Finding My Voice: A Gen-Z Musician's Journey From Singapore To Berklee And Beyond
Rising singer-songwriter Ahikaa Arora shares her story about success in the industry (Credit: All images courtesy of Ahikaa Arora)
Can a successful musical career sprout from Singapore soil? We often hear the tale of the ‘struggling musician’ here and how the grass is greener on the other international side. But what exactly are we missing? And what does success truly look and sound like for a Singapore-raised aspirant? In this guest opinion piece, singer-songwriter and voice teacher, Ahikaa Arora, shares her experience.
“Today it's Taylor Swift, tomorrow it’s Ahikaa Arora.”
I declared these words with all the sass I could muster in February 2011, immersed in the magic of a Taylor Swift concert. The shimmering lights, her band, the roaring crowd at the Singapore Indoor Stadium — it was electric. As Taylor strummed her guitar in a sparkly sequin dress, I felt an unprecedented rush of excitement and possibility. That moment of innocent, vivacious confidence became my guiding light.
Born to Indian parents in Philippines in October 1999, I was raised in the multicultural city of Singapore, where I cherish the blend of Asian influences that shape me. My Indian heritage enriches my music with emotional and spiritual depth, while Western influences add a contemporary edge, reminiscent of the ethereal sounds of Lana Del Rey and Billie Eilish, the transcendent profundity of Jahnavi Harrison and Sufi music, and the soulful artistry of Frank Ocean. I explore themes of self-discovery and the human experience through emotive vocals, contemplative lyrics, and nostalgic yet refreshing sounds – my debut single titled “masquerade” is out now on all streaming platforms.
“My parents were there for me; they defied the stereotype of Asian parents not supporting arts careers.”
Music has been more than a pastime since I was three years old; it was a dream I never wanted to wake from. I owe it to my perceptive parents who nurtured my interest early on. I remember the day I fell in love for the first time. We were at a family friend’s house on a sunny Saturday afternoon, and in their corridor stood a majestic grand piano, towering over me. It felt like magic to my young eyes, and led to the purchase of an upright piano on which I began to play my favourite Bollywood songs. In complete wonderment, I replicated the melodies by ear, my tiny fingers dancing across the keys much to the delight — and annoyance — of my family. Playing 'Har Ghadi Badal Rahi Hai’, I lost myself in each note, oblivious to the passage of time.
Growing up in Singapore, I felt the weight of a rigid musical education, especially with piano. The emphasis on technical perfection stifled my curiosity and the joy and raw emotion of music were overshadowed by the pressure to get every note right, creating an almost robotic experience. During high school, academic anxiety drove me to seek solace in singing and songwriting, yet my parents were there for me. They defied the stereotype of Asian parents not supporting arts careers. Amidst skepticism from outside voices, they remained unwavering, balancing their insistence on piano and voice exams with driving me to auditions and encouraging every performance opportunity at my school, UWCSEA, as well as Hard Rock Cafe, Goodman Arts Centre, on the Star Network TV Channel, and Esplanade. Their love went beyond nurturing talent; it was about using music to connect with my higher self and for the greater good — a testament to our values and a philosophy I carry as a voice teacher today. To parents everywhere, championing your child's dreams is invaluable! Your support is a gift that shapes their future, strengthens the bond between you, and empowers them to reach for the stars doing what fulfils them.
Ahikaa has performed at notable local venues like Hard Rock Cafe Singapore
At 11, I started vocal training with Yvette Atienza, exploring everything from Kelly Clarkson’s ballads to Italian opera, Spanish Folk, and jazz standards. This prepared me for performances and Trinity College of London exams, while strengthening my dream of attending Berklee College of Music. In 2017, that dream materialised during Berklee’s summer program when I auditioned with Allen Stone’s “Unaware” and earned a scholarship for their undergraduate program.
As I sat in the auditorium, seeing my name — Ahikaa Arora from Singapore — appear on the screen, a tear of joy trickled down my cheek.
I delved into Music Business at Berklee, determined to understand the ins and outs of the music industry — from record label operations and legalities to touring and publishing — knowledge essential to protect myself as an artist. As I navigated this path, a newfound passion for Artist & Repertoire blossomed. I became involved in scouting talent, organising shows that spotlighted diverse Berklee talent, and pitching sessions with senior A&R’s at major labels including Atlantic Records, Capitol Records, and RCA Records. One standout moment was curating a Berklee artist promotion show for Berklee’s independent label featuring Lizzo’s DJ, Sophia Eris, captivating a large, enthusiastic crowd and highlighting the value of showcasing emerging artists alongside established performers, enhancing visibility and impact for smaller artists.
Ahikaa volunteered at the AXEAN Festival that boosts talent in the region
Organising and attending shows across Berklee’s campus, Boston, and Los Angeles showed me the transformative power of platforms that uplift emerging artists. These festivals and venues serve as training grounds where artists refine their craft, connect with industry professionals, and increase their visibility within communities. My performance at The Hotel Cafe in LA, where the likes of Adele and Coldplay have played, along with my volunteer work at the AXEAN Festival, underscored this inclusive approach.
