Meet Shelly Bhushan, our next Live at the Landing guest. Shelly moved from Texas to NYC to pursue her passion for music. Keep reading to learn more about how Shelly has paved her own musical path. You can catch Shelly at this Thursday’s (8/8/19) Live at the Landing performance at 6:00pm.
First off, quick background info! Tell us your name, where you’re from, and what you do.
My name is Shelly Bhushan. I’m originally from Texas, but I think I’ve crossed the line and am now an official New Yorker. I’m a singer songwriter.
How’d you get into music? How long have you been performing?
I can’t exactly pinpoint how I got into music, but I grew up in Texas where making music is a serious business. I was always really into my general music classes in grade school and got my first solo in the 2nd grade. I started singing in choirs and then got into competitive singing through those choral programs. I sang at a high level in college and also was a singing waitress. So music was always part of my life. I started singing in a band shortly after that and then moved to NY for a band I found in the now defunct Village Voice. I did the: sold everything and moved here with 2 suitcases..no job, no place to live, etc, etc. But when the band I moved to NY for broke up, I decided I needed to figure out how to move forward musically and the only way I knew how was to teach myself guitar and start writing songs. It’s been a long road. I’ve basically been preforming forever.
What’s your favorite thing about what you do?
I love connecting with people through music. Some of the most incredible moments I’ve had making music have been when I’m looking out at the audience and I see people who are with me, who are connecting with me. I also love playing with other musicians. It’s such a privilege. It’s like completing a puzzle. I’m one part of a bigger picture and when it all comes together, it’s amazing.
How is performing in the park different than your typical venue?
Performing in the park is great for a couple of reasons: 1. You have this amazing backdrop. You turn around and are like – oh look! There’s the city, there’s the sky! What a stage! 2. New people get to experience your music without having to go to a venue. It is a great way to introduce yourself to new listeners.
When you’re not performing, what is your favorite thing to do in the parks?
I love riding my bike through the parks.
Lastly, where do you find yourself drawing inspiration from?
The city has always been a very inspirational place for me. I think the fact that there’s always such a love hate relationship with New York City makes it an interesting subject. But I would say, most recently I’ve found inspiration in technology, how humans relate to each other, especially through the lens of social networks. love is always good inspiration. The struggles and triumphs we all face in life are inspiration enough. Sometimes ordinary, but we’re all kind of going through the same thing.