Interview: Seema Farswani

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Photo: Seema Farswani

Indian-American multilingual singer-songwriter, producer, and interior designer Seema Farswani invites listeners into a world where music and design intertwine. Based in Singapore and recently named an ICMA Finalist ’25 and Berklee Summer Alumni, Seema crafts songs that celebrate identity, resilience, and self-expression.

Her latest release, “Sketches on the Walls,” blends Hindi-English fusion, blues, and pop-rock into a cinematic reflection on authenticity and creative rebirth. Inspired by her own design sketches from her Chicago days, the song is both a love letter to her past and a bold declaration of individuality.

In this interview with FVMusicBlog, Seema opens up about her cross-disciplinary artistry, the emotional journey behind the new single, and how she continues to empower women and creatives worldwide to embrace their voices — unapologetically.

“Sketches on the Walls” is such a powerful celebration of authenticity. What moment or experience first inspired you to write this song?

Looking through my treasure box, I came across the black-and-white sketches from my design days in Chicago, along with floor plans and projects from my professional design journey — pieces I still carry with me. Seeing them sparked the idea of penning “Sketches on the Walls.”

Metaphorically, the song is about the layers of identity we carry and rediscover over time. Those sketches represent fragments of our past selves — dreams, doubts, and unfiltered creativity — and the song became a way to let them finally speak through sound, emotion, and color.

You describe the track as a message to “Be You.” Was there a specific time in your life when you struggled with that — and how did music help you find your voice?

Definitely. Transitioning my journey from city to city and adapting to different cultures — as an expat wife, a trailing spouse, a wife, and a mother — often made me question where I truly fit in. For a while, I felt caught between design and music, between being practical and being expressive.

Over time, music became my bridge — a space where I could just be, without labels or definitions. Writing “Sketches on the Walls” reminded me that being yourself isn’t something fixed; it’s a continuous process of rediscovery. The song carries a bold yet heartfelt message: Be You.

It’s for everyone who’s ever felt unseen or underestimated, and especially for my circle of women and creatives — my “girls tribe” — to celebrate their own authenticity and who they are, unapologetically.

The song beautifully connects your identity as both an artist and a designer. How does your background in interior design influence your approach to songwriting and production?

Design and music feel like two sides of the same creative coin for me. In design, I bring spaces to life — working with bubble diagrams, concepts, sketches, floor plans, layers, colors, and textures. When I write music, I unbox all of that into sound.

I start with a concept — the essence or message I want to express — and then build it the same way I would design a space. Drafts become lyric ideas, colors turn into tones, and textures evolve into harmonies.

In design, I shape environments people can step into; in music, I visually build my lyrics into a world that people can feel and connect with. Both are about creating experiences — spaces and songs that speak without needing too many words.

The bilingual blend in “Sketches on the Walls” feels so organic. How did you and Rish approach the Hindi-English fusion in this song?

One evening at Berklee in Boston, the city view from my hotel window sparked a new idea. There was a strong sense of Déjà vu — the same feeling I had in Chicago, looking over the city as a design student, moving from floor plans and sketches to now penning lyrics as both a songwriter and a designer. Gazing at the view inspired the bridge, which I had originally thought was just a small transition, but it became the heart of the song. I experimented with the melody in Hindi for a few days.

Penning the Hindi lyrics felt like life coming full circle. I wrote them while reflecting on the years I had devoted to my design career, at times feeling I’d have to give up everything I had poured my life into, and doubting if I’d ever make a comeback. That emotion — of hope, loss, and rediscovery — became the essence of the bridge and shaped the song’s emotional core.

When I reached out to Rish (Level Music, Mumbai) — a fellow Berklee alum, music educator, and distinguished Hindi-English fusion singer-songwriter — he immediately understood the creative concept and elevated it in ways I could never have imagined. He seamlessly fused the Hindi chords with the English melody, added harmonies that completely transformed the track, and lent his soaring backing vocals, giving the song a richness and emotional depth that brought it fully to life. His input didn’t just refine the song; it flipped the whole track into something entirely new, while preserving its original essence.

