Categories: music, entertainment
The name is ShreeSen aka Shree Ujjwal (pronounced as Uj’Jol) Sen. He is from North Eastern region of India. He has been working for promotion of Rap and Hip Hip kind of music over a period of time. Some of his track already released with mixed response. A track “Shotto” from Album “Corrupted Somaj” was made available to SocioTime which is one of the best tracks of ShreeSen. Although he has got tremendous potential he has not got the success at his desired level due to lack of support and proper platform. SocioTime had got the opportunity to talk to him over skype and he talks exclusively to SocioTime about his passion and also about his future projects. SocioTime is taking the opportunity to promote the talent and spread his music amongst the audience.
Here is the interview that ShreeSen has given to SocioTime:
SocioTime : How would you describe your music/art/entertainment for the public audience if they have never seen you before?
ShreeSen: I speak about the burning issues of present world from my point of view. I talk about Injustice, corruption, politics, caste problem, fundamentalism, environmental issues and hate, but at the same time I also share my opinion that can help us to overcome this though love, unity and peace.
SocioTime : As a child growing up, music surrounds us; what type of music did you hear the most back then? How does is differ from what you listen to now?
ShreeSen: Being a member of a musical family, music was never an alien to me. From my childhood Tagore songs, nozrul songs, Rock’N Roll, Jazz, Rock and ofcourse Pop was all over at home. Heavily influenced by legendary artist like Bob Merely, Paul Robson, Michael Jackson and many more who have fought for a better tomorrow through MUSIC. It’s no more a medium of mere entertainment. Today, there are artist from every part of this world who has begun their journey with MUSIC for a revolution.
SocioTime : What made you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
ShreeSen:The necessity of bringing a change in the sytem, which have been mis-used, mis-guided by various agencies.
SocioTime : How did you become involved in the type of music you play/sing now?
ShreeSen:The birth of RAP Music happened for revolution. I could relate myself with this genre so well that it didn’t take a minute to take the final call.
SocioTime : If you had to describe your music in three or four words, what would you call it?
ShreeSen: The Rebellious Movement
SocioTime : Can you give some details about the group/act/art?
ShreeSen: I, ShreeSen, India's first Bangla RAP artist who took my music to the international market. Debut in the hip-hop world happened in 2004 with 1st single "Respect Yourself (Wake Up), and earned different reviews from musicians from all around the world. This led me being signed to few projects. The journey wasn’t smooth and easy. As a pioneer in Indian Rap scenario it was hard enough to get attention with a musical genre, which deals with a regional language. But with determination, dedication and will power things started showing response from the year 2009. In the year 2010, I focused my career on production and started working on collaboration with other artists, while occasionally contributing vocals to other artists' songs. I’m a one-man army, from writing lyrics to rapping to composing (demos) to working on cover designs (drafts). As a man of principles I always welcome people who have deep respect for music, and also for the human race. An active supporter of green peace movement, I’m a regular member with community services. Have performed in numerous clubs in almost all the most sought out clubs in Bengaluru and other parts of the country. Only Indian Rap artist to be invited in Asia’s biggest Hip Hop show at Bangladesh, Hip Hop Jaati2 to perform. Only Rap artist who received an award from CNN IBN for fighting against corruption through music. Dedicated a single exclusively meant for India Against Corruption movement.
SocioTime : What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)
ShreeSen:I believe in reality. No matter how hard or tough it is my main objective always remains the same. I raise my voice whenever there is a call or need for it. In a country like India, we just can’t run out of issues. But I try to send out an awareness message, where people can relate themselves and act accordingly to that. One world, one religion and that’s humanity. Lets fight for a better world TOGETHER.
SocioTime : How long have you been performing live or making art?
ShreeSen: I got myself involved into Rap music from the year 2004. Used to be a part time deejay during 2003-2005. I started performing live as a Rap artist from end of 2005. The journey is still going strong but due to my 2nd studio album, I’ve taken a short break from live performance.
SocioTime : What do you think your “biggest break” or “greatest opportunity” has been so far in your musical career?
ShreeSen:Representing India, and India’s Rap movement to Hip Hop Jaati2. A concert, which was held in Bangladesh last year(June 2011) and the news of it has been covered by all the leading media houses in India and Bangladesh.
SocioTime : Where did you meet your group and how long have you been together now?
ShreeSen:I’m a one-man army.
SocioTime : What are your immediate music career goals? (Next 1 to 3 years.)
ShreeSen: Currently working on my 2nd mixtape “New Life” scheduled for July 2012 release. Where everyone is going to see a new fresh look my music with lots of love, happiness and fun.
SocioTime : Thinking back to the very beginning of the band, how do your feel about your performance today and it is much different for you now than when you first started performing.
ShreeSen: Everyday I’m hustling…. Things have changed and still changing. I’ve grown up as an artist over the years. I can figure out where I’m going wrong and what all the areas I still need to work out. It’s a never-ending world of learning!
SocioTime : What do you think makes you and your type of music unique from other artists?
ShreeSen:I introduced Bangla Rap in Indian music in 2004. Unfortunately it was ignored till the year 2009!
SocioTime : As an artist, how would you define SUCCESS?
ShreeSen:I don’t dig for success. I consider myself as a social worker and my job is to bring out the best of me and add a value to the society.
SocioTime : If you had to think of a slogan that could leave a positive impact for everyone what would your slogan be?
ShreeSen: WAKE UP
SocioTime : Have you recorded any previous CD’s or posted any audio files on the Internet?
ShreeSen: I’ve got 1 mixtape (Bishakto 2006), 1 studio album (India’s 1st Bangla Rap album Corrupted SomaJ, 2011), numerous online releases.
SocioTime : If you have a current CD released, how long did the process take for you to do from start to finish?
ShreeSen: My 1st studio album took 4 years. Trying to get the 2nd studio album done in a lesser time with 100% better and never heard before materials (I can’t just make myself satisfied easily now a days).
SocioTime : Are there any other “behind the scene” secrets, tips, or additional information you would like to share with our readers?
ShreeSen:Few have shared, and more to come.... please link yourself up at facebook.com/wakeupproject2012 and facebook.com/shresenonline.com for all upcoming events and videos.
SocioTime : Can you share the site/ blog where people can listen/download your music
ShreeSen: Till my website rebelshreesen.com is up, one can visit and be a part of the movement at:
www.facebook.com/wakeupproject2012
www.facebook.com/shresenonline.com
www.Soundcloud.com/shreesen