Welcome to Buzz, Rita Shukla! We loved “Baby Don’t Go” so much that we knew we had to ask! What inspired this release, and how did you feel hearing the completed version for the first time?
Hello, guys! Thank you for having me at BuzzMusic and for the kind words about my song. It means a lot to me.
"Baby Don’t Go" is a deeply personal song for me. I wrote it about a relationship with someone incredibly important in my life, especially during my toughest times. This person taught me love, kindness, and much about life and self-love. Although the relationship ended, I wanted to honor that part of my life with this song. I was thrilled when my producer and co-writer, Ted Perlman, sent me the final version of the song!
Writing music is a healing process for me, and I hope others can relate to "Baby Don’t Go" and find their own healing and memories in it. When I first heard the completed version of the song, I felt a mixture of joy and pride. It was a vulnerable piece, bringing to life everything I wanted to express in the most honest way possible. "Baby Don’t Go" is, without a doubt, my favorite song that I’ve written so far.
What inspired you to take that initial step to pursue music seriously, and what motivates you to make music?
I've always loved music from a young age, singing along to the songs of Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey. Despite this passion, I initially pursued acting, which I also love, mainly because I was too scared to own who I was and felt very insecure. Acting allowed me to hide behind the characters I played, masking my true self.
It was only after I embraced who I am that I began to pursue music with more passion. Music became a source of healing for me, especially after battling depression, guiding me toward my purpose. The more I learned about myself and practiced self-growth, the more confident I became. I no longer needed to hide behind a role and instead embraced being myself—Rita—and expressing what I wanted to say through my lyrics.
Knowing that I am aligned with my purpose motivates me to continue making music. I deeply desire to channel my life experiences and the truth within me, sharing that with the world through my songs. I hope to inspire others, too, encouraging them to embrace their true selves and find healing and purpose through their passions.
What’s your biggest source of motivation when you make your music, and as an extension of that, what does music mean to you?
As I mentioned before, my biggest motivation to write music is my own life experiences and my feelings about them or what I learned from them. This source of inspiration is connected to my most honest self and brings to life lyrics and melodies that represent those moments I lived.
Music is healing to me. It’s a love language that unifies people, brings love, and evokes memories we hold dear. Through my music, I aim to share my journey and connect with others on a deeper level, hoping that my songs can bring them the same sense of comfort and understanding that they bring to me.
Do you have any advice for any listeners who might be trying to follow in your footsteps?
My advice for any listener trying to follow a music career or even acting, aside from studying and always being open to learning and evolving in your craft, is to believe in yourself and do it because you love it, not to seek others' approval. Don’t give up, because part of this job involves facing much rejection, but don’t take it personally. If someone closes a door for you, know that another door will open at the right time when it’s meant for you. Always be your most authentic self. Opportunities start to come when you do things with passion, purpose, and truth.
What’s next for Rita Shukla, and is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?
What's next for me is to continue making music and writing even more songs from the truths in my heart. I’m excited to see the growth in my future songs and myself as an artist. As we grow and learn from our experiences, music evolves too. It’s a journey.
To all the people who admire me and my work, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’re my motivation to keep growing as a person and artist and to share my life through my songs. I hope my music resonates with you and that I can inspire you to follow your passions, embrace your true self, and never stop believing in your dreams.
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