In the city of budding musicians trying to make their mark, attracting the right audience does seem like a task. Sowmya Raghavan and Milan Mandalia of Mi and Soul are already generating quite a buzz with their peppy pop-rock tunes with a mix of some classic Disney tunes! In a candid chat with us, the duo let us in on their choices, struggles, influences, and more…
Brought up in a tam-bram household, music came naturally to Soumya. “I have been singing for a long time. I think it’s in our pedigree – some way or the other, most South Indians have been exposed to classical music,” reveals the singer who also doubles as a corporate employee who runs her own company! And while music was ingrained in Sowmya, it was a whole different story for Milan.
“Like any other typical Gujarati family, once college was done I got straight into the family business with my father. Since I have a creative streak, I got bored eventually and really wanted to pursue a career in music,” reveals the bass guitarist. “Initially, my dad was a little worried because it was a whole new field for us, but once they realised I was serious, my family supported me,” says Milan. Sowmya on the other hand, didn’t have it so easy! “My parents weren’t too happy when I told them I wanted to pursue music too, but now it seems like they have given up trying to pursue me otherwise. They don’t have a choice now,” quips the 30-year-old, laughing.
The duo, who met through a mutual friend come from vastly different backgrounds which seems to be doing them good! “Disney was a huge influence on Sowmya’s life since she grew up watching it. But I wasn’t exposed to those films as a kid and only began watching them once I grew up. In fact, Sowmya has introduced me to most of the fun movies, which songs we perform,” admits the 28-year-old. “I wanted to perform Disney and 80’s pop music because it has had such a large influence on most of our lives! When people listen to the soundtracks from Snow White and The Lion King, they become nostalgic. And everybody performs tunes by the Beatles, it’s a nice way for us to stand apart,” adds the singer chirpily
