25-year-old alternative rock singer/songwriter

His songs are his proof.

Discography

A Composite of Straight Lines (2005), a cerebral EP featuring a bright and spacious wash of organs, acoustic guitars, tambourines and a guest performance by Tegan Quin of rock group Tegan and Sara; Throat EP (2002/2003), an art-rock pop record w/ Greg Johnston (Kissing Ophelia, Bleach Bone Choir) and Lyle Molzan (Jann Arden) and featuring remixes by John Wozniak (Marcy Playground); Samsara: The Sketches (2002), a single-voice, single-guitar project.

Live

2005 U.S. tour in support of Tegan & Sara; opening act for Brian Byrne (I Mother Earth) and Greg MacPherson (The Weakerthans); frequently playing local Toronto hotspots such as the Holy Joes, the Cameron House, and C'est What.

Career highlights

Winner of We Are Listening's 2005 International Singer/Songwriter Awards; Composite named #5 record of 2005 by Soul Shine Magazine; top-ten artist and frequent #1 at inDiscover.net in early 2005; showcase in 2003's Canadian Music Week (Toronto); 2002 Northern Alberta Singer/Songwriter Competition finalist; winner of the 2001 Futuresfest (Edmonton).

Future

Already mapping out the next record, Vivek (& his guitar) plans on being spotted at a local hotspot near you in the near future.

Also

Born an Aquarius in Edmonton, transplanted to Toronto; always relevant; has one tattoo (though it hopes for a brother) and has a penchant for alliteration, Diesel, and Six Feet Under.

Quotes

"Vivek Shraya possesses all the qualities needed to become a Canadian musical star.... [His] intense delivery comes out on each song and engages you in his abstract lyrical and melodic writing. A Composite of Straight Lines is definitely worth checking."
– Lina Nimjeh, SceneandHeard.ca

"The best thing about Vivek Shraya is his voice. It's an incredibly powerful instrument, and, as his most recent EP—last year's A Composite Of Straight Lines—shows, he knows how to use it to his advantage. Songs like 'Logic Vs.' and 'The Alphabet' showcase his powerful pipes, with his vocals blowing the music out of the water completely... and makes you believe that Shraya's impending stardom is a matter of 'when' rather than 'if'."
– Matthew, iheartmusic.net

"...A Composite of Straight Lines features some very compelling and individual song structures, expressive acoustic-guitar-based instrumentation, satisfying use of space and tempo and… some smart and poetic lyrics."
– Elizabeth Bromstein, NOW Magazine (3/5)

"You'll fall head over heels in love with his voice, which hovers between gentle and tortured…. I call it uplifting sadness."
– Sandra Sperounes, The Edmonton Journal

"He proves that it is still possible to create a completely original song with just a voice, a meaningful message and a guitar…. True art recognizes the beauty in the madness, and Vivek has done just that."
– Nicole Gilbertson, littleslean.com

"I was immediately impressed by the soulful flow of the lyrics and the intriguing vocal line, but even more drawing was his powerful and moving voice that combines strong technique with a raw, visceral eloquence. Perhaps the most engaging voice I have ever heard…. I believe his musical style, unique voice and creative hunger will make him a great Canadian success story."
– Kathleen Arnold, Wild Sage World Arts Company

"When [Vivek], focused and intense, starts performing, it's like a newborn emerging—strident, soulful and strong…. A love for and knowledge of contemporary music has given Vivek's songwriting a fine sense for 'listener-stickable' melodies."
– Kirby, of See Magazine