This A-Profiler we bring you Sheena Melwani, a singer/songwriter who has garnered the attention of hundreds of thousands of fans on YouTube. Find out how this young Sindhi woman got started with her digital debut, how she feels about the YouTube exposure, and what she hopes for in the future of her music and beyond.

Your site URL:
www.youtube.com/sheenamelwani
www.myspace.com/sheenamelwani
www.sheenamelwani.com

What is your ethnicity?
I'm Sindhi. If you haven't heard of Sindh or Sindhis let me quickly fill you in! Sindh, a prominent state in pre-partition India, was made part of the newly created Pakistan at the time of independence. Sadly, separating India and Pakistan also led to many Hindu Sindhis having to flee from Sindh. Sindhis (like my grandfather) had to leave all their possessions behind and re-build their lives elsewhere. Though most Sindhi families today have integrated into new environments, Sindhis of my generation must try to do their part to ensure the knowledge of our cultural heritage doesn't fade away. So that's what I'm doing here!

How did you get started in singing and songwriting? Did you grow up with a supportive family?
Though I've been singing since I was a little girl, my songwriting has only recently become a daily endeavor. Singing first: my first solo performance was a small part in my preschool musical, 'The Sound of Music,' and I was hooked! Since then, I have been fortunate enough to sing at intimate events like parties and weddings, and at larger scale venues like Montreal's Place Des Arts and Jazz Festival. Now with the internet, I guess I'm singing for audiences around the globe! With regards to Songwriting: I first tried my hand at songwriting when I was in my early teens but didn't quite turn back to it until late last year. The more I write the more I realize I have songs that are waiting to be discovered within me - I'm afraid that's the best I can explain it. In response to your second question, I've been blessed with an extremely supportive family and could not ask for more. Before marriage my family was there to support me at every step, and now my husband does more than anyone can imagine. What's most important to me is that we can all share in our accomplishments together.

You've had well over a million and a half views on YouTube as of this writing. Have you been surprised by all of the attention from people viewing your videos on YouTube?
The attention I've been getting has just blown me away. I am thankful to each and every person who has given me a chance by taking the time to hit the play button. My first YouTube video was posted on November 18th, 2007, and on Christmas morning my videos had combined for over half a million views. I then realized that 1,000,000 video views in the first 100 days on YouTube was actually possible. Amazingly, I reached that goal by the 83rd day and by the 100th day, I had crossed 1.5 million views. Today, March 26th, 2008, marks another milestone: I crossed the 2,000,000 video views mark! Surprised is too light a word to explain how I feel about all the attention, it was completely unexpected to come so quickly - but its definitely very welcome!

Are there any plans to release your music on an album? Have you been approached by any record labels?
Releasing an album has always been one of my goals. Now that I'm writing more, with two of my originals already on my MySpace page (wink, wink), and songs three and four stirring in my head while I try to sleep, the smoke around this dream is quickly starting to clear. I have also been contacted by some very cool people within the music industry lately, but have not signed my name on any dotted lines. In all honesty, I'm very new to the game that is the "music industry" so really want to enjoy every moment, and learn a little more before committing to anything.

Where do you see yourself in a year, 3 years, 5 years?
Few people can say that they spend most of their time doing what they love to do. I'm surrounded by music all day, everyday. As far as I'm concerned I've already achieved my goal as a musician. I wanted to share my music with the world, and I'm now doing just that. I'll be singing next year, in 3 years, and in 5 years. The only question is how many people will be listening!

Have you ever been recognized outside of the online world? If so, what was that experience like?
I only started posting videos on YouTube after my move to Tokyo (where I am now) and think the majority of my views come from North America and Europe, so I haven't had a moment where someone has stopped me on the street and said "Hey, you're the girl from YouTube" however, word of my YouTube presence did reach the ears of Cat Spencer, a radio DJ for Montreal's Mix96 and eventually led to a live telephone interview for the radio show. The experience was amazing, especially the thrill of hearing myself on the radio for the first time. In case you were wondering, I have a video of the interview on my YouTube page! :)

What are some things people be surprised to learn about you?
Though this may be obvious, I'm not a very serious person. I'm really goofy, and love to laugh. I'm also very clumsy (this may not be as obvious) and accident prone. A lot of people also say that I look like I am a "high maintenance" girl, but I don't think I am! On a more serious note, many people do not know that I studied classical voice and theory at McGill's Faculty of Music, so I can sing arias as well - though I have to admit I prefer what I'm doing now!

What do you enjoy doing during your free time? Hobbies? Interests?
Lucky for me, music is my hobby! So, whenever I have free time I find myself playing the piano, singing, writing or practicing the guitar. Apart from music, I enjoy cooking, watching movies, and especially spending time joking around with my husband. Traveling is also something I love. Just in the past year I've been fortunate enough to have visited Hong Kong, Korea, India, and parts of Japan - with a trip to Bali in the near future (I swear, I'm not high maintenance, just trying to take advantage of our time in Asia)!

What advice do you have for people who are looking at gaining exposure for their talents online?
Take chances and don't be shy. Put your videos up and don't be afraid to ask people to watch them too. The online community is vast and there is support everywhere. You just have to work hard, and in time things can just fall into place. Its very difficult at first to get attention, but the power of the internet makes it easy for your friends and family to help you gain an initial fan-base and from there it just keeps snowballing into bigger and bigger numbers. Don't give up, and when you're close to 1,000,000 video views email Nelson and he'll interview you. That'll get you even more fans. See how it works?

Finally, any final words for your fans?
Yes, I need you! I cannot do this without you so email me, leave me comments and come with me on this crazy digital-ride. I'm very new to this, but the road is looking good. I have no idea where it will lead, but the journey will be fun. If you want to ask me a question, to make a request, or just to get to know me better, send me a message on YouTube, MySpace or come check out SheenaTV at www.live.yahoo.com/sheenatv - where I broadcast live for you three times a week! I know this is a lot of info - all you need to remember is www.sheenamelwani.com, its all there. Check out the website, join the mailing list and drop me a message.

Do I even need to say how grateful I am for all your support? I hope each and every one of you already knows. I couldn't do this without your support.

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This issue of A-Profiler is brought to you by Nelson Wong.
Special thanks to Sheena Melwani.

Photos used with permission.
Copyright retained by original copyright holder(s).