From Corner Bars to Festivals: The Rise of Rijah Banerjee

Every young musician dreams of captivating a massive crowd at a renowned music festival, but the reality often falls short. For many, landing a gig at the local bar feels like a monumental achievement. Yet, for Rijah Banerjee, a fresh talent from Jersey City, that dream has become a reality. Today, the twenty-year-old vocalist, songwriter, and producer, known simply as Rijah (pronounced REE-jah), is set to share the stage with iconic acts like the Foo Fighters, Noah Kahan, and Fleet Foxes at the much-anticipated Soundside Music Festival in Bridgeport, CT. How did this extraordinary opportunity come about?

A Unique Path to Stardom

The answer lies in Rijah's unique background and the support she received from an unordinary educational institution. As the daughter of the founder and director of Surati for Performing Arts, a cherished Jersey City theater company specializing in traditional Indian dance, Rijah has been immersed in the arts from a young age. More than just lineage, she has cultivated a distinctive sound that blends folk, pop-jazz, and sophisticated R&B. Her thoughtful lyrics reflect her curiosity and nuanced perspective, making her an artist to watch.

Crafting a Sound

• Rijah began her musical journey by teaching herself the art of record production.
• Her two EPs, The Only One I Know (2022) and Motion Pictures (2024), showcase her home-recording talent.
• She gained admission to the prestigious Berklee College of Music, where her music was shared with the festival organizers, leading to her booking.

Although Rijah has performed at local events like Jersey City’s Fourth of July celebration and various performance venues, nothing compares to the scale of the festival she is about to attend. Yet, she approaches this monumental occasion with unwavering confidence, ready to deliver the authentic Rijah experience that has worked wonders for her so far.

In Conversation with Rijah

We had the chance to chat with Rijah about her artistic journey, the importance of musical education, and her deep-rooted connections to Jersey City.

Jersey City Roots

Tris McCall/Jersey City Times: You study in Boston now, but your EP covers feature images from Jersey City. Do you still identify as a Jersey City artist?

Rijah Banerjee: Absolutely! Both of my covers were shot at Liberty State Park, and my parents still live here. Jersey City is where I grew up, and it’s been a constant source of inspiration for my music. I cherish the local artistic community and always look forward to returning home.

Education and Growth

TMC/JCT: Did you go directly to Berklee after high school?

RB: Yes, I attended High Tech High School for music and technology. I always knew I wanted to pursue music as a career. However, the pandemic interrupted my learning experience, but it also sparked my interest in music production, which has become integral to my artistry.

Family Influence

TMC/JCT: Did you grow up in a musical family?

RB: Yes, my family is incredibly musical! My grandfather and uncle are musicians in India, and my dad is a passionate music lover and guitarist. My mom, a dancer and the director of a performing arts company, always encouraged my stage presence from a young age.

Facing Challenges and Finding Inspiration

Rijah has faced challenges, especially during her time at Berklee. Yet, she highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with talent, stating, “Every artist is unique, and what’s crucial is finding your own voice.” This philosophy has guided her as she embraces new opportunities and creative collaborations.

This semester, Rijah is studying abroad in Spain, enriching her musical perspective through cultural immersion. Thanks to Berklee’s support, she’s flying back to perform at the Soundside Festival, showcasing her commitment to her craft.

Education and Artistic Identity

TMC/JCT: Why do you think American artists are often hesitant to discuss their