The Recording Academy (the home of the Grammy Awards), as they do every year, has
recently invited select musicians to join The Recording Academy as a Voting Member. One
of these musicians is Melbourne-based Indian singer and songwriter, Siyer (a.k.a Shriram
Iyer).
Siyer says, “It is a real pleasure to be in the Class of 2023. To be recognised for my body of
work and a 23 year career as a musician is very rewarding, especially when it comes from
one of the peak bodies of music.”
Last year, Siyer had a taste of the Grammy experience when his collaboration with Bobby
Beebob, ‘The Saffron Groove Project’ was an official entry. Despite not being nominated,
Siyer was enthused by how far the album went and he says that taking part in the formal
‘FYC Campaign’ process was a learning in itself. Rolling Stone India even premiered one if
Siyer’s songs on the reputed portal.
This year, however, Siyer expressed his interest in joining The Recording Academy as a
Voting Member, allowing him to officially submit entries as well as vote towards
nominations and winners across multiple categories.
“The process was rightfully challenging as The Recording Academy asks for two strong
recommendations from full-time musical professionals to even kick-start the process. It
feels good to have earned it.”
When asked about his submission plans this year, Siyer held his cards close to his chest.
“Let’s see what we come up with. At it’s very first stage, submissions have to be eligible.”
Siyer’s debut album ‘Is Dhundh Mein’ was released by musical legend Shankar Mahadevan
and was produced by three-time Grammy award winner Ricky Kej and featured a duet with
playback singer Sadhna Sargam.
Shriram has gone on to perform multiple times with Shankar Mahadevan, Sadhna Sargam,
Udit Narayan and has even opened shows for Usha Uthup, Ali Azmat (Junoon), Rahul Vaidya
to name a few.
Based ‘down-under’ in Melbourne, Siyer has now performed in well over 500 concerts,
including performances at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, The Sydney Cricket Ground, The
St Kilda Festival and Moomba Festival. Siyer’s story is a true case in multicultural success,
given that his work has been featured in Channel V, MTV India and Australia’s Channel 7.
Does the future have a Grammy in store for the talented Siyer, we asked. “I am not thinking
about the results, or factors I cannot control. I am focussed on the process and I am
enjoying the journey.”
