2022 is bringing with it many things. From the prospect of new beginnings to hotly-anticipated movie releases and, according to the news, plenty more hype-worthy fashion collaboration. But, above all, the one thing we are most excited about is the revamp our Spotify playlists are going to receive as some of the UK’s fastest rising musical talents set out to treat to the world to a slice of their incomparable sound. With this in mind, we could not think of a better way to kick off the new year than by introducing you to the artists set to dominate the music industry in 2022. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy Wonderland’s Ones To Watch round-up.
The next talent to feature on our Ones to Watch round-up is the incomparable Priya Ragu. Dominating 2021’s music scene with the help of her sizzling album, damnshestamil, and gigs at infamous venues such as Jazz Cafe, the Tamil-Swiss singer-songwriter made it her mission to intoxicate listeners far and wide – something she did with effortless flair, we might add. Sitting down with Wonderland, Priya Ragu looks towards 2022 and talks all things music. Head below to enjoy…
I AM Priya Ragu
BORN AND RAISED IN St Gallen, Switzerland
THE FIRST RECORD I FIRST FELL IN LOVE WAS “Never Say Never” by Brandy
NOW IT REMINDS ME OF my cousin, who brought it as a gift from Toronto!
MY BIGGEST INFLUENCES ARE Lauren Hill, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, A R Rahman.
VISUALLY, I’M INSPIRED BY it’s not a person, but the film Queen and Slim is definitely an inspiration, especially the way it ties the visual and sound together so harmoniously.
MY MOST PERSONAL LYRIC IS “Forgot About” IT’S ABOUT the one that got away, and you know you’ll never be able to get back.
RIGHT NOW I’M WRITING ABOUT everything that I’m experiencing out on the road, and this crazy journey that I’m going on.
I HOPE MY MUSIC MAKES PEOPLE open up their chakras and connect with themselves.
MY SUPERPOWER IS saying no, I’m sleeping!
ONE PIECE OF ADVICE THAT’S STUCK WITH ME IS the way we live life, is that we think we are immortal, but in reality this life will end eventually and we have to live accordingly.
THE BEST GIG I’VE EVER SEEN WAS The Roots at Faruenfeld Open Air in Switzerland. I was front-row and I loved literally every second of it. I sometimes get bored during concerts but this had my total attention.
THE BEST CROWD I’VE EVER PLAYED WAS at Yes, Manchester. There was so much singing along and screaming throughout the songs – it was crazy!
THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT ME IS that I’m unapproachable and overly confident, but off the stage I’m a pretty introverted person.
MY BIGGEST LEARNING CURVE THIS YEAR WAS to not only to trust myself, but to trust the people around me in order to grow.
LAST YEAR I WAS PROUD OF the release of my first body of work, and to see how far I had come in a short time (and to be one of Wonderland’s One’s to Watch 2022 of course).
I’M EVOLVING INTO a charizard.
I WON’T COMPROMISE ON inequality, if things are not fair I always want to address that.
THE FUTURE OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS Priya Ragu babaaayyyyyy!
AS AN INDUSTRY, WE NEED TO be more diverse and welcoming.
BRING BACK Buffalo shoes – those were dope, and helped when I was tiny.
GEN Z IS more mature in a way, with such a big access to information and stories through social media to grow their knowledge and perspective.
AT MIDNIGHT ON NYE, I WAS WISHING FOR a world tour!
SONG I’VE HAD ON REPEAT IN 2021 “Everything” by Snoh Aalegra.
SONG I’M BRINGING INTO 2022 “Point and Kill” by Little Simz.
BEING INCLUDED AS ONE OF WONDERLAND’S ONES TO WATCH MAKES ME FEEL heard, and supported especially by such an iconic and cool brand. Thank you!
MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION IS as every year, eat healthy.
NEXT YEAR I WILL have the year of my life.
NEXT YEAR YOU SHOULD BE LISTENING TO Me. Only.
NEXT YEAR I HOPE WE CAN ALL chill the F out. Read Wonderland and listen to Priya Ragu.