Shriya Rehi
Shriya Rehi is a 23-year-old singer-songwriter and live performer from Jaipur, known for seamlessly blending Hindustani classical roots with contemporary Western styles.
The Biography
Shriya Rehi is a phenomenal 23-year-old vocalist, songwriter, and performing artist who represents the absolute perfect fusion of ancient tradition and contemporary pop music. Deeply rooted in a highly musical family, she underwent rigorous Hindustani classical training from a very young age before boldly expanding her horizons into Western pop, jazz, and rock styles.
Her dedication to mastering both hemispheres of vocal technique is evident in her prestigious certifications. Shriya holds advanced grades in Western Classical and Rock Pop singing from Trinity College London and Rock School London. This rare dual-hemisphere training allows her to execute complex, microtonal classical ragas and powerhouse, chest-voice pop belting with equal finesse—often in the exact same song.
Despite her young age, Shriya has already graced some of the most prestigious stages in Rajasthan. She is a highly sought-after performer for high-end corporate galas and luxury weddings, having delivered breathtaking performances at the Rambagh Palace, The Leela Palace, Maharana Pratap Auditorium, and Jawahar Kala Kendra.
At 12NOTEZ, Shriya operates as an elite session vocalist and live performer. Her unparalleled vocal agility and deep understanding of both Indian and Western music theory make her an incredibly versatile artist. When producers need a vocalist who can sing a perfect English pop hook and follow it up with a soul-stirring Indian classical aalap, Shriya is the only call they make.
Beyond her technical capabilities, Shriya is a gifted songwriter. She is currently working on her debut EP, writing lyrics that explore themes of identity, young adulthood, and the beautiful clash of Eastern and Western cultures.
Musical Journey
Shriya’s journey began practically at birth. Surrounded by the sounds of riyaz (classical practice) in her home, she learned to match pitch before she could form complete sentences. Her early years were strictly focused on mastering classical raags, teaching her immense breath control and discipline.
During her teenage years, she discovered Western artists like Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Whitney Houston. Fascinated by their powerful chest belting and emotive delivery, she began her formal Western training with Trinity College London. The challenge of unlearning certain classical habits to embrace pop techniques shaped her into an incredibly adaptable vocalist.
Her transition from a student of music to a professional performer happened rapidly as she began winning local competitions and landing luxury gig contracts. Joining 12NOTEZ has allowed her to step into the recording studio, translating her massive live vocals into pristine studio tracks.
In-Depth Q&A
Q: How do you blend Indian classical with Western pop?
A: It's about understanding the scales and the emotional intent behind them. I often use classical Indian vocal ornamentations over standard Western pop chord progressions. The key is subtlety—it creates a sound that is globally accessible but deeply Indian at heart.
Q: How did your Trinity College training shape your voice?
A: It taught me immense vocal discipline. Hindustani classical gave me my soul and agility, but the Western training taught me breath control, projection, and most importantly, how to safely belt massive pop notes without damaging my vocal cords.
Q: What is your favorite venue you have performed at?
A: Performing at the Rambagh Palace was magical. The stunning architecture and natural acoustics of the heritage venue, combined with the regal atmosphere, made the music feel incredibly grand and timeless.
Q: What is the biggest challenge when singing fusion?
A: Pitching. Western music uses the standard 12-tone equal temperament scale. Indian classical uses microtones (shrutis) that fall between those piano keys. Finding the exact right moment to bend a note 'out of tune' by Western standards to create a classical feel is a delicate balancing act.
Q: How do you prepare for a 3-hour live gig?
A: Hydration starts 24 hours before the gig, not 10 minutes before. I do strict classical scales to warm up my head voice, followed by lip trills to engage my diaphragm. During the gig, I pace my setlist so I'm not singing 10 powerhouse anthems back-to-back.
Q: What advice would you give to young girls wanting to sing?
A: Don't try to sound like someone else. It's great to have idols, but your unique tone is your biggest asset. Also, learn basic piano or guitar—understanding the music behind your voice makes you an artist, not just a singer.
Q: What is the difference between recording and performing live for you?
A: Live performance is a physical exchange of energy with the audience; minor mistakes are forgiven if the energy is right. Recording is an exercise in perfection and intimacy; the microphone hears every single emotion you are feeling.
Q: What makes working at 12NOTEZ special?
A: The producers here actually understand both classical and Western music. I don't have to 'dumb down' my classical ideas to fit their beats; they build the beats around my ideas.
Expertise
Hindustani-Western Fusion
Shriya is a pioneer in classical crossover. She seamlessly integrates complex Indian vocal ornamentations (murkis, khatkas) over standard Western pop and jazz chord progressions, creating a globally accessible yet deeply Indian sound.
High-End Corporate Events
She specializes in luxury entertainment. Her sets are elegantly curated, transitioning from soft acoustic jazz during dinners to high-energy pop anthems to get the crowd dancing.
Studio Session Singing
Shriya is incredibly efficient in the studio. Her deep understanding of music theory allows her to sight-read sheet music and instantly map out complex vocal harmonies, saving producers hours of trial and error.
Powerhouse Pop Belting
Thanks to her rigorous Rock School London training, Shriya has developed the technique required to belt massive, high-register pop choruses safely, without risking vocal damage.
Studio & Live Gear
Live Microphones
"The Neumann KMS 105 is a studio-grade condenser microphone built for the live stage. It captures the extreme nuance and delicate high-end of her classical runs. For louder, full-band rock sets, she switches to the feedback-resistant Sennheiser e945."
Studio Microphones
"In the studio, she favors the Aston Spirit for its incredibly smooth top-end, which perfectly complements her bright, piercing vocal tone without sounding harsh or sibilant."
In-Ear Monitoring
"Perfect pitch is non-negotiable for classical fusion. Shriya uses custom-molded in-ear monitors to block out stage noise and hear her exact pitch, allowing her to execute microtonal Indian classical runs flawlessly over loud bands."
Notable Work
- East Meets West (Live at Jawahar Kala Kendra) 2023Lead Vocalist
- Heritage Palace Sessions 2024Solo Performer
- The 12NOTEZ Anthem 2023Vocal Arranger
