Tanya Nambiar is the vocalist of Gravy Train, an alternative band from Delhi. She left her comfortable corporate job for music. Here is a glimpse of her story-
Tell us more about you
I am 27 years old based in New Delhi. Apart from being a singer I am also an anchor and a karaoke jockey. I have made the microphone my life. Everything I do now revolves around it. In my childhood the first ever fancy dress competition I participated in, I was dressed up as Madonna. I am influenced by a lot of genres of music. I am addicted to my workouts and dumbbells. My dog is the apple of my eye. I am blessed to have a supportive family.
From a corporate job to music, how did they transition happen? Was it easy?
My story raises eyebrows. You left your job for music???? "Jaws drop", especially when the aunties and uncles learn about it. It hasn’t been easy. I always wanted to be independent and hence started working in my college days while I was completing my graduation from Gargi College. I started working in my second year and then it just continued. It was nice to earn a lot of money, I was doing well but I felt restricted. This wasn’t me. But I’m glad I worked all those years and then quit to pursue my passion for music. I knew I eventually would want to get into the entertainment industry so I wanted to be practical. Earn a lot of money and then quit and follow my passion because I needed money to survive and music would not start paying me instantly. It was the smartest move, I feel. And the journey from that point has been great. There have been ups and downs but I am now doing what I love. I can give hours to it and I am my own boss. :)
My mom always says, “do what you love and give it your all, money shall automatically follow.” My family is super supportive. My younger brother is into as well. He was in it before me. He really gave me that encouragement to get into it.
What are you doing when not playing music?
As I said I have made the microphone my life. When I am not singing, I anchor shows. I also host karaoke nights something I have been doing for the past 4 years. In 2012 I was awarded the Best Karaoke Host at the Provogue nightlife awards. I also do voiceovers .Along with my brother and another partner, we have started a company called, “The Sound Shop” that does voiceovers and music production for documentaries, jingles, audio books and more. So, it has been a conscious effort to make some money by doing everything I love. It never gets boring! :)
What inspires you the most?
Life is too short. I don't want to waste my time doing something I have no interest in. I want people to know who I am. I want to be known for my music. It is such an encouragement when people tell me "Oh I love this song of yours, I hear it all the time". I want my music to be playing all over. I know this road I have chosen is going t be full of hurdles. I rather cut and bruise and emerge a winner than lead a dull life.
Message to all SHEROES out there.
You have to be a go-getter in today's world. Be a hard worker but also a smart worker. It is a mean world out there, so get ready to fight it out. I know so many people stuck in doing something they do not enjoy, but find a way to do what you love. Trust me you don’t want to look back at life and regret that you never tried your hand at that. Find the SHERO in you and let her shine.