In a world driven by constant hustle and digital distractions, singer-songwriter Shweta Harve’s latest single, “Why So Busy?”, arrives as a refreshing call to step back and embrace the art of simply “being.” Inspired by real-life moments of disconnection, from people glued to screens while walking down the street to heartbreaking stories of burnout, Harve’s song isn’t just music—it’s a reminder. Her lyrics urge listeners to slow down, reconnect, and reconsider the value of presence over productivity. In this interview, Harve delves into the creative journey behind “Why So Busy?”, her collaboration with Italian composer Dario Cei, and the personal experiences that shaped her perspective on balance, loss, and the beauty of genuine connection.
Your latest single, “Why So Busy?”, explores the theme of presence over productivity. What inspired you to tackle this message, and how did the concept for the song come about?
Feeling unsettled after noticing people distracted by their phones mindlessly walk down the sidewalks, at airports, with families at home, at restaurants, on holidays, at parties, while driving, aimlessly glued to their devices, unable to “be” in the present moment, and hearing of a young woman whose grueling corporate work life led her to take her own life, I resolved to open the eyes and hearts of listeners who feel lost in the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives. This song urges listeners to create a more meaningful, serene, and respectful relationship with time, people, and technology, an area where everyone seems to struggle now more than ever. Additionally, “Why So Busy?” is a touching tribute to my mother, Sheela, who loved to sing and inspired me to pursue music. “Learn to be present in any given moment,” “With my mom, there are so many moments I could have spent with her—but I was busy. Those moments won’t come back.” With “Why So Busy?” I wish to bravely remind listeners that a life too busy to connect with others is no “badge of honor,” but instead, a burden. From Busy to “Easy”, and Busy to simply “Be”, this tongue-in-cheek and somewhat comical musical journey questions the illusion of productivity with being chronically busy and unavailable. It’s about finding peace during chaos and choosing to rest easy by being productive with purpose and intent.
You collaborated with Italian composer Dario Cei on both “Why So Busy?” and your previous hit, “Who Are You”. What drew you to work together, and how would you describe your creative synergy?
In 2022, on a personal journey towards healing following my mother’s passing, I was looking to pair with a like-minded expressional musician on an online marketplace for freelance music-making services. Here, our unlikely musical collaboration blossomed. Starting by making soothing instrumental music designed for healing, we strived to incorporate a personal touch into our artistry and revive the golden era of music. Virtuoso Cei’s mastery as a composer and instrumentalist is complemented by my introspective storytelling and purpose-driven vision. Our first single, “Who Are You,” a collaboration with the ingenious poet and songwriter Jay Krishnan, was widely well-received, topping both the World Indie Radio charts (#1) and the Euro Indie Radio charts (#4). Fueled by our success and passion, we released our second and latest single, “Why So Busy?” a show-stopping musical journey written by me that questions the illusion of productivity and implores listeners to “stop and smell the roses.”
In the song and music video, there’s a strong emphasis on the disconnection brought about by our devices. Can you tell us more about the specific message you’re hoping to convey to listeners and viewers?
“Why So Busy?” is a catchy and reflective tune that questions the illusion of productivity with being chronically busy. It’s commonplace to see people always on the go, feeling there’s never enough time. In this song, I express the overwhelming nature of always being busy and unavailable yet finding the space to wonder if this busyness is worth it. “Why So Busy?” tackles an issue that is ever-present and ultra-relevant to our society today. Has being busy become a fad to avoid living with ourselves and others? Are we truly busy or are we enslaved to it to avoid “being” in the moment? Does restlessness make us want to be more busy or does busyness make us more restless? Are we using “being busy” as an excuse for sometimes being lazy? And if being busy is simply a choice, then can we choose to rest easy – be productive with purpose and intent instead?
Much of your music draws on personal experience, including the impact of losing your mother in 2022. How has this experience shaped your approach to music and influenced the message of “Why So Busy?”
Losing my mother in 2022 changed my perspective profoundly, both personally and musically. Her passing brought a new level of introspection and a sense of urgency to my work. It made me want to slow down and appreciate moments more deeply, rather than getting lost in the constant grind. With Why So Busy?, I wanted to convey that feeling of needing to pause, to stop running on autopilot and actually engage with what’s around us. Life is too fragile to just keep pushing forward without understanding why we’re doing it or who we’re doing it for. This experience has pushed me to create music that’s more honest and introspective—both for myself and for listeners who might also be caught up in the same whirlwind.