The Hindi bridge reads:

“आशाएँ, मंज़िलें छोड़ आए हम कहाँ… टूटे सपने, बिखरे अरमान।”
(Aashaein, manzilen chhod aaye hum kahaan… Toote sapne, bikhre armaan.)
— Hopes and destinations left behind… shattered dreams, scattered desires.

The creative concept unfolded gradually — from the nostalgic inspiration of my Chicago design days, to the visual storytelling of my current songwriting process, and finally into a sonic space where both languages, cultures, and emotional textures could coexist. Rish’s harmonies, chords, and vocal layering transformed the idea into a multi-dimensional experience, making the song feel alive, cinematic, and universally relatable.

Working with him across time zones, along with my incredible BTS team — between Boston and Mumbai — relying on clear communication and shared creative vision. The process was about more than just language; it was about ensuring the song’s emotion and concept resonated authentically. The result is a Hindi-English fusion that feels effortless, heartfelt, and true to the story.

“Sketches on the Walls” carries a deep emotional message. What do you hope listeners take away from it?

I hope listeners find their own reflection in it. For me, “Sketches on the Walls” is about rediscovery — peeling back the layers of who you were, who you are, and who you’re becoming. It’s a reminder that your creative spark or your sense of purpose never really disappears; it just evolves.

The message I’d love for people to take away is simple yet powerful — be brave enough to be yourself, even when the world around you tries to define you otherwise. We all have sketches — dreams, ideas, or emotions we’ve tucked away. This song is an invitation to revisit them, to color them again with new experiences, and to make peace with your journey, however imperfect it may be.

How has your time at Berklee influenced your sound and songwriting approach?

Berklee has been an incredible turning point. It pushed me to go beyond what I thought I could do — both technically and creatively. Being surrounded yet inspired by musicians from all over the world expanded my understanding of rhythm, harmony, and emotion.

I think the biggest gift Berklee gave me was confidence — not just to perform, but to trust my instincts as a songwriter and a composer. It also taught me that authenticity is more important than perfection. The energy, collaboration, and the way music was dissected and reimagined there helped me refine my own voice.

“Sketches on the Walls” is, in many ways, an echo of that experience. It carries the discipline of a designer, the curiosity of a student, and the freedom of an artist who finally stopped apologizing for being both.

“Sketches on the Walls” blends blues, pop-rock, and world textures. Can you walk us through your creative process — from concept to final mix?

The concept for “Sketches on the Walls” was sparked by the black-and-white sketches I still hold from my design days. They transported me back to my college life in Chicago, and I wanted to paint that picture through sound and lyrics — a nostalgic journey through memory.

The first verse reflects my bedroom view, while the second verse captures my transition from Dubai to Chicago — the cultural shifts, walking cultures of city blocks instead of riding cars, catching the trains, and immersing myself in the echoes of opera (I recall opera artists being trained in their voice on the 4th floor) a as I stepped out of the old (bird cage) Vintage elevator in a historical building, (yes my Univ. was located @ Fine Arts Building, 410 S.Michigan avenue) Walking up and down the wood floors, terrazzo tiles, and marbled hallways, I realised that art often spoke louder than the names of people around me. Strangers — mentors, coaches, and fellow creatives — sparked the flames that helped me shape who I’ve evolved into.

The bridge, penned in Hindi, marks a full circle in the song:

Rish’s contribution was pivotal — he flipped the whole script of the song with his harmonies, chords, and soaring backing vocals. I fondly call it the Berklee magic! 🙂
His input added depth, dimension, and emotion that I could never have imagined, transforming the track into a multi-layered experience.

