Vivek Shraya

Infobox Musical artist
Name = Vivek Shraya


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Background = solo_singer
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Born = 1981
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Origin = Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Genre = Electro, Dance, Rock
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Label = Skinsongs
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URL = [http://www.vivekshraya.com/ Official Website]
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Vivek Shraya (born in 1981 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) is a Canadian singer songwriter. He currently lives in Toronto [ [http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/ed/story.html?id=6270b98b-dd73-419b-8070-24ec7cab81f9&k=63524 The Edmonton Journal] ] .

Shraya began writing songs at the age of 13, went on to perform and have success at various talent competitions (including winning the 2001 Futuresfest competition and finalist at 2002 Northern Alberta Singer/Songwriter Competition) [ [http://vivekshraya.com/press Vivek Shraya presskit] ] until recording his debut alternative pop rock record "THROAT" in 2002 featuring instrumentation by Jann Arden’s chief collaborator, Russell Broom. 3 songs from "THROAT" were remixed by John Wozniak from Marcy Playground and were included [ [http://vivekshraya.com/media Vivek Shraya discography] ] on the independent release of the "THROAT EP" in 2003.During this time, a quietly intense, single voice and single guitar project entitled "Samsara: The Sketches" was also recorded and released.

Shraya moved to Toronto in 2003, playing at local venues and music festivals including Canadian Music Week and NXNE and released "A Composite of Straight Lines", a 6 track EP featuring a guest performance by Tegan Quin of Tegan and Sara. It was named the #5 record of 2005 by "Soul Shine Magazine" [ [http://www.soulshine.ca/news/newsarticle.php?nid=2972 Soul Shine Magazine] ] , and its single, "Logic Vs.", was the winner of We Are Listening's 2005 International Singer/Songwriter Awards [ [http://www.wearelistening.org/winners.php We Are Listening] ] .

In 2007, Shraya changed direction entirely, releasing an electropop record entitled "If We’re Not Talking", featuring Sara Quin of Tegan and Sara and produced by Meghan Toohey, which was reviewed and showcased positively on numerous music blogs with comparison’s to Prince, [ [http://torontoist.com/2007/05/on_store_shelve_2.phpl Torontoist] ] Of Montreal [ [http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2007-05-24/music_discs6.php Now Magazine] ] and Justin Timberlake [ [http://www.iheartmusic.net/serendipity/index.php?/archives/760-Vivek-forever.html i (heart) music] ] . This was shortly followed by a performance at Outfest's inaugral music festival, Boom!, and the release of an electro dance cover of Seven Nation Army (White Stripes), as a free download [ [http://www.arjanwrites.com/arjanwrites/2007/08/new-electrodanc.html Arjan Writes] ] on MySpace and Shraya's website.

Shraya has toured across North America, opening for Tegan and Sara [ [http://www.seemagazine.com/Issues/2006/0824/mus6.htm SEE Magazine] ] , Melissa Ferrick, Brian Byrne and Greg MacPherson and is currently continuing to promote "If We’re Not Talking", focusing on the European market.

Discography

*"Samsara: The Sketches" (2002)
*"THROAT EP" (2002/2003)
*"A Composite of Straight Lines" (2005)
*"If We're Not Talking" (2007)

References

External links

* [http://www.vivekshraya.com Official Site]
* [http://www.myspace.com/vivekshraya Shraya's MySpace]