Artist Spotlight: CR Srikanth
CR Srikanth is an Indian composer, producer, music innovator, and founder of VS (Very Smooth) Pop Records LLP and the founder and creator of the VS PopTM Brand. This musical project combines a plethora of experiences he has in the music world. The latest single “
So Let’s Dance (VS POPTM)” leans more into the traditional pop and dance sound on the surface but has a unique composition process.
We sat down with CR Srikanthto talk about artistry, authenticity, and the impact of staying true to one’s voice.
MusicsWeek: Who have been the most significant musical influences on your sound and artistic direction?
CR Srikanth: My influences come primarily from musical traditions rather than specific artists. Western classical composition, Indian classical systems such as Carnatic and Hindustani music, and modern cinematic and electronic production have all shaped my sound. My formal training in film and television composition at Berklee helped refine how I think structurally and emotionally about music. These elements come together in what I’ve developed as the VS Pop™ Sound, where orchestral thinking meets contemporary production.
MusicsWeek: How have your personal experiences informed your songwriting and overall artistry?
CR Srikanth: My personal journey has taught me patience, persistence, and trust in long-term creative thinking. I’ve spent years developing a disciplined, score-based approach to composition alongside orchestral writing and modern production. That experience naturally informs how I approach songwriting. Even my pop songs begin with a deep compositional process—often starting from sheet music—so each track reflects both structure and lived experience as I move between different musical worlds.
MusicsWeek: In what ways does your cultural background shape your creative identity?
CR Srikanth: My cultural background plays a significant role in how I shape melody, emotion, and musical flow. Indian classical traditions emphasize phrasing, mood, and narrative development, and those ideas strongly influence my writing. I combine these elements with Western harmonic structures and orchestral techniques, allowing my music to feel culturally rooted while still accessible to a global audience. This fusion is central to my creative identity.
MusicsWeek: At what point did you decide to pursue music as a serious career path?
CR Srikanth: Music became a serious career path for me when I committed to composition as a long-term discipline rather than a short-term pursuit. Building a formal catalog of work, writing in notation, and studying film and television composition helped clarify that this was not just a creative interest but a professional direction. Founding VS Pop™ allowed me to unify all aspects of my work under one creative vision.
MusicsWeek: Who was your earliest musical mentor, and how did they impact your development as an artist?
CR Srikanth: Rather than a single mentor, my early development was shaped by structured musical study and self-directed learning across multiple traditions. Classical training—both Indian and Western—taught me discipline, listening, and respect for musical form. Later, formal studies in composition strengthened my understanding of how music functions emotionally and narratively, which continues to influence my work today.
MusicsWeek: Is there a particular song you’ve written that holds special meaning for you? What’s the story behind it?
CR Srikanth: “So Let’s Dance (VS Pop™)” holds special meaning because it represents my full creative process. The track began as sheet music and intentionally avoided standard pop chord patterns, drawing heavily from flute-based motifs. It took several months to complete, and later became a social experiment when I tested it alongside major pop releases at events. The positive response and its charting on Spotify Local Pulse confirmed that this compositional approach connects with listeners.
MusicsWeek: What achievement in your career thus far feels most meaningful to you?
CR Srikanth: One of the most meaningful achievements for me is building a body of work that exists across multiple musical spaces. Having a large catalog of compositions, with classical scores archived publicly while modern releases reach global audiences, confirms that different musical worlds can coexist. Creating a sound that people once said wouldn’t work—and seeing it resonate—has been deeply rewarding.
MusicsWeek: How do you spend your time creatively or personally when you’re not working on music?
CR Srikanth:Even when I’m not actively producing, I stay creatively engaged through listening, studying scores, and refining ideas. I value reflection and preparation because it allows concepts to develop naturally. That balance helps keep the creative process intentional rather than rushed.
MusicsWeek: How do you maintain authenticity while continuing to evolve sonically and artistically?
CR Srikanth: Authenticity comes from staying grounded in composition and process. Regardless of style or production choices, my work always begins with musical structure, melody, and emotional intent. Because I’m not pressured to follow trends or timelines set by others, I can evolve creatively while remaining true to my core approach.
MusicsWeek: What continues to drive you creatively, even during challenging periods?
CR Srikanth: What drives me is persistence and belief in the creative process. I strongly believe that as long as you keep thinking and creating, there is always forward movement. Challenges are part of the journey, but they don’t stop it—they shape it. That mindset keeps me moving, regardless of circumstances.
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