With Force.... by Samiko Matsutomo
Sidharth Uberoi has always been an earnest and thoughtful person. For lengths of time, he may not say a word - just listen. When he starts to speak, however, one can sense the concern and forethought in every word. His mind is active and alert.
The development of this character began in the San Francisco Bay Area, where Sid was born and raised (Fremont, to be exact). Surrounded by diversity of every kind, this first generation Indian-American grew up aware of the differences within and around him. This cultural awareness started early for Sid and bloomed into a full passion by high school, where he consumed the social sciences.
By the time he graduated from UC Berkeley in 2000, he had attained a robust foundation in the studies of culture with his Bachelors of Arts degrees in both Psychology and Mass Communications.
After college, he explored the worlds of marketing (Earwax Productions, Inc.) in San Francisco and politics (Office of the Honorable Dianne Feinstein, US Senator) in Washington DC. Ultimately, he returned to what was both a childhood passion and a family tradition, the practice of law.
Music
Sidharth's passion for music has been an integral part of his life since birth. His mother tells stories about Sid singing in his diapers and banging pots and pans. From that early time, he gained fulfillment from creative expression through music. In every discussion of his roots of music, Sid must remember his maternal grandfather, Sumer Chand Mehra, who regularly played classical Indian music in the house. Sid, thus, grew up taking those sounds and rhythms to heart, internalizing every beat.
From the pots and pans, Sid moved on to the guitar and to honing his vocal skills. Throughout high school and college, he was the active leader of numerous musical projects. As the singer, primary songwriter, and guitarist of all of his bands, he has shown the strength of his connection to music.
In 2001, Sid worked with producer Myron Dove on Falling Off the Earth, a record that displays a broad range of expression and an unexpected depth of soul. Always on the verge of a breakdown, Sid manages to walk the fine musical line between beauty and chaos.
After FOtE, Sid refocused his energies on the collaborative work that he loves best. Working with some of his oldest friends, Josh Lando and Nathan Skerl, he has published a steady stream of carefully-crafted musical snapshots.
When asked about his future, Sidharth falls silent. After a moment, he expresses a desire to be more selfless, to be a sharper thinker, and to be a more positive force in life. Also, he goes on after a pause, Sidharth wants to make you feel what he feels, with words and music. With force.
