Delhi, Apr 24: For many young Indians, the roadmap is clear—study hard, choose a stable career, and stay the course. But sometimes, the most meaningful journeys begin when that path is left behind.
Abhishek Raj Sinha, widely known as Raj, found his calling not in classrooms, but in rhythm.
Raised in Gurgaon, his introduction to music started early. At eight, he picked up the tabla, and within a couple of years, the drum kit became his true instrument of expression. Growing up alongside his sister, singer-songwriter Abhilasha Sinha, music was never just a hobby—it was always close to home.
Yet, like countless others, Raj initially followed a conventional academic route, moving to the United States to study at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. It was a decision rooted in logic, but one that didn’t quite align with his inner drive.
The turning point came when he chose to pivot—leaving behind a traditional academic track and stepping into the world of music full-time. He relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, and enrolled at Belmont University to study audio engineering, placing himself in the heart of a city that breathes music.
Nashville proved transformative. Surrounded by artists, producers, and live music, Raj began to evolve rapidly—not just as a drummer, but as a complete musician. His collaboration with producer Mukul Jain at Ferris Wheel Studios became a defining phase, where countless recording sessions helped refine his craft and build recognition.
His time at Belmont also opened new doors. Partnering with singer Benjamin Joseph, Raj secured a win at the Belmont Country Showcase and later performed at the university’s Best of the Best Showcase—milestones that highlighted his growing presence.
Over the years, his work has spanned collaborations with artists like MALINDA, Venus and the Flytraps, Kamakshi Khanna, PhiloSofie, Aaditya Goswami, June Rosewell, and his sister Abhilasha Sinha.The work that he has collaborated with these artists on has collectively amassed more than a few million streams and has been heard by music lovers around the world.
Today, Raj is based in Nashville, working at Broken Door Studios as both a drummer and audio engineer. His videos of drum performances, shared widely on Instagram (@rajondrums), have collectively amassed over a million views, and have begun reaching audiences far beyond borders,
His journey is not just about music—it’s about choosing uncertainty over comfort, and passion over predictability. And in doing so, he has created a path that many young artists in India can now believe in.
