Meet India-born UK Open Mic performer PIYUSH MUSIC LIVE:

Hi PIYUSH MUSIC LIVE, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:

Do you play solo only, or also in a group?

Solo

How old are you?

38

Where were you born?

India

Where did you grow up?

New Delhi

How did that place influence your music? (if at all!)

“I come from New Delhi, which is a city of extremes — culturally and emotionally. Growing up there exposed me to Bollywood and Punjabi music alongside Western rock, pop and blues, so I naturally developed a cross-cultural sound. That mix shaped my song-writing and vocal phrasing. Delhi is also a very intense, honest city, and that pushed me to write from a real place rather than polish things too much. I think that rawness translates well to international audiences.

Where are you based now, and why?

My name is Piyush Srivastava, and I am a singer-songwriter and live performer with over 13 years of professional experience, working across Western genres (pop, rock, alternative, blues) as well as Hindi, Bollywood, and Punjabi music. I am currently visiting the UK for industry networking and professional development, and I am keen to connect with venues and music communities in London.

I would be interested in participating in open mic nights, showcases, or non-remunerated performance opportunities as a way to introduce my work, meet fellow artists, and build long-term professional relationships for future collaborations.

I would be happy to share performance links or further information if helpful.

What got you into making music in the first place?

It was my passion since childhood.

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing
Guitar
Guitar
Piano

Who would be in your top 10 musical influences, and why?

My influences sit between modern singer-songwriter music and classic song-writing. Artists like John Mayer shaped my blues-based guitar approach, Ed Sheeran influenced my focus on honest, personal storytelling, and early Coldplay taught me the value of melody and atmosphere.

From India, composers and singer like A.R. Rahman Arijeet Singh Sonu Nigam influenced my sense of emotion and narrative. Together, those influences shape a set that’s melodic, audience-focused, and works well in intimate live venues.

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

13

What process, or processes, do you often find yourself using when you write songs?

I generally have a thought or an emotion about any situation around me or with the people I know I just sit with my guitar music and melody and lyrics come at the same time in my mind I try to structure them and refine them by doing it over and over again some time a riff or melody is stuck in my mind with a certain feel and I try to build that more and more.

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

13

Why did you get into playing them in the first place?

I am a professional singer-songwriter and live performer, currently performing 20–30 gigs per month in India. During my visit to London, I am keen to explore the local music scene, network with venues and promoters, and build relationships for potential future collaborations.

What advice would you give new performers who are just starting out playing their first open mics?

write as much as possible go play as much as possible it will get better with time

What’s the hardest thing, for you, about playing open mics?

The hardest part is adjusting to very short set times, because I’m used to longer, fully developed live sets. But I’ve learned to treat open mics as a way to connect quickly, present one or two songs clearly, and focus on the room rather than the format

What’s the most bizarre, or fun, open mic, or gig, you’ve ever played, and why?

I kept singing and playing after a sudden power cut audience also kept singing with me and laughed with me

If it’s not already, are you hoping to make music your full-time career?

Yes

What do you currently find the hardest and biggest obstacles to moving your music career forward?

My main challenge is extending my music career beyond India. I have a solid performance and release history locally, but connecting with international venues and audiences is a new step. During my visit to London, I aim to explore the music scene, meet fellow artists and promoters, and build relationships for potential future collaborations.

What’s the one truth about you that people often find surprising?

I perform as a one-man band, blending my gear and instruments to create fusion across genres, combining Hindi and Western music. Audiences are often surprised by the sound, and many say they’re drawn to my voice and the energy of the performance.

What’s the most exciting project you’re working on at the moment?

I’m working on a bilingual EP blending Hindi and English, mixing Western genres with Indian melodic influences.

Do you have your own music video, channel or playlist you’d like to share?

Do you have music on streaming? What’s you main streaming channel to send people to?

https://artists.spotify.com/c/artist/5QTrHkGdUsf3im0XPAli53/

Where is the main place should people go to find out more about you?

https://www.instagram.com/piyushmusiclive/

What other sites/profiles should people go to to find out more about you?

www.instagram.com/piyushmusiclive/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.instagram.com/piyushmusiclive/

www.facebook.com/piyushmusiclive" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.facebook.com/piyushmusiclive

www.youtube.com/@piyushsrivastavamusic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.youtube.com/@piyushsrivastavamusic

www.youtube.com/@PiyushSrivastavaPehartheband" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.youtube.com/@PiyushSrivastavaPehartheband

We’re done! Anything else you want to share before we go?

No thanks!