The final verse explores how, as humans, we often draw lines or build walls due to misunderstandings or unpleasant exchanges. People may hold perceptions of us without knowing our full potential, and those “shadows” can shape how we are seen. Musically, I translated these emotions into textures, harmonies, and dynamics, making the soundscape a reflection of memory, introspection, and resilience.

For production, I was highly inspired by Lady Gaga’s and Eurythmics’ style as references for this soundtrack. The entire creative process was like designing a space: concept, layers, color, and texture all coming together to tell a story that listeners can step into, feel, and reflect upon.

Your Got My Mojo EP and follow-up singles show strong visual and sonic identities. How do you balance artistic experimentation with maintaining a signature sound?

Balancing experimentation with a signature sound is much like designing a space. I love exploring different genres, textures, and sonic palettes, but I always anchor my work in the story and emotion I want to convey. Every song is built like a layered composition — each instrument, harmony, or rhythm is chosen to support the essence of the track.

This approach allows me to experiment freely without losing cohesion. Over time, listeners recognize my work not just through melodies or vocal style, but through the emotional depth, thoughtful layering, and narrative clarity — that’s what creates my signature sound across genres and projects.

Many of your songs carry empowering, self-affirming messages. What do you hope listeners — especially young women in creative fields — take away from it?

I hope my music inspires courage, authenticity, and self-belief. Many creatives, especially women, navigate spaces where their work or voice may not always be understood or valued. “Sketches on the Walls” is a reminder that your creativity, ideas, and identity matter — even if the world focuses more on labels than on art.

I want listeners to know that it’s okay to evolve, to take risks, and to embrace their full selves. Whether it’s through music, design, or any form of expression, your voice is valid and worth celebrating. This song is for everyone who’s ever felt unseen, and especially for my “girl tribe” — a call to honor your own authenticity and own who you are. I hope it encourages young women in creative fields to trust their instincts, take bold creative steps, and celebrate their unique journey without compromise.

Looking ahead, what’s next for you — more music, collaborations, or perhaps a project combining your music and design worlds in a new way?

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue exploring all aspects of creativity. More music is always in the works, along with collaborations that expand my sound while staying true to my artistic voice. This single, “Sketches on the Walls,” is part of my second album, which is currently in progress and reflects both my musical growth and personal journey.

At the same time, I’m drawn to projects that merge my design and music worlds — creating immersive experiences where sound, space, and storytelling intersect. Ultimately, I want to keep evolving as both a musician and a designer, and to invite listeners and audiences into that journey. Each song, each project, is like another sketch on the wall — a space to reflect, connect, and rediscover ourselves.

You’ve been recognized as an ICMA Finalist and Berklee Summer Alumni. How have those experiences influenced your growth as both a performer and producer?

I am truly humbled by the ICMA team for this global recognition. Being named a finalist is not just an honor—it’s a meaningful milestone in my journey as an Artist. This experience has inspired me to explore new depths in my artistry, to approach both performance and production with intention, and to embrace the creative risks that help my music evolve. It’s a reminder of the power of perseverance, collaboration, and staying true to my musical voice.

Attending Berklee’s Summer Program exposed me to a global community of passionate musicians and diverse genres. Working with such talented peers expanded my understanding of arrangement, composition, and harmonization. It challenged me to experiment beyond my comfort zone, blending different influences into my work, and gave me the tools to translate creative ideas into polished productions.

Together, these experiences didn’t just hone my skills—they shaped the way I approach music, balancing technical mastery with storytelling, and fostering a mindset of curiosity, collaboration, and growth.

As a multilingual artist, what makes you decide which language to write or sing in for each song?

For me, the language I choose for a song comes from the emotion and story I want to convey. Some feelings or memories naturally resonate in a particular language—Spanish might capture intimacy, Arabic might carry nostalgia, Hindi might reflect a personal journey, and English often bridges all of it. I let the melody, rhythm, and mood guide the language, so it feels authentic and allows the listener to connect with the emotion, even if they don’t understand every word.