In an exclusive conversation with The Pioneer, singer-songwriters Abir and Shreya Jain opened up about their journeys in the indie music scene, the creative process behind their latest song Jaane Jaana and the evolving landscape of independent music
Tejal Sinha
From growing up in Nagpur with Hindustani classical influences to carving her niche in the independent music scene, singer-songwriter Shreya Jain has been on an inspiring journey. With songs like Daayere, Kinare and Yaar Mila Ve, she has created a signature sound that merges deep emotions with contemporary music. Her latest release, Jaane Jaana, a heartfelt collaboration with Abir, captures the essence of heartbreak and self-growth. Her musical foundation was built at home, where she learned Hindustani classical music from her father. However, her dream was always to create independent music. “One of the most defining moments in my musical journey was taking that leap of faith into independent music,” she shared. Determined to shape her own sound, she taught herself music production and began writing original songs.
“There were times when I would lock myself in my studio and just focus on writing songs for an entire month,” she recalled. It was during these intense creative sessions that she discovered how naturally Indian classical melodies came to her. “I love blending them with modern sounds. That realisation helped me understand the kind of music I want to create and what my sound could truly be.”
For her, songwriting is a craft that thrives on continuous effort. “I firmly believe that the more you practice, the better your songwriting becomes,” she said, emphasising her dedication to honing her skills. Over the past two years, she has consistently worked on her songwriting, convinced that each song she writes makes her better.
This commitment to growth is evident in her music, from the introspective Daayere to the poignant Kinare and now Jaane Jaana, which carries a strong emotional core. “I think that’s the key to growth and improvement in this craft,” she added.
As an independent artist, Shreya understands the importance of juggling multiple roles. While making music is her primary passion, she acknowledges the need to manage the business side of it as well. “There’s the process of marketing your song and managing the post-release strategy—figuring out how to place your song, connecting with your audience, creating reels and ensuring that the song reaches as many people as possible,” she explained.
Navigating these challenges has been a roller coaster ride, but for Shreya, the art always comes first. “No matter what, I will always prioritize the craft. I firmly believe that a good song will eventually find its place,” she said.
Shreya’s latest song, Jaane Jaana, is a deeply emotional track with a nostalgic feel. Collaborating with Abir on this project felt seamless, as he had already set the direction for the song. “It’s a heartbreak song where both people express their feelings post-breakup,” she shared. Her verse, in particular, conveys the strength of a person determined to move on. “The character says she won’t allow herself to go back to him and she won’t let his memories or anyone else hurt her anymore. She stands firm in her decision not to return to that relationship.”
Working on a duet comes with the challenge of ensuring both voices complement each other while maintaining the essence of the song. Since Abir had already recorded his vocals, she took extra care to match the tone and emotion. “I recorded my part two or three times to get the blend just right,” she revealed. The result is a rich, textured harmony that enhances the song’s emotional depth.
