Malavika: Navigating Identity, Visibility, and the Digital Age Through Music
Los Angeles-based artist Malavika is set to release her new EP, “Online/IRL,” a cinematic pop exploration of identity, visibility, and self-authorship in the digital age. The project delves into the tension experienced by second-generation immigrants between authentic selfhood and the pressure to be seen, particularly within family and cultural expectations.
The Tension Between Being and Being Seen
Malavika’s journey began with a personal question: Was she living to be seen, or living from genuine alignment? This inquiry sparked the creation of “Online/IRL,” which explores the complexities of immigrant experiences in America, a topic often discussed but now being uniquely voiced through music.
Cultural Expectations and Validation
The artist reflects on the emphasis on achievement within South Asian households, where professions like doctor, lawyer, or engineer are often highlighted. While these paths are valued, they can inadvertently create a hierarchy of success. Malavika notes that gaining her parents’ full understanding of her career choices came with visible proof of success, highlighting the need for validation within familial expectations. AnokhiLife reports that she idolized artists like Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and A.R. Rahman growing up.
Performing Identity and Cultural Responsibility
Malavika acknowledges a sense of responsibility in sharing her Indian heritage, recognizing that it fosters community. However, she also questions whether sharing her culture stems from genuine resonance or strategic performance. She emphasizes that her most authentic expression of identity resides within her music, free from the constraints of optics or expectations. This approach allows her music to connect with audiences globally, demonstrating that specificity can lead to universality.
A Generational and Cultural Exploration
The question of “being or being seen” is deeply personal, generational, and cultural for Malavika. Growing up, she internalized the emphasis on achievement and external validation common in South Asian households. Her song, “High Note,” explores the idea that reaching milestones doesn’t necessarily equate to inner security. She shifted her focus from seeking applause to prioritizing alignment, ultimately finding a sense of self she describes as “coming home to herself.”
The Creation of “Online/IRL”
The concept for “Online/IRL” emerged organically after the songs were written. Collaboration with Julia Ross and Ash Minor helped articulate her feelings, while Abhishek Singh (Lionoath) produced the EP, creating a cohesive sonic landscape. Malavika aimed to create something real and meaningful, contrasting the curated and attention-grabbing nature of the online world. She hopes audiences will find permission to slow down, listen to themselves, and prioritize presence over performance.
Blending Heritage and Modern Sound
Incorporating South Asian sonic elements into her cinematic pop sound felt natural to Malavika, stemming from her long-time training in Bharatanatyam. Rhythm, repetition, and emotional storytelling were ingrained in her artistic foundation. She believes that authenticity removes the risk of tokenization, allowing her heritage to be expressed organically through her music. Wikipedia notes that Malavika has sung over 3200 songs, including hits like “Bommali” and “Holessa.”
Malavika’s Instagram profile (@malavikamusic) describes her as being “Built in India, running worldwide.”