Ananya Birla Sets the Global Stage Ablaze with New Single 'Caught Up'
- by Adam Bailey
- in Latest
India's leading English-language popstar, Ananya Birla, continues her meteoric rise in the music industry with a string of double-Platinum and Platinum-certified hits. Having amassed over 500 million streams and garnered international recognition, including an MTV EMA nomination and collaborations with renowned artists like Sean Kingston and Afrojack, Birla's star power is soaring to new heights. Now, she is ready to captivate audiences worldwide once again with her latest release, 'Caught Up.' Listen to the track below.
'Caught Up' showcases Birla's versatility by blending vibrant modern R&B, pulsating Afrobeats rhythms, and classical Indian instrumentation, resulting in a captivating display of contemporary pop with a global appeal. Her sweet, sensual vocals draw listeners in, but the lyrics convey a cautionary tale of a toxic relationship, highlighting themes of co-dependency, miscommunication, and self-realization. Birla fearlessly confronts the uncomfortable truth of their mutual harm, confessing, "I'm bad for you, and you're bad for me too." The accompanying music video adds another layer of symbolism, with its confinement within a room representing the constraints of the relationship and the difficulty of breaking free.
Reflecting on her artistic journey, Birla shares, "As an artist and as a human, I am constantly striving to grow and improve. Over the past few years, I have been experimenting and refining my distinct sound. When the pandemic forced me to stay in the USA longer than planned, I developed a deeper appreciation for home and India. I wanted to incorporate elements of my heritage into my music in a non-stereotypical and integrated way. After months of iteration, when we finally achieved it, I knew it felt right! 'Caught Up' is the first song in this new soundscape, and I can't wait for all of you to hear it and experience what's to come."
'Caught Up' boasts a star-studded team behind its creation, with Grammy Award-winning songwriters Kaydence (known for her work with Beyoncé and Ariana Grande) and Trevor Muzzy (credited for collaborations with Lady Gaga and Jason Derulo) penning the track. The production was expertly handled by M.A.R.S.
Ananya Birla's musical journey began at an early age, when she mastered her first instrument, the santoor, at just nine years old. She continued to broaden her skill set, including drums, piano, and guitar, which all contribute to her artistry today. With hit releases like 'Meant To Be,' 'Circles,' 'Better,' and 'Everybody's Lost,' her fan base has rapidly expanded, earning her recognition on platforms like New Music Friday USA and as a Sirius Hits Artist To Watch Out For. Furthermore, Birla collaborated with the iconic A.R. Rahman on 'Hindustani Way,' the official anthem for India's 2020 Olympics team.
Yet, Birla's impact extends far beyond music. At the age of 17, she founded Svatantra Microfin, the fastest-growing microfinance company in India, which now operates across 78,000 locations nationwide. She also established the Ananya Birla Foundation, benefiting projects for Save The Children India, and co-founded Mpower, a foundation dedicated to raising mental health awareness throughout the country. Her dedication to supporting mental health issues led to her becoming an ambassador for the National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI). Additionally, her passion for promoting local art communities inspired her venture Ikai Asai, providing a platform for Indian crafts to gain recognition as sought-after designs for modern homes.
Ananya Birla's incredible achievements have not gone unnoticed, earning her a multitude of prestigious accolades. She has been recognized as one of GQ's Most Influential Young Indians and featured on Miss Vogue's list of 28 Geniuses Under 28. The Economic Times has also acknowledged her as one of the Most Promising Women Business Leaders of 2022. Furthermore, Forbes honored her by featuring her on the cover of their Women To Watch issue. Recently, Birla was unveiled as a brand ambassador for Maybelline India, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the entertainment and business world.
Through her musical prowess and philanthropic endeavors, Ananya Birla continues to inspire and make a significant impact on a global scale. With the release of 'Caught Up' and her unwavering commitment to her craft and various charitable initiatives, she is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music industry and beyond. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking achievements from this exceptional artist.
