Sid Sriram, the celebrated composer and playback singer, recently stole the spotlight at the esteemed Coachella 2024 stage, captivating audiences with his enchanting voice and mesmerizing tracks. Despite his young age of 33, Sriram’s performance left an indelible mark, particularly with his rendition of a Tamil religious song dedicated to Lord Murugan, showcasing his deep-rooted connection to Carnatic-inspired music.
Following his performance, Sriram took to Instagram to share a heartfelt video along with a caption expressing gratitude for the opportunity to showcase his talent on such a renowned platform. Reflecting on his journey from suburban Fremont to the grand stage of Coachella, Sriram emphasized the significance of having a supportive community of thinkers throughout his life.
He wrote:
“Yesterday was one of those days where the stage felt like home. Growing up in the suburbs in Fremont was mundane on most days. Having magical, grandiose dreams wasn’t really a thing, like the kind of dreams that change cultural currents. But I’ve been blessed to have a strong unit of divergent thinkers around me my whole life,” he noted, along with a video of his performance.
“If you had told 9-year-old me that I’d close my Coachella set with the “Thiruppugazh” my mother had just taught me, I probably would’ve chuckled and went back to daydreaming. Fast forward to 2024, first-ever South Indian artist to play the festival,” Sid mentioned, adding “On the days where the stage truly feels like home, and you’re with your brothers, you get the absolute privilege of tapping into what feels like the infinite. Yesterday felt boundless and free, I am grateful beyond belief.”
Being the first South Indian artist to grace the Coachella stage, Sriram’s performance marked a milestone not only in his career but also in the representation of South Indian music on a global platform. His fusion of Carnatic music with modern influences like R&B, jazz, and indie rock highlights his unique perspective on what it means to be South Indian in today’s music scene.
With his soul-stirring performance, Sid Sriram not only showcased his exceptional talent but also opened doors for greater diversity and representation in the music industry. As the 23rd edition of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival concluded, Sriram’s performance stood as a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and unite audiences worldwide.
