Universal Music India launched the debut album of one the most promising young names on the music scene, Shraddha Sharma at the recently concluded YouTube FanFest held in Mumbai on 1^st March 2014.

Originally from Dehradun, the 18-year old singer was discovered by Universal Music India on YouTube where till date she has garnered over 11 million views across the 30 odd videos uploaded on her channel Shraddharockin. The channel today has over 140,000 plus subscribers. It was only apt that Sharaddhas album was launched at the inaugural YouTube Fan Fest held in Mumbai amidst her fans. Shraddha also has a phenomenal 2.2 million fans on her Facebook fan page.

Shraddhas journey began at 15, when she first uploaded a version of Main Tenu Samjhawan Ki from the movie Virsa in April of 2011. Since then shes been captivating her fans with her voice, eventually leading to Universal Music India signing her for a 360 degree deal.

Devraj Sanyal, Managing Director, Universal Music & EMI Music, South Asia stated.“I haven’t been this excited about the launch of an Indie artist as I am for Shraddha. She is a young girl from Dehradun who built an envious base on YouTube all on her own with no help from anyone. Our job when we signed her a year and a half ago was to shape this girl to what it takes to be a global star.  From grooming to singing lessons to the best producers in the world with Lesle Lewis and in part by Jim Beanz of `Timbaland Productions written by Ankur Tewari, all  to give us an album that is at par with A-listers in our industry. My vision for Indie artists is exactly that. Give the fresh talent a full-fledged platform set against the monster thats Bollywood and explore whether the new kids who listen to this form of music as much as Bollywood if not more and see how they react. All early indications are that the time of the Indies is here. With the advent of Pepsi MTV Indies now launching I can further re-emphasize what Ive said for more than two years now…The Futures bright, The Futures Indie.”

Describing herself as a normal girl from Dehradun she credits her musical talent to her mother who first introduced her to it. “She is my first teacher, my first audience and my inspiration” says Shraddha.

Speaking on the release of her first album, Shraddha said, “I know my dreams are really big, but I believe dreams are fulfilled only if you have the power to see them.” Currently studying at Wilson collage, Mumbai, she is pursuing a degree in Mass Media, but her ultimate aim, she says, is to be a rock-star!

Manan Singhi, Head of Music partnerships, YouTube (South Asia) commented“It’s exciting to see young new talent being discovered by leading labels on YouTube in India. Shraddha Sharma is amongst the first few success stories to emerge out of YouTube in India and we are seeing many talented performers starting their journey on YouTube and going onto become mainstream stars in their own right. We would like to congratulate Shraddha and Universal on this debut and release of their album at YouTube FanFest.”

Titled Raastey the album is an eclectic mix of Pop, R&B, Rock and Dance. Titled after the lead song Raastey, the album according to Shraddha, is all about life and the road that lies ahead. All of the songs on the album have been written by acclaimed song writer, Ankur Tewari. Three of the songs are produced by international producer Jim Beanz of `Timbaland Productions and the rest by noted singer / composer / producer - Lesle Lewis, who has created music for Indias biggest pop icons such as Asha Bhonsle (Janam Samjha Karo), Suneeta Rao (Pari Hoon Mai), KK (Yaaron Dosti), Band Of Boys (Meri Needh Udd Gayi Hai), Indian Idol (Pal), Colonial Cousins (Sa Ni Dha Pa / Krishna).

Music composerLesle Lewis Im really thrilled to compose and create music for the next generation singing sensation Shraddha Sharma.  “I’m privileged that Devraj Sanyal and the team at Universal Music India has entrusted me with composing and creating the music for this next generation Icon. I wish her and the entire team at Universal Music India all the very best as she steps out into the real world of music.”

The album is available on both physical and digital formats on Universal Music.