At just 18, Shriya, a Mumbai-based singer-songwriter, has created an intimate, strikingly personal world in her debut EP, In A Box. This four-track collection captures a spectrum of emotions that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. Each song is a window into Shriya’s formative years, from navigating heartbreak to wrestling with societal expectations, and ultimately finding a way to connect through music.
The Emotional Landscape of “In A Box”
Shriya describes the EP as a chronicle of moments when she felt trapped, whether in relationships, academic pressures, or her own mind. The title, In A Box, resonates on multiple levels. Each song builds an emotional and sonic world that envelops the listener, as if sharing a quiet but urgent conversation in a small, sacred space.
The opening track, “Her,” written when Shriya was just 16, speaks to first heartbreak with a surprising maturity. The lyrics reveal her inner dialogue — not pitting herself against the “other woman,” but instead offering an empowering reflection on self-worth. “Her smile is nice, but what about mine?” she sings, evoking a relatable sense of insecurity and growth. This early work shows how Shriya’s music challenges common narratives and opts for nuance over blame.
Then there’s “I’m Not Alright,” a song that feels like the emotional core of the EP. Written during a period of intense mental turmoil, it’s raw, vulnerable, and profoundly impactful. Shriya candidly shared that this track served as a bridge for her to open up to her parents and eventually seek therapy. “Music is the one thing that keeps me going,” she says, and in this song, you feel it — the weight of pain and the hope for healing wrapped in layers of delicate harmonies and poignant instrumentation.
Finding Light Amid Darkness
“Are You Down?” offers a lighter yet equally meaningful moment in the EP. Shriya worked on this track with her close collaborator, Harsh Desai, infusing it with R&B grooves and even a hint of Indian rhythmic flair. It’s playful but contemplative, showcasing Shriya’s knack for blending genres in ways that feel fresh yet familiar. The song’s standout moment is a monologue where she reflects on how music has always been her anchor. “I never turned to anything else. Music was always there when I needed it,” she says. It’s an anthem of resilience disguised as a breezy track.
The final song, “Dream About It,” brings the EP full circle. Shriya penned it the night before her 10th-grade board exam, caught between her ambitions as an artist and the expectations of academic success. The track juxtaposes its reflective lyrics with a sweeping, cinematic arrangement, incorporating everything from strings to subtle harp accents. It’s a fitting end to an EP that’s as much about growth as it is about the pressures we face while trying to carve out our identities.
Shriya’s Voice as an Instrument
What sets In A Box apart isn’t just its lyrical depth but also its sonic palette. Shriya’s voice is more than just the carrier of words; it’s an instrument in its own right. In tracks like “I’m Not Alright,” her harmonies build like a quiet storm, capturing the chaos of emotional upheaval. “The last 30 seconds of the song are like emotional turbulence distilled into sound,” Shriya explains. From delicate whispers to soaring vocal beds, her voice paints the inner landscapes her lyrics describe.
Reflection On The Creation
Listening to In A Box, it’s clear Shriya has grown, both as an artist and as a person. She reflects on how creating this EP taught her the courage to share her innermost thoughts with the world. “I’ve always been a private person,” she admits. “Releasing this EP felt like peeling off layers of myself, exposing parts of my life I usually keep hidden.” Yet, in doing so, she’s created a work that feels deeply connective. Every note, every lyric invites listeners to find their own stories within hers.
The Road Ahead
As Shriya looks to the future, she’s excited to explore new genres like jazz, hip hop, and house music, and even dabble in rapping. “I want to keep pushing myself as an artist by collaborating with people across genres,” she shares. She’s already dreaming of working with global icons like Doja Cat and jazz stars like Samara Joy.
With In A Box, Shriya has laid the foundation for a promising career, proving that age is no barrier to emotional and creative depth. Whether you’re a teenager navigating your own transitions or an adult looking back at how far you’ve come, Shriya’s music offers something rare: a sense of belonging, even in the most isolating of moments.
For me, listening to In A Box was an experience that felt both intimate and expansive. Shriya’s ability to balance emotional vulnerability with musical sophistication is what makes this EP stand out. Like a conversation that stays with you long after the last note fades. Whether she’s singing about heartbreak, self-doubt, or finding her place in the world, Shriya does so with a sincerity that’s truly touching.
