Continuing with our series of interviews with music bloggers, this time we have Meera Manohar, a very talented singer with us. Check out Meera’s songs at her music blog, Swarasthaanam.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Although my family ancestrally hails from Kerala, I was born and brought up in Chennai/Madras, TamilNadu. My entire education was in Chennai, until I came to the US about a decade ago. Am a graduate of Dietetics & Nutrition from The Ethiraj College, Chennai and did my masters from Bangalore university. Currently employed with a non-profit organization in the bay area which offers services to victims of domestic violence. Love music in any form and like to experiment a lot!
Did you have any formal training in music?
Yes, I started singing at the age of 3 or 4, then started formal lessons. Learnt in batches thanks to schooling pressures. Have been learning quite regularly now for the last 6/7 years.
What were your activities in the field of music before you started online singing and music blogging?
Am a part of a local bay area band “Thillana” for about 10 years now. Have sung for a few local plays in the bay area, and for a movie which was made here locally in the US.
When did you start music blogging and what lead you to it?
I started audioblogging in the year 2006, thanks to people like Jo and Murali Venkatraman. Jo was primarily instrumental in getting me to start an audioblog and guess there was no looking back after that 
You were among the very first few people from India who started music blogging. Can you write about how it has helped you compared to your musical life before music blogging?
Audioblogging definitely helps being in touch with music a little more than how normally one will be. Especially for a person like me who loved to sing, but was doing so only about once a year through stage shows, it was a great platform to sing and post, and get reviewed on how the cover version was! It absolutely gave me something to compare myself with. For instance, when I look back at a cover song done by me about 2 years, I can easily and confidently see how much better I can do it now. All this thanks to feedback, nitpicks and needless to say encouragement from fellow bloggers.
What is the best thing that you like about music blogging?
The sheer amount of music lovers and great musicians through out the world is absolutely phenomenal. And, when I see my network growing musically, it sure brings a smile to my face. It’s great dias to share something which you love and in turn learn from fellow bloggers on what they post. A chance to sing original compositions is also something that has come my way thanks to audioblogging. Having more visibility helps one challenge her or himself in different ways.
What do you dislike the most about music blogging?
That’s a really a tough question to answer 
Probably, the thing for me is for any listener to appreciate the effort that has gone into making a cover/original, whatever it might be. I do see some frivolous comments which in my opinion can be avoided. Of course, needless to say, this doesn’t mean that criticisms are unwelcome. But it’s just that it should be in a way which helps people improve and not be detrimental or demotivating to artists.
You do live shows with your band. What are the challenges of singing on stage?
Live shows are way so different than studio/home recording. The thing I love most about stage shows are the vibrancy and on the minute improvisation opportunities that comes with it. Of course, no retakes whatsoever–so one take, and either you make it or break it Getting a feel for the pulse of the crowd/listeners is a challenge and might even change with every other song in a live show. Stage shows are tough, extremely enjoyable, and a very beautiful experience. Learn so much with each and every show that I do.
Could you please share any unforgettable musical moments or concerts that you had?
My first maiden show in the US was in the year 2000. I performed Kaadhal oviyam from alaigal oyvadhillai and that probably will be my most unforgettable moment till date. Was a newbie with regards to performing on stage and the likes, so was super tense to say the least Another unforgettable moment, as a listener was attending the SPB/Chitra show in 2008 in the bay area. It was great seeing them perform, and even better was the small photo op I got with the great amazing SPB, thanks to Murali Venkatraman
What are the pros and cons of live singing and studio singing?
Studio singing can be very exhausting, and since mistakes can be corrected, think we also get carried away in trying to make it “too perfect” ! Live singing, on the other hand makes us more spontaneous and absolutely vibrant, thanks to the crowd and the sheer energy surrounding you
What equipments do you use for home recording?
Macbook Pro
Logic Express 8
SHURE SM86 condensor
Grado SR 125 (headphones)
Sennheiser 595 (headphones)
Apogee Duet
What kinds of Music do you like?
I pretty much listen to anything which has a decent tune to it Like all genres and styles for the most part. Am still not into hard metal, but guess will learn to appreciate that as well as time goes by.
Your favorite singer, music director, lyricist – and the reasons for you you preferred them over the rest.
I have too many to list in 1st two categories !!!
Singers: SPB/PBS/Chitra/PS/SJ/Hariharan and the list is on and on and on
Music Directors: I love Ilayaraaja for his sheer simplicity in getting his music across, ARR for his amazing ability to connect with audiences throughout the world. The new MD’s are okay, but none that cut it for me personally. In Hindi, I really love SDB and RDB’s music.
Lyricist: Love Kannadasan & Vairamuthu, some of Valee’s works. Like Gulzar and Javed Akhtar as well.
What are your other hobbies/interests apart from music?
I am a major foodie and love to cook. I enjoy running and do half marathons when I feel like it. Any artsy activity scores a home run for me.
Have you got any breakthrough in the music industry or is there something in the pipeline?
I wouldn’t call it a breakthrough but I have contributed towards projects like blogswara in the past and have also started collaborating with fellow muzibians on original works of theirs. Thanks to all this, have developed a lot of contacts/friendships providing a lot of encouragement in the long run I guess.
Very sad state of affairs to say the least, and definitely the lesser the said, the better!
