HW: When did you realize you could use music for social change and to bring social awareness or was that always how you viewed music? HITHA: I always knew music was important from when I was young, but I didn’t know just how influential it was. When I was little, I used music to express my emotions. Singing Indian Classical music allowed me to add feelings to a song even if I didn’t completely understand what the song was saying. As I learned more about music, I made more and more discoveries like this. I was only 11 years old when I realized that music could change the world. Like the Beatles, I wanted to unite everybody around me through music. I understood that music comes from every part of the world and that someone did not need to understand the words to understand the music and emotions. Adding feelings to a song and writing valuable lyrics can pierce anybody’s heart. Everyone loves music, so you can really spread a positive message through it. HW: Who were the singers who inspired you to want to pursue a career in music? HITHA: To be honest, when I first started making my own music, I did not have any inspirations. There was the occasional song that motivated me, but there was not one artist who I wanted to be like. Now I understand why. Every music artist has their own story on how they reached their goal, but as an American with an Indian origin, I didn’t identify with any of the popular singers. But when I first started singing at the ripe age of 4, I wanted to be just like my grandma, who introduced me to the art. HW: Are there musical instruments that you play now or would like to learn to play? HITHA: I am learning how to play the piano. I’m not too shabby if I do say so myself. HW: Do you enjoy writing your own songs or singing songs written by others that embody your message? HITHA: I love writing my own songs and singing songs written by others. I write my own songs when there is something I want to say. I like thinking about how I could inspire people. Even if it is just one person who benefits from the words and music I create, I would be happy. I like singing songs written by other people when I want to learn. Everybody makes music differently and being able to learn from others is a skill that is very useful. HW: Have you ever wanted to create music based on existing lyrics? HITHA: Yes! I like listening to older songs and thinking about how it could be remade into something that people would want to listen to today. There were great quality songs that should not disappear. Music comes back in the same way fashion trends do. 6 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
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HW: Were you ever bullied in school and how did you handle it? HITHA: I was bullied in school. In 7th grade, I was cyberbullied by people I considered my best friends. I will be completely honest. I was miserable, but I was able to channel those emotions into my songwriting. It was a way and still is a way I get rid of pent up emotions and stress. And as for my friends, I moved on. Every relationship should be cherished while it lasts, but afterward, you need to let it go. HW: Was it easy for you to find kindred spirits in school or did you feel like an outsider? HITHA: Luckily, at my school, everybody is an overachiever. I fit right in. There are many people who love music like me. Last year, I was in my school choir. Thankfully, I do not feel like an outsider anymore.
