After establishing himself with a breadth of wondrous delights these last few months, US-based Indian artist CR Srikanth is back on the grind once again to deliver his vibrant new offering 'Dancing in the Dark - VS Pop™'.
Bringing back more of that bright and infectious pop energy he has been quickly earning a reputation for, 'Dancing in the Dark - VS Pop™' makes for an incredibly rich and riveting return for him. With its uplifting textures perfectly elevating his mesmerising vocals throughout, he continues to cement himself as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The veena—a traditional Indian string instrument—and the violin were the first instruments that truly captured my heart. Their expressive capabilities and rich tonal textures continue to influence my musical thinking.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Growing up, I was deeply immersed in Carnatic classical music and Telugu folk traditions. These styles shaped my foundational understanding of melody, rhythm, and improvisation.
What was the first album you remember owning?
It was a Telugu folk music EP that I bought for 6 Indian rupees. That moment felt incredibly special—owning physical music for the first time was like holding a piece of culture in my hands.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
It’s not a song per se, but Für Elise by Beethoven. I’ve often attempted to deconstruct its parts and create counter melodies inspired by it, but its structure is so elegantly crafted that I always return in awe of its genius.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I don't follow any elaborate rituals, but I do take a moment for deep breathing and silence. It helps clear the mental space and tune into a more intuitive creative flow.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Saint Tyagaraja and Ludwig van Beethoven have long been guiding lights for me—their music is deeply spiritual, emotionally profound, and eternally relevant. In the more contemporary realm, I’ve been drawn to the works of The Cranberries and Clean Bandit. I appreciate how both groups blend emotion with innovation—The Cranberries through their raw, lyrical honesty, and Clean Bandit through their fusion of classical and electronic elements.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Rather than a particular artist, I would love to open a show for a cause—a charity event where the focus is on bringing people together through music for a greater purpose.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most fulfilling part is simply being a musician—being able to translate emotions into sound and connect with others in a language beyond words.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Ironically, the most frustrating moments are the mundane interruptions—like bio breaks—when I'm deep in the creative zone. It may sound trivial, but those small breaks can sometimes break a delicate flow.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I once received very honest, constructive feedback about my musical style. Some found it confusing, some called it creative but unconventional, and a few even compared it to current pop artists while admitting they weren't sure where to place it. That ambiguity taught me a lot—it reminded me to stay authentic, even when my work doesn’t fit into traditional categories.
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CR Srikanth's new single 'Dancing in the Dark - VS Pop™' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.