Sreeja Chakrabarty is pursuing a degree in Music Business (Audition Track) in the Music and Entertainment Industry Studies (MEIS) Program in the College of Arts & Media. Originally from Kolkata, India, Sreeja grew up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. She decided to study at CU Denver after becoming familiar with the non-traditional music programs offered by the school. Compared to the music studies programs offered at other schools, Sreeja determined CU Denver would provide her with the best foundation for her career aspirations, which involve serving at the intersection of music and social work. In addition to her music studies, Sreeja is a student assistant at the Center on Domestic Violence at CU Denver.

Questions

1. What is the WeAreHere Visionary Leadership Cohort? What is your vision for this cohort at CU Denver?

The WeAreHere Visionary Leadership Cohort is a national cohort of student leaders committed to creating meaningful dialogue and lasting change around the issue of sexual violence on college and university campuses. My vision for this cohort at CU Denver is to specifically address the crisis of SA/DV [sexual assault, domestic violence] in the CAM creative community and engage students, faculty and staff to rethink how art, music and film can influence the crisis of SA/DV in our everyday lives.

2. What role does art play in helping people process challenging topics like sexual violence?

I believe that art in itself can be viewed as a social movement as it has the power to impact the world culturally and socially. True art takes courage and vulnerability which speaks to its audience. It is essentially a reproduction of our social interactions and can play a major role in helping people process the un-comfortability of SA/DV. Music and art are the most effective forms of emotional and communal expression and can impact one's thought process. The more creatives create art that takes visible action to appropriately address the un-comfortability in the world, the greater influence it may have on ending any form of violence in our community.

3. How has CAM helped you grow as an artist? Have you discovered anything about yourself during your studies that has surprised you?

CAM has helped me grow as an artist immensely as I have been given many opportunities and support through these years to play my strengths and understand where I still need to work on my skills to be the artist I envision for myself. I really found a way in which I can have an independent music career and incorporate my passions for social work and the music industry as it may exist. I am unaware of any music therapists providing their services to professionals in the music industry itself, which means my focus could create a niche value in my artistry and service. 

4. What are your post-CAM career aspirations?

My post-CAM career aspirations are to either move to India or Bali for a few years, work as an Indie artist, receive my sound meditation certification and work at a music venue or record label as a marketing manager. Then eventually do my masters in Music Therapy in Quebec, Canada to become a resource for the music industry professionals as well as create art that heals its listeners. 

5. How do you get into a creative state of mind? Are there certain rituals or practices you employ to get to a mental place where you can create?

I watch A LOT of TV shows and movies which inspire me to write or sing as I empathize with the characters and their stories. This in turn helps me relate back to my story and how I can create art based on that relation. I always have lavender or sandalwood incense burning while I am free writing poetry and songs and I also practice meditation and yoga to clear my mind of anything that is stressing me out, get comfortable in the silence and listen deep within to express myself creatively.