At just 16 years old, independent pop artist Anushka is already taking her first major step into the music world with the release of her debut single, “My Valentine.” Written, composed, and produced entirely by the young artist herself, the track introduces a voice shaped by classical training, global influences, and a genuine desire to create music that connects emotionally with listeners.

Balancing high school life with songwriting and production, Anushka approaches music with curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to learn every part of the creative process. In this interview with New Hit Singles, she reflects on the excitement and nerves of releasing her first song, the challenges of teaching herself production, and the role her family, teachers, and everyday experiences play in shaping her music. She also shares what she’s learned from this first release and what listeners can expect from the next chapter of her journey.

Q: Congratulations on releasing your debut single! What did it feel like the moment “My Valentine” officially went live?

A: When “My Valentine” officially went live, I felt very nervous because it was the first time I was sharing my music with such a wide audience. At the same time, it was incredibly exciting. After spending so long writing, refining, and producing the song, being able to finally share it with people and let them experience something I created was very meaningful to me.

Q: You’ve said this is the first song you fully wrote, composed, and produced. What part of that process challenged you the most?

A: The most challenging part of “My Valentine” was producing it. When I first wrote and composed the song, I had no experience with production or recording, so I considered hiring a professional producer. However, my family and teachers didn’t support that idea because they believed that if someone else produced my songs, they wouldn’t truly feel like my own. Instead, they encouraged me to learn to produce and record the music myself, so I could shape it the way I wanted. Through that process, I realized that art always has room for improvement, and learning production allowed me to express myself more fully while developing new skills. This experience helped me grow not only as a musician but also as a more independent and creative artist.

Q: You balance school with being an independent artist. How do your everyday experiences as a student influence your songwriting?

A: My everyday experiences as a student often inspire my songwriting. Being around classmates and friends allows me to observe many different perspectives and experiences, which can generate ideas for songs that people from different backgrounds can connect with. Sometimes stories or moments from the lives of people around me inspire lyrics or song themes. Being a student also gives me the opportunity to receive suggestions for improvement from peers who are interested in music, which helps me improve my work.

Q: You come from a classical background and have played in the school orchestra. How does that training show up in your pop music today?

A: My classical background has taught me a lot about music theory, which helps me when creating melodies and harmonies for my songs. I often use that knowledge when arranging accompaniment instruments, layering backing vocals, or adding different sounds that improve the overall feel of the song. Playing in the orchestra also helped me understand the importance of collaboration and how different instruments and sounds can work together to build a complete musical piece. My classical background and experience playing in the school orchestra have also given me interdisciplinary experience, which I can apply to my music, in turn allowing more people to feel connected to it.

Q: “My Valentine” captures the feeling of appreciation as much as romance. Was there a specific moment in your life that inspired the song?

A: I wrote “My Valentine” to show appreciation for the people in our lives who mean a lot to us, even if we don’t interact with them every day. In particular, I wrote it with my family in mind. I don’t always get to spend as much time with them as I would like, but they are incredibly important to me. I believe many people have people similar to that in their lives, so the song is meant to acknowledge the relationships we sometimes take for granted. I chose to present it as a Valentine’s Day song because that day is dedicated to celebrating loved ones, which is the purpose of this song as well.

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Q: Your family and teachers have supported your journey. How important has that encouragement been in helping you take this first big step?

A: The encouragement from my family and teachers has been extremely important. Their support gave me the confidence to create and release my music independently, without fear of criticism. They encouraged me to keep developing my musical skills, to trust my own ideas, and to eventually gain artistic independence. My little brother also played a significant role in supporting me, as he listened to the song countless times after every small edit I made and provided feedback. Overall, their constant support had a big role in helping me finally release “My Valentine”.

Q: You’ve mentioned drawing inspiration from different cultures and genres. When you sit down to write, do you think about those influences, or do they come naturally?

A: I believe music expresses emotions that language alone can’t always capture. Even though “My Valentine” is in English, I sometimes draw from Hindi or other cultural expressions to convey different emotional layers. I don’t force cultural elements; they come naturally because they shape who I am. Musically, I sometimes borrow techniques from different genres if they feel right for the song, making it more interesting and engaging for the listener while conserving its core feeling.

Q: Now that your first single is out, what’s something you’ve learned about releasing music that you didn’t expect?

Now that my first single is out, I’ve learned how important connection is in music. While the music itself can connect with listeners, it’s also important for artists to connect with their audience through platforms like social media so people can relate to both the music and the person behind it. I have also learned that reactions to music can vary widely. This experience has shown me to focus on doing my best to create and release the music rather than worrying too much about how people respond, since reactions are something that can’t be fully controlled.

Q: You’re already working on new material. In what ways do you hope your next release feels different from “My Valentine”?

A: For my next release, I hope to build on the audience that has started forming after “My Valentine”. Before releasing this song, I didn’t really have a fan base, so I hope next time I can engage with listeners earlier and share more content leading up to the release. I also want the next song to feel less tied to a specific occasion. While “My Valentine” is centered around Valentine’s Day, I hope my next song will be something people can connect with at any time of the year.

Q: If someone discovers your music today for the first time, what do you hope they feel after listening?

A: If someone discovers my music for the first time, I hope they feel a feeling of connection and can relate the songs to their own lives. I also hope the music gives them an opportunity to relax or escape from everyday stress, even if only for a few minutes. At the same time, I hope they find the music memorable and catchy, so that it stays with them after listening.