In Singapore, there’s a pressing need for more intimate live venues tailored to singer-songwriters and niche genres that currently don’t receive adequate attention. Imagine local artists performing in settings like Tiny Desk shows or integrating into more fashion shows and art exhibitions. Such collaborations maximise engagement and bridge cultural and artistic worlds. Embracing smaller-scale events, open mics, and collaborative showcases will empower artists to gain confidence and nurture a vibrant local music ecosystem. Performances at tourist spots can attract new listeners, both locals and foreigners. At Berklee, inviting senior A&R professionals to our artist showcases opened doors for creatives to demonstrate their art, forge connections, and play at larger festivals, an approach that can be implemented here. Each event becomes pivotal for artists to practice and refine their stage presence, build a fan base, and attract attention. With a robust economy in Singapore, let’s invest in our smaller, promising artists!
Ahikaa attending a networking event organised by Gig Life Pro
Networking, education, and mentorship are the cornerstones of an artist’s success.
During my time abroad, I dove into numerous networking events and panels that brought together artists with videographers, photographers, songwriters, and industry veterans. These connections sparked valuable collaborations and learning opportunities. Singapore stands to gain significantly from expanding its network of events and workshops. Platforms like Gig Life Pro demonstrate how vital these networking and educational opportunities are for artists striving to succeed as proactive entrepreneurs. Mentorship also plays a crucial role. Whether from seasoned business professionals or established local artists, guidance from mentors helps rising talents navigate their careers holistically. Strong relationships open doors to career opportunities, resources, market insights, and collaborations. Investing in these initiatives will bridge the gap between emerging artists and industry expertise, fostering diverse and sustainable growth in Singapore’s music scene.
Ahikaa performed for a Taylor Swift tribute show at Berklee’s biggest venue
Observing the emphasis on artist collaboration was eye-opening too. By embracing diverse specialisations and working across genres, musicians can expand their reach and enrich their art. Our music industry could greatly benefit from this spirit of artist to artist collaboration. Encouraging local and regional musicians to work together can enhance their fan bases and spark innovative musical synergies, promoting mutual growth and fostering cultural exchange, essential for an interconnected and supportive music community. Part of my international experience included songwriting camps, which exemplify this collaborative spirit, bringing together musicians from various backgrounds to co-write and produce songs, fostering camaraderie and shared purpose. Although the local scene can appear competitive, collaboration will enhance cohesion and position Singapore’s music scene to expand globally over time.
Prominent radio station Kiss92FM featured the aspiring musician
Establishing an "Artist of the Week/Month” series and doing regular rising artist interviews on radio and music podcasts can significantly increase reach locally. My experience on Berklee Radio and Kiss92FM recently highlighted how radio exposure can validate and elevate smaller artists across genres. Integrating these talents into mainstream media creates an inclusive ecosystem where artists gain confidence and exposure. I dreamed of hearing my song on the radio, and with just my first single released, radio DJ Joshua Simon provided me with the beautiful opportunity, playing my song on Kiss92FM allowing me to co-host, introducing me to local audiences. As a relatively unknown artist, these initiatives are impactful. We need more individuals like Joshua, willing to expand and nurture an environment where the arts can feel supported.
“Through my music and teaching style, I seek to discover my true self.”
As my time at Berklee neared its end, a sense of loss crept over me — my artistic spirit as a musician felt distant, as if it had slipped away. Opting for Music Business as my major taught me valuable lessons, yet I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. Despite performing throughout the years, I was disconnected from myself, feeling a hollow emptiness. Surrounded by so many gifted musicians, I let fear and self-doubt, fuelled by constantly measuring myself against others, pull me away from my first love. Determined to reclaim myself as an artist and turn comparison into inspiration, I decided to audition for the Taylor Swift tribute at Berklee’s biggest venue, the Performance Center. I got in, giving me my confidence back. Collaborating with world-class talent and rehearsing my soprano vocal part with Grammy nominee Nichelle Mungo was a full circle moment—from a young dreamer at a Taylor Swift concert to overcoming fear and self-doubt and performing a tribute dedicated to her.
My single, "masquerade," is a haunting cinematic pop ballad with old Hollywood undertones, exploring themes of falsehood and accountability. Alongside my journey as an artist, I share my passion for music by teaching voice lessons, dedicated to my own musical dreams and to nurturing young talents in Singapore. With a holistic approach, I aim to empower the next generation of aspiring singers, giving them the space to let go and express themselves freely. Through my music and teaching style, I seek to discover my true self and inspire others to connect with their own souls, encouraging contemplation and healing. I embrace the certainty that my music will evolve alongside me and can’t wait to share more with you!
Ahikaa Arora is a singer-songwriter and voice teacher in Singapore. Follow her on Instagram and listen to her music on Spotify. This is a guest opinion piece written beautifully by her.
