Technology, music bring people closer: Singer Preety

Mumbai, April 16 (IANS) Independent singer Preety Bhalla, who met Ilana Segev via social media and later collaborated with the Israeli artiste, says music and advancement of technology are bringing people closer to each other.

Talking about working with Segev on the song "Sha la la", Preety, who has a Master's degree in Business Administration and is also trained in music, told IANS here: "I think technology and music are bringing us closer. This song is an example of that. I met Ilana on Facebook and since she is a singer too, music united us."

"Imagine, she was sitting in Israel and I was here in India. We developed a great friendship because of social media. This is a great way to celebrate global music."

Segev shared similar sentiments. "This is the first time ever I have collaborated with a singer in a different language and it is fun. Preety sang in Hindi and I sang in Hebrew language. I also wrote the lyrics in Hebrew for the song," she said.

Artist Aloud, an initiative by Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Private Ltd., released "Sha la la" on Friday.

Why not release it on the popular video sharing website YouTube?

Preety said: "I think this platform is encouraging independent artistes like us and helping us to reach out to a wider audience so well. We couldn't have asked for more. Apart from ArtistAloud.com, we have also received blessings from veterans like Shankar Mahadevan, Suresh Wadkar, Hariharan and Lesle Lewis."

Segev, who was introduced to Indian film music during her childhood days, said: "As a kid, I had no idea that one day I will collaborate with an Indian artiste. But we instantly feel connected to some sounds. Indian music is that for me. I came to India for the recording of the song, and now I am here for its release."

"Apart from culture and music, whenever I visit India... I never feel like a foreigner. It's like home," she added.