Your sound combines elements from icons like U2, Pink Floyd, and Coldplay. How do you blend these influences into your own unique style, especially in this single?
To blend influences from iconic bands into a unique sound, we look at what makes each of these artists impactful and timeless and then reinterpret those qualities through our own lens. In “Why So Busy?” music video, we have tried to mimic a live video call for the song to convey the message of busyness that most everyone resonates with. When conveying meaningful social messages like this, the music that complements the lyrics must be a unique sonic expression that lasts long after the music fades. To incorporate this, our compositions feature complex guitar riffs, nuanced drum beats, and sophisticated piano melodies, all set to a moderate rhythm designed to provide an ideal setting for the song’s reflective themes, while having a harmonious chorus to make a memorable impression on the audience. We have focused on creating a soundscape that feels both intimate and vast, paired with lyrics and melodies that are raw and personal, adding our own twist. By pushing ourselves creatively, we hope this single resonates as being fresh, honoring our influences while carving out our own path. We have received a lot of positive feedback already, especially with the chorus being an earworm and that the sweetness of the guitar strings in the melody really sticks.
The story of a young woman overburdened by corporate life inspired some of “Why So Busy?”. How do you relate to this character, and do you think this issue is something many of your listeners experience?
The experience of feeling overburdened by corporate life is something many people can relate to, especially today, where the pace of work is relentless, and burnout is increasingly common. I resonate with the character’s journey—balancing ambition and personal well-being is a constant challenge. I think this theme connects with listeners because, whether it’s through professional or personal obligations, many of us grapple with overwhelming pressures and the need to find balance. Music can offer a space for reflection on these feelings and a reminder that others understand what you’re going through.
The video’s concept—being virtually next to someone yet feeling far apart—really resonates with today’s lifestyle. What was the process of creating this video like, and what emotions were you hoping to evoke through it?
The music video has creative graphics to make the audience feel like you are on a video call with us. The way the video plays on the idea of “lost connection” in multiple ways captures the zeitgeist. The passionate energy comes across as something very important to us! The visual elements of family and “outside life” act as a wake-up call for people. I think the music video, particularly as a zoom video call, has managed to make a great impact on the audience as it is very relatable and a common household story. From the video production itself, it took several edits to get the live zoom call look and feel, we also had to get our videos in frame to fit into the theme. We had to stitch together several videos from all walks of life that visually speak to the song lyrics and overall busyness theme. I would say the process of putting together these videos on a zoom call was quite grueling and thanks to the efforts of our video editor Sudhir Chauhan with help from Jay Krishnan and Ashwini Ram, this was made possible. We didn’t want to compromise on the graphical videos depicting the story, so you will see a range of videos from busy on-the-go moms to businessmen running, on call even during workouts, skipping out or oblivious to the basic things in life. The music video is a MUST WATCH and, in my opinion, a visual treat. We have got countless feedback from people stating the music video felt like their own life story.
With such a powerful message, how do you hope “Why So Busy?” impacts your listeners? Are there any practical steps you’d suggest for people wanting to prioritize presence over productivity?
“Why So Busy?” encourages its audience to reevaluate what’s truly important and discover the worth in moments of quiet, understanding oneself, and genuine relationships, rather than constantly being busy out of habit. I want listeners to be inspired to stop, reflect on their life, and reevaluate how they relate to busyness. Productivity is frequently exalted in our culture at the expense of genuine presence. If the song resonates, I’d love for listeners to feel empowered to break away from the pressure to always be “doing” and instead make space for simply “being.”
For anyone looking to prioritize presence over productivity, here are a few practical steps:
- Plan Downtime: Make time for periods of silence, just as you would for a meeting. Keep these time slots as non-negotiable.
- Practice Mindfulness: To re-establish a connection with oneself, schedule brief, attentive breaks throughout the day. You can ground yourself by simply focusing on your breathing for a few minutes.
- Establish Boundaries with Technology: Designate specific times of the day or sections of your house as a “no-work zone.” You can separate yourself from the need to be productive by doing this.
- Success Beyond Productivity: Consider what truly brings you fulfillment and success. Allow this to re-frame your objectives so that your daily activities are focused on meaning rather than output.
- Embrace “Unplanned” Moments: Lean into spontaneity and find joy in unexpected moments. Being present allows you to truly experience these without needing to fill every gap with tasks.
Ultimately, it’s about embracing a new mindset that values depth over speed, allowing you to savor the moments that often get lost in the rush.
