Clarissa is a singer and saxophonist whose rootsin Konkani music run deep. With a background in sound engineering and a passionfor creating soulful covers, she blends tradition with modern sounds. Fromviral Konkani renditions to dreams of global collaborations, her journey is oneof growth and heartfelt connection through music.
Family
Music came into my life through my family. Mydad is a musician, singer, songwriter, and actor in the Konkani scene, so Igrew up surrounded by it. At home there was always music, and it felt naturalfor me to sing too. Later, I picked up the saxophone and started exploringdifferent kinds of songs.
Style
I try to pour my emotions into my saxophoneplaying, so I’d describe my sound as soulful. I mostly listen to old Konkaniclassics, which keep me rooted, and I also enjoy modern English music. Bothnaturally influence me, and they come together in the kind of music I createand share.
Saxophone
It was actually my dad who chose the saxophonefor me. At first, I wanted to learn the trumpet since my dad played it, and Ithought girls could play it too because of Velrose Pereira, who inspired me alot. Along with the saxophone, I’m also learning the keyboard.
Identity
I’m a content creator, but I honestly see myselfmore as an artist. Social media is important today, and I do enjoy makingcontent to reach people, but at the core I’m a musician. Playing the saxophone,singing, and sharing emotions through music is what defines me.
Covers
I mostly create saxophone covers of Konkanisongs because they’re close to my heart, along with trending songs. Recently,I’ve been exploring Marathi and Hindi music too, to reach a wider audience.Honestly, what I enjoy most is sharing my saxophone journey through these covers.
Response
The response has been really sweet andencouraging. People appreciate my Konkani covers, especially since they connectto our culture. With trending songs, I get a lot of new engagement as well. Itfeels nice to see both kinds of audiences enjoying my work, it motivates me tokeep experimenting and sharing more music.
Influences
Growing up, my biggest influence was my dadbecause he’s a musician, and then all the old Konkani legends I would hear athome. Later on, I was inspired by Velrose Pereira too, seeing her play thetrumpet made me believe girls could do it too. Now I listen to both old Konkanimusic and some English artists.
Community
Honestly, I’m still figuring that part out. I’vemet and connected with a few musicians here and there, especially in Konkaniand indie spaces, and it feels nice to vibe with people who share the samepassion. I do look up to a lot of them, even if we’re not super close yet.
Dreams
My dream is to play with the brass masters SammySir, Senon Sir, and Nolvert Sir. I really admire their sound and energy, and itwould be an honour. On social media, there are also a few creators I look up toand hope to collaborate with someday.
I also dream of performing with Lorna, theNightingale of Goa, on the saxophone. I look forward to collaborating withartists on social media and globally, in a way that brings Konkani musicrecognition worldwide and helps more people connect with this beautifulculture.
Daily life
My life is pretty much wrapped around music. IfI’m not performing on the saxophone or singing, I’m practising, learningkeyboard, or creating content. I’m also working on applying what I’ve learnedin sound engineering and music production. I love spending time with God, whohas blessed me with so much.
Challenges
The hardest part has been staying consistent anddealing with self-doubt. Emotionally, there were moments when I questioned myabilities and progress. Practically, I was blessed with resources andopportunities, so the real challenge was pushing myself daily to grow, improve,and keep believing in the bigger vision despite setbacks or fears.
Motivation
It’s when I receive comments like, “this songreminded me of my mum who loved singing it,” or when people hype me up withblessings. In person too, many encourage me, saying it’s good to see youngsterskeeping music and Konkani alive. Even respected personalities appreciating mywork makes me feel, “this is why I do this.”
Support
My dad has been my biggest foundation ofsupport, he introduced me to music even before I was born, singing to me in mymother’s womb. He guided me and gave me resources which he never had himself,always pushing me to grow. My mum is my biggest cheerleader; she never misses agig and proudly flaunts me to everyone.
Highlights
One defining moment was when my dad and I playedour first song together, he was on the trumpet and I was on the saxophone. Heproudly shared it with everyone. Another was when my first Konkani cover, TumMojem Sukh, went viral on Instagram, reaching Goans across the globe.Singing alongside legendary artists and seeing my parent’s pride has been thestrongest motivation in my journey.
Projects
Looking ahead, I definitely have some projectsin the works that I’m really excited about. While I can’t reveal too much justyet, I can say they’re a mix of things that push me creatively while stayingtrue to my roots. I’m looking forward to surprising my audience with what’scoming.
Advice
