. Bollywood has the scale and amplification power. But today, independent artists have access to tools and platforms that allow them to grow and be seen. If your music is strong, it will find its audience. The ecosystem is more democratic now than ever before.

How do you balance commercial success with meaningful, message-driven music?

Both are important. Commercial music sustains you, but meaningful music defines you. I believe artists have a responsibility to give back,to use their voice for something larger than themselves. Music can inspire change, spread awareness, and bring people together.

Do you think artists today should take a stand beyond their music?

Absolutely. Artists are influential voices. People listen, follow, and believe in them. It’s important to step beyond personal success and contribute to society. Whether it’s social causes or awareness, music can be a powerful medium for impact.

With India’s concert economy booming, what’s your perspective on live performances today?

It’s an incredible time for live music in India. The scale, the audiences, the infrastructure,it’s all growing rapidly. Live concerts allow artists to connect directly with audiences across cities and cultures. It’s where music truly comes alive.

How do you approach live performances,are they planned or spontaneous?

A bit of both. I prepare my setlist, but the real magic happens on stage. The energy is driven by the audience. I feed off their vibe and adapt in the moment. I love engaging with them, sharing stories behind songs,it makes the experience more intimate and memorable.

How has Indian pop evolved from the indie era to today’s streaming age?

It has transformed massively. From the MTV and Channel V era to today’s DIY digital landscape, the industry has become more accessible. While indie pop once dipped, it’s now resurging strongly thanks to streaming platforms and social media. Artists today have more control than ever.

What’s one hard truth aspiring artists should know?

Focus on the journey, not just the outcome. The process of creating, releasing, and sharing music should bring joy. If you’re only chasing results,views, hits,you’ll lose the essence. Passion has to come first.

How important is understanding the business side of music today?

It’s crucial. From publishing to copyright to marketing,artists need to be aware of the ecosystem. I am with IPRS.You can’t do it alone; collaborations and partnerships are essential. At the same time, building your own identity and platform is equally important.

What’s a common misconception about you that you’d like to break?

Perhaps that I only create and perform my own compositions. I would love to collaborate more as a singer with different composers. Exploring diverse musical voices helps you grow as an artist.

Looking ahead, what kind of legacy do you want to build?

I want to keep evolving. I’m exploring genres like hip-hop and R&B, collaborating with young artists, and creating music that resonates with the next generation. At the same time, I’m also working on a spiritual music label. For me, legacy is about staying relevant while staying true.

Finally, what’s next for you?

There’s a lot in the pipeline,new music, collaborations, and a planned national tour blending Sufi, jazz, and qawwali. I’m also working on launching my spiritual music channel. It’s an exciting phase, and I’m looking forward to sharing it all with my audience.