Chasing her dream…
The singer released her first single in March and is working on two more for release this year
VEEDESHNEE Ragavulu, 32, has been singing and writing songs since childhood.
She recently returned from Austin, Texas, where she performed at the South by South West (SXSW) Music Festival, belting out tunes in her preferred contemporary folk, soul and pop styles.
Born in Lenasia and now living in Woodmead, Joburg, Ragavulu was invited to the festival because of three songs she performed at the Independent Music Exporters South Africa (Imexsa) fourth annual SA Indies Music Week at Gold Reef City.
Imexsa is a platform scouts use to spot artists for international gigs.
Ragavulu said she and 12 others had been flown to the US city for a month-long event that ended on April 13.
There she mingled with 100 other musicians.
“The experience was phenomenal. Austin had so many great musicians who were so dedicated to their art that it was inspiring.”
Having turned pro four years ago, Ragavulu said that after years of trying to break through, her dream had been realised at the festival.
“I was also exposed to music legends and mentors such as Garth Brooks and Madame Gandhi, who told me their experiences and gave me invaluable advice,” she said.
In the US, Ragavulu visited New Orleans, Louisiana, performing at Harrah’s Casino and the Spotted Cat.
No stranger to the stage overseas, she sang at the Primavera Sound, Barcelona, event in 2013 and CMJ Music Marathon, New York, in 2015.
The singer released her first single in March, Do It, and is working on two more for release this year on online platforms such as itunes, Google Play, Pandora, Spotify and Amazon.
Ragavulu said her music reflected a balance of the good and bad aspects of herself.
“My music is a merger of different sounds from quirky, playful and happy to dark, deep and soulful,” she said.
She said in song writing, she was inspired by people and their reactions to real-life situations.
Now working full-time in human resources, she chases her dream by performing at venues around Joburg, including the Lyric Theatre, Chicago Piano Bar and Trendz Cocktail Lounge.
Ragavulu said she would never give up her musical ambition. “I know I am meant to be a great musician and I will embrace and enjoy the journey.” she said.
Her work is available on the following platforms:
Soundcloud: www. soundcloud.com/veedeshnee | Veedeshnee
Facebook: www. facebook.com/veedeshnee | Vee Desh Nee | @Veedeshnee
Twitter: www.twitter. com/missveequeen | Veedeshnee | @ Missveequeen
Instagram: www. instagram.com/missveequeen | Veedeshnee | @ missveequeen
Youtube: www.youtube. com/channel/veedeshnee | Veedeshne