“There’s a real connection with you to the music, it’s in your body, in your hands, it’s clear you really feel it…beautiful!”

Quincy Jones

Pokkisham has been steadily writing and refining her craft over a number of years since penning her first song at the age of 7, but it took time to reach a point where the inner critic can be silenced and she was able to pursue her lifelong dream of making music professionally. A career as a corporate lawyer saw her give up financial security and safety for her first love of music and from that she has forged a diverse portfolio career as singer, songwriter, pianist and arranger. 

There is a quiet intensity and an element of soul-searching to Pokkisham’s music, with attention always to how each song is crafted, working alongside her fellow band members to produce storytelling note just in the words and music but in the overall textural and sonic landscape she is presenting.

It was after an inspirational trip to Nashville in 2019, that she finally decided that her love of songcraft meant she had to put more focus into producing and releasing her own music. Calling on her years of playing experience, she was able to source an incredible band who could support her musical vision and within a few months she had crowdfunded her first EP, producing and recording 6 songs in 2 days at Eastcote Studios, London. Since then, she has crafted her own vocal arrangements from her home studio, and has benefitted from the incredible talents of long time industry heavyweight engineer/producer Haydn Bendall as well as rising star engineer/writer Charlie “T” Thomas.

Pokkisham writes purely for what she feels she needs to express and what resonates in the world around her. Whether that’s showing the more mature side of love to commentary on colonialistic power and the slashing of indigineous rights, her songs access open territory and inspire her audiences and listeners to do the same. There is a purity and depth of feeling to every one of her songs, ranging from full, energised performances to though provoking, spine-tingling vocals and a complete commitment to her craft.

Forged from the foundation of a rich musical heritage combining early exposure to Carnatic South Indian musical traditions alongside a training in Western Classical music, Pokkisham also fell into a rabbit hole of love for jazz, funk, soul and has never quite climbed out.  Her musical landscape further changed upon discovery of great singer-pianists like Billy Joel, Elton John, Tori Amos and Nina Simone as well as musical poets from varied styles from Joni Mitchell to Jill Scott.

With the experience that comes from live performing and writing, Pokkisham is abundantly present and confident in drawing you in to whatever world she wants to occupy within her songs – she wants you there, with her, and there is a generosity of spirit to her performances that brings you fully into the song, taking every listener on a journey alongside her. It is a conversation, rather than a monologue – opening up to shared common experiences we all have from everyday challenges of modern living.

Garnering praise from Quincy Jones to numerous British musicians, Pokkisham occupies her own space in the musical world. This is a craftswoman at work, and her continuing musical journey is one you want to be in on.