Sruthi VJ on the journey to her EP Better Love

Singer-songwriter Sruthi VJ talks about her EP Better Love and its making

“I’m one of the crazies who quit the corporate world and jumped back to my artistic side during the pandemic,” says Sruthi Vijayachandran, better known as Sruthi VJ. The singer songwriter who shuttles between Bengaluru and California recently released her debut EP, Better Love.

During a three-way call with Sruthi in California and her producer Richard Andrew Dudley in Bengaluru, she talks about her journey of the past four years.

“Richard and I began collaborating during the pandemic, doing a series of mash-ups and covers. He had a lot more time as there were no live gigs at the time and we were able to get some music out, which was quite well received,” she says, adding, “Soon enough, Richard was encouraging me to write and compose my own material.”

“The interest to write songs was always there as I always had an interest in poetry and limericks. This was a way to do it in a focused, more professional manner.”

“My parents realised quite early that I had a inclination for music, so I began in Carnatic lessons at the age of five, that was my foundation. Later on, while studying in Christian institutions, I was part of the choir. Participating in musicals and singing acapellas helped me hone my skills in Western music too,” says the former Mount Carmel College student.

With such a base for her music and lyrics, Sruthi branched off in different directions, not confining herself to one style or genre. “I’ve utilised what I know to apply myself in different styles and in Better Love, the songs are about how different relationships have an impact on one’s personal growth and identity.”

“Right from the nurturing comfort of home to the bitter-sweetness of growing up and meeting other people along the way — the songs trace that journey and while no two of them are alike, the common thread is that journey of growth and evolution.”