(May 19, 2025) For 21-year-old Asmi Aderay, music is a lifeline to self-expression. Born in Hyderabad but with family roots in Kolkata, she grew up surrounded by melodies even if no one in her family pursued music professionally. “Many of them are passionate music lovers with beautiful voices,” she shares connecting with Global Indian. “That definitely created an atmosphere of appreciation at home.”
That early exposure, especially through school choirs, bands, Hindustani classical training, and performances at school repertoire led to her discovering her passion for Western music as a teenager. As the popularity of English-language music rose in India, so did her determination to craft a voice that bridged cultures and touched hearts. “Since English was the language I primarily used outside of home, it also became my natural outlet for emotional expression,” she shares.
It was in eighth grade that a spark turned into something more. Asmi began writing lyrics and simultaneously researching music schools, eventually finding her dream institution. She has just graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston sharpening her skills and building a perspective that oozes confidence in her to reach for the stars. The budding singer has just released her latest album Confess to Me.
The Berklee years: Finding her voice with Debo Ray
Asmi graduated from Berklee with a degree in Vocal Performance and a minor in Creative Entrepreneurship. She credits the experience for a transformation that was both technical and emotional. She is incredibly grateful for the training that she received in the four-year program. “I can clearly recognize how much my vocal ability and performance skills have grown.”
Her most formative mentorship came from Grammy-nominated artist Debo Ray, her vocal coach at Berklee.“Studying under Debo Ray has been especially transformative. She helped me discover a sense of stage presence and artistry I didn’t know I had,” says Asmi. This influence has given her a distinctive stage presence which is emotionally raw and deeply connected to her lyrics.
A discography of emotion
Asmi’s music is steeped in themes of heartbreak, vulnerability, and healing. Her debut single, Thought of Being in Love, written when she was just 17, remains a personal landmark. “To this day, I still consider it one of my most mature pieces,” says the youngster adding, “I was also very drawn to literature growing up, which helped me build a vocabulary that allows me to write in a fresh and meaningful way.”
Other noteworthy tracks like “Met Me First” and “My Version of You” echo her belief in creating music that speaks directly to the “hopeless romantics” of the world. Her latest single, Confess to Me, is a leap forward. Streaming on Spotify and YouTube, it’s a raw, catchy track about the emotional tug-of-war of unspoken feelings. “It’s a plea, a call-out, and a danceable declaration all at once,” she says. “In a world full of situationships and mixed signals, this song is for anyone bold enough to ask for honesty.”
Asmi Aderay
Songwriting as a skill and a calling
Unlike artists who rely solely on instinct, Asmi is analytical about her craft. “Songwriting isn’t something you can ‘learn’ in the traditional sense,” she explains. “But the more you write, the better you get at capturing emotions in a way that resonates.” Her literary background also helps: “I was very drawn to literature growing up, which helped me build a vocabulary that allows me to write in a fresh and meaningful way.”
This grounded view of songwriting reinforces Asmi’s authenticity. Her lyrics aren’t abstract, rather tethered to personal experience but carry a universal resonance. She’s not afraid to be vulnerable, and her work ethic ensures that her artistry continues to evolve with depth and intention.
Challenges of South Asian representation in becoming a global artist
Despite her rising profile, Asmi is acutely aware of the challenges that come with being a South Asian artist in the West. “One of the biggest challenges is cultural connectivity,” she notes. “Some of the emotional depth or perspectives we carry aren’t always shared or understood in the West.”
But rather than view this as a limitation, Asmi sees it as an opportunity to expand the conversation. “I’ve started to see a growing community of people who do relate, and that gives me hope.” Her long-term vision is to be a global artist, rooted in her own identity but resonant across borders.
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Live shows and a growing digital tribe
In 2025, Asmi is focused on expanding her reach, especially through performances in LA and digital engagement. “I’m really excited to expand my reach and connect with my audience, especially in LA and through social media,” she says. Her increasing following online is matched by behind-the-scenes glimpses into her creative process, making her journey feel accessible and real.
With live shows lined up and more original and cover music in the pipeline, she’s working towards building what she calls “a space for lone romantics to feel seen and heard.”
Miles to go
Despite having released acclaimed singles and shared stages with notable names, Asmi doesn’t believe she’s reached her biggest accomplishment yet. “A true accomplishment is something bigger, something that aligns with my long-term vision. I’m still working toward that,” she mentions.
Her career vision includes continuing to collaborate across geographies whether in the U.S. or India. “My ultimate goal is to be a global artist, no matter where I’m based,” says the young singer.
Asmi Aderay represents a new generation of South Asian musicians unafraid to blend cultural legacies with contemporary styles. With raw honesty, and disciplined artistry she is trying to create a movement with her songs, addressing the lone romantics to feel confident and self-reliant.
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