Maulika Mehra (’24) writes heartfelt lyrics to original songs
Mehra’s two singles, Ice Cream Boy and My Pain, can be listened to on YouTube.
When Maulika Mehra (’24) first started playing the piano, she could have never imagined where it would take her. Now years later, Mehra has written and produced her own music twice with the help of her musical talent.
“I started the piano first, I’ve been playing [it] for nine years… The piano is the most important instrument for me when I’m songwriting. When I’m making chords for myself, I can just go next to my piano and start singing while playing,” said Maulika. I like to have my music sort of laid back, not too loud, kind of quiet, but it also expresses things that happen in my life. Not just fake stories, but also real moments and real experiences that I have had. — Maulika Mehra ('24)
For most people, music tends to be a place they can escape to and relax. For Mehra, it’s where she pours out her thoughts and emotions in each new song. Her writing is never planned, but spontaneously gets written as ideas come to her.
“I [am] inspired by a lot of artists… Because I like to have my music sort of laid back, not too loud, kind of quiet, but it also expresses things that happen in my life. Not just fake stories, but also real moments and real experiences that I have had,” said Mehra.
Despite the work she’s put into her music, Maulika can’t deny that there have been times where she’s doubted herself and her songs.
“There’s definitely been a moment [where] I just felt like this isn’t working out for me… like, ‘I don’t think that I even have the power to do this anymore’. But what I do in those moments is I realize that it’s a hobby, and it’s something that I really enjoy doing, something that is therapeutic for me,” said Maulika.
Over the years, Mehra has picked up more than just piano. She counts the guitar and ukelele as some of her other favorite instruments to jam out to when she’s looking to relax. And when it comes to getting inspired, Mehra has a couple favorite artists she always turns on.
“I like writing songs that are mainly in the pop genre… Among my favorite artists would be Taylor Swift and Harry Styles. Their music is very deep and sentimental, [and] I’m attracted to that type of music because of the lyrical aspects and their instrumentals, [which are] also very musical and very rhythmic,” said Maulika.
It’s undeniable that even though she may be young, Maulika‘s music is something special to hear out there in the crowd.
“Her lyric writing is so inspirational [and] so touching to the heart. As a songwriter, I learn a lot from her. She inspired me to do music on my own, and we try to work on songs together and improve each other’s music,” said Tanaya Joshi (’24).
You can follow her music releases on her Spotify profile here.
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