'Why aren't there more female musicians?'

Coorg (Karnataka), Feb 3 (IANS) The non-Bollywood Indian music industry is burgeoning with new talent and genres, but women still seem hesitant to choose music as a career, says singer-songwriter Alisha Pais, one of the few female musicians to feature at the just-concluded Storm Music Festival here.

"I don't think there are many female artists in the (non-Bollywood) Indian music industry; so I am trying to bring the change. I see the profession dominated by males. I hope a few female singers like us (me) will inspire women to step out of the door and follow their passion," Pais told IANS.

Hailing from Mangalore, Pais is a singer-songwriter, who currently resides in Mumbai. She has been at music festivals like NH7 Weekender in 2010 and 2011, and also at Sunburn 2011. She was among just five female performers at the two-day Storm Music Festival that concluded Saturday.

Pais received a good response and says it was amazing to see people coming and saying: "You were the best so far".

"It is my first time in Coorg and it's amazing because a lot of people have come in and noticed. I received many compliments and the response is fabulous," Pais said.

"From 2009 I started my music and today there are more festivals happening in India. I think it is fabulous that people are noticing music talent and they also want variations in music. It is good. Many young musicians like us are getting more opportunities to pull out their creative talent.

"There are a lot of variations in music that need attention and it is good to get festivals like these, which are helping people to step out and give what the audience is actually getting interested in. Commercialising (the festivals) a bit has also helped, but then it is important to bring new things to the country," she added.

Known popularly for her single "Reflections", Pais is not the only one from her family who is inclined towards music.

"My dad loves music, so he plays the guitar and he sings superbly. He kind of got me and my brother into music. Right from when we were kids, I would sit down and just enjoy him playing for hours and I'd always get the best sleep. He played a lot of Bob Dylan and John Denver," she said.

So what next after Storm fest?

"I am actually writing a lot more songs and also I am recording a single," said the singer, who is also open to Bollywood.

"It would be nice to explore that medium also," she said.