Priya

At 22, Priya is coming into her own and stepping out as a versatile songstress and talented songwriter. The daughter of a Reverend, Priya traces her musical roots to the church where she sang contemporary gospel in the choir and discovered the passion for music that would guide her into adulthood. At 14, she began writing emotionally strong lyrics and teaching herself the piano as her way of coping with the news that her mother had been stricken with breast cancer. Though just a child, she was called upon to assume the role of a parent and pick up more responsibility around the house. Songwriting helped her deal with her anger -- anger at what had happened to her mother, anger at what had happened to herself, and anger at what had happened to her whole family as a result of her mother’s illness. Always the rebel, Priya sought to break out of the cultural path that her Indian heritage had predestined for her. A graduate of Mother Seton Regional High School in Clark, NJ, she enrolled in a Doctor of Pharmacy program at St. John’s University in Jamaica, NY. But her love of music prevailed and in her senior year, she decided to leave and follow her heart to pursue a career as a singer/songwriter. So turning her back on a lucrative career as a pharmacist and braving her parents’ initial disapproval, she struck out on her own to create her solo debut demo which she calls, “A Colorful Breakup.” Priya wrote every song on the five track demo from personal experiences, which she also co-produced with David Scott and Chris Sholar. Finding her own voice, Priya blends R&B with rock into a unique sound that is all her own. “A Colorful Breakup” showcases not only Priya’s voice, but also her own haunting lyrics. This album features her R&B hit single, “Trippin” which is already a hot number at major New York and Boston clubs. She also showcases her broad range with a sultry acoustic ballad, “Fallen,” and a southern-inspired Hip-Hop track, “Perfect Strangers.” These songs, and others on the demo, reflect her personal journey through a first love that lasted six years. Trusting in her talent, she studied voice with Julliard graduate and vocal coach Robert Pellacani for two years. In May 2006, she met and impressed producer Chris Sholar, who has worked with recording artists such as Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Stevie Wonder. Blown away by her determination and talent, he decided to work on the project with her; he oversaw and produced two tracks on her demo. Now with a college degree and a completed demo, she is determined to accomplish her goals of making music and inspiring other people to follow their dreams. Priya brings a palpable presence to the stage that radiates through the hearts of her fans. Join her on this journey of life and love as she shares her music with the world.