Today we’d like to introduce you to Rythum Shastri
Rythum, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up in a musical family, I was immersed in the world of music from a young age, listening to my father, a renowned Sufi singer. Watching live performers on stage inspired me to pursue my dream of becoming a performer. It wasn’t until high school that I realized music’s profound impact beyond entertainment—it can heal and bring peace to the world. This revelation led me to formally train in Indian Classical Vocal, knowing that true greatness on stage required more than just technical skill.
Performing on stage became my greatest teacher, and throughout my career, I had the privilege of singing alongside legendary Indian artists. These experiences enriched my own performances, which audiences greatly appreciated. My musical journey took me to cities like New York, Edison, Atlantic City, Boston, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Nashville, with Los Angeles as my home base. In every city, not only South Asian communities but also American audiences embraced Indian music.
In September 2023, I co-founded The Garba Social, an organization dedicated to promoting Indian culture in the USA. Our inaugural event attracted over 1,500 people to celebrate Navratri, a testament to the community’s enthusiasm. This event earned recognition from dignitaries including Congresswoman Michelle Steel, Sharon Quirk-Silva from the California State Assembly, and the Mayor of Artesia City.
I graduated from the renowned Musicians Institute in Hollywood as an Audio Engineer. My curiosity about the technical aspects of audio in both live performances and studio recordings led me to explore the field. I embarked on my audio journey at MI, Hollywood, eager to understand how professional audio engineers work. Currently, I have the privilege of working with award-winning indie bands and production companies, operating as an Audio Engineer at live gigs.
I also began writing my own songs, which are yet to be released—some surprises are on the way with God’s grace. Writing my songs has allowed me to express my emotions through words and music. I believe it’s easier to reach people’s hearts when a song comes from personal emotions and experiences.
My mission is to share the joy of music and the transformative experience of live performance. Recently, I performed at a Sufi Music Night in Hollywood alongside Indian Idol finalist Navdeep Wadali, paying tribute to legendary Sufi singers like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. My journey continues with the aim of spreading good music and making a positive impact on people’s lives.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Every artist’s journey involves struggles, and mine has been no different. Music has demanded immense patience from me, teaching me that becoming what we aspire to be requires significant time and effort. When the pandemic hit, it was a challenging period for many, including myself, as I aspired to become a full-time musician. Despite the difficulties, I remained steadfast, continually working to improve my vocal range and texture, and seeking out opportunities to advance my career. This patience and perseverance have been crucial, and I firmly believe that whatever is best in me today is a result of those constant efforts to better myself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a singer, songwriter, performer, and audio engineer. Currently, I work as a freelance audio engineer with various production companies on the West Coast. I also lead a band under my name, Rythum Shastri Live, performing at community events, weddings, corporate shows, and more. I’m known for designing creative shows for Indian communities in the USA, providing them with the best entertainment experience possible. My ability to captivate audiences with my dynamic voice and energetic performances has earned me recognition and accolades, including felicitations from Congresswoman Michelle Steel, Mayor of Artesia City Tony Lima, and Sharon Quirk-Silva from the California State Assembly, for which I am most proud.
I believe that my unique concept-based live concerts offer more than just entertainment; they aim to provide soulful music performances that set me apart from other singers. In my concerts, audiences experience a range of emotions—laughter, tears, dancing, and joy—covering every element of the human experience through the power of music. Having a strong knowledge in Pro Audio makes me the best artist to have in your event who can be more than just a singer.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see myself working with esteemed record labels in both the USA and India, including T-Series and Universal Music Group. My first single has been approved by a prominent music label (name to be announced soon), and the music video, shot in Los Angeles, is set for release in the next two months on a major platform.
My journey in live music is also poised to take a significant step forward as we collaborate with larger communities across the USA to perform at major venues nationwide. Additionally, we are developing a unique fusion of Techno Music and Indian Classical Music, which we believe will attract a lot of attention due to its distinctive and innovative sound.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rythumshastri.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rythum_shastri/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rythum.shastri?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rythumshastri1963
