An Interview With Stanley Bronstein
Music can be a mirror, showing society where it is, and a light, guiding it toward where it could be. It inspires empathy, opens hearts, and creates a sense of shared humanity. When used consciously; with clean lyrics, real messages, and intentions, it can uplift, heal, and unite.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Shweta Harve.
Shweta Harve is a bold and socially conscious singer-songwriter known for using her music to ignite meaningful change. Based in Dallas, TX, Shweta crafts powerful anthems that resonate with real-world issues, blending emotive vocals with thought-provoking lyrics. Her latest release, “What the Troll?” (February 13, 2025), is a hard-hitting collaboration with renowned Italian composer Dario Cei. The track and its striking music video — featuring viral dance troupe Feel Crew — take a fearless stand against cyber trolling and online hate, calling for kindness, resilience, and digital responsibility. With a signature style that fuses impactful storytelling and compelling soundscapes, Shweta Harve continues to inspire and empower through every note.
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
I’ve been deeply fascinated by music since childhood. I recall effortlessly playing tunes I’d heard on the radio on the piano after just a couple of listens. 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.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
The “Perfect Take” That Wasn’t!
There was this one session where I absolutely nailed a vocal take like, gave-you-chills nailed it. I thought in my head, “That’s the one. That’s the take.” Then I looked at the screen…and realized we’d been recording the wrong input. We had zero audio. Nothing. Just a beautiful, empty waveform.
What We Learned:
Always triple-check your signal path before a take. Magic moments in the studio don’t wait for you to be ready, you’ve got to be ready. But here’s the twist: even though that take was gone, I delivered another one right after that somehow had even more emotion maybe because the pressure was off, or because we were all a little stunned. Either way, the mistake pushed the track to an even better place.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
The most valuable guidance I’ve gotten, besides regular and methodical practice, is to separate the dreams and goals from the act of creating music. It’s about developing a passion for the journey of composing music and the happiness it brings rather than seeking ongoing approval and validation from people. Strive hard to create excellent music, but don’t focus too much on the outcome. You are not entitled to the rewards of your labor. The desire for these rewards should never be your reason for creating music. Remain calm and equanimous in both success and failure. Do your duty but do not concern yourself with the results. Finally, create music that is meaningful, heart-touching, and that contributes to a positive transformation globally.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
Two people have profoundly shaped who I am both as a musician and as a human being: my Master and my Mother.
My Master is spiritualist and philanthropist dedicated to bringing global peace and unity through various mediums. His presence and teaching have been a guiding light in my life. Through him, I learned that music isn’t just an art — it’s a force to bring about a social impact. A medium to awaken hearts, to bridge divides, to serve a higher purpose. His vision of a harmonious world inspired me to use music not just for expression, but for impact to create art that uplifts, unites, and heals. Whenever I compose or perform, I try to align with that deeper intention.
My mother, on the other hand, brought music into my world in the most organic, loving way. She was musically gifted and sang at small community events not for recognition, but for joy. I grew up watching her find happiness in a simple melody or a spontaneous song in the kitchen. She taught me that music isn’t about scale or stage — it’s about sincerity. Her quiet passion gave me my first glimpse into how music connects us on a human level.
What They Gave Me:
From my Master, I learned purpose. From my Mother, I learned authenticity.
Together, they shaped the lens through which I see music — as a sacred offering, and as a tool for compassion and change. Their influence continues to guide every note I sing.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
The day I realized music could be a vehicle for change was the day I stopped seeing it only as a personal journey. It became a collective experience — one that could heal, challenge, and unite. And that’s how this cause grew — out of the desire to give back, to inspire, and to use the very gift I had been given to leave a positive mark on the world.
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
I realized that I didn’t just want to create music for entertainment’s sake, I wanted it to mean something. So, I decided to blend them with my music to create a message. Music, after all, is a universal language, it transcends borders, it transcends differences.
That’s why our songs, like “Who Are You?”, “Why So Busy?”, and “What the Troll?”, are more than just melodies to us. They’re calls to action, invitations to pause and think about who we are, what we’re doing, and how we treat each other. Each song is a reminder that we are all connected and that we have the power to create a world that’s a little more compassionate, a little more mindful.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
Each of our songs — “Who Are You?”, “Why So Busy”, and “What the Troll?” were born out of a desire to start conversations that matter. These weren’t just songs for us, they were reflections of what we see in the world, and what we hope to gently question or heal through music.
“Who Are You?” is a song that’s touched people deeply. It asks the listener to look inward, beyond labels, beyond the noise, and reconnect with their essence. We received messages from listeners saying it brought them clarity or helped them through difficult moments of self-doubt. One person even said they played it every morning during a time when they were struggling with identity and direction, it became part of their healing ritual.
“Why So Busy?” was written as a gentle but powerful nudge. We live in a time where constant motion is celebrated, but no one stops to ask why. This song became surprisingly relatable so many people reached out saying it made them pause, breathe, and rethink how disconnected they had become from themselves and their loved ones. One listener told us they started turning off their phone for an hour each day just to be still because of that song. That’s the kind of shift that means everything to us.
“What the Troll?” came from a very different energy, playful but purposeful. It’s a cheeky take on online toxicity, meant to spark awareness without preaching. And the response was incredible. We heard from teenagers and adults alike who said it helped them laugh and think. Some told us it gave them the courage to disengage from negativity, or to speak up kindly. Humor can be such a powerful way to disarm a tough topic, and this track proved that.
All three songs carry the spirit of our mission: to use music not just to entertain, but to awaken. We’re constantly amazed by how these stories return to us through DMs, post-show conversations, or quiet thank-you. It reminds us that the impact of a song isn’t just in the melody, but in the mirror, it holds up for someone.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
As artists, we are given a unique platform, a voice that can amplify important conversations. For me, it’s not just about achieving success, it’s about using it to bring meaningful change to the world. My success has allowed me to reach more people, connect with diverse communities, and share messages that resonate on a deeper level. It’s an incredible responsibility, and one I take to heart. Right now, we’re working on two new songs that really reflect where we are as a band and as individuals, and they also tie directly into the causes we care about.
“How Happy?” asks a question that I think many of us can relate to, especially in today’s fast-paced, material-driven world. The song explores the chase for happiness, and how fleeting that feeling can be when we’re constantly running after what’s right in front of us.
“How happy?” “When the crowds disappear, Is it enough, To just run after what’s near?” It’s a reflection on the superficial ways we measure happiness, whether it’s possessions, approval, or external achievements. This song speaks to the emptiness we can feel when the noise fades away. It’s about finding true happiness, not in the things that gleam, but in the stillness and authenticity of life itself.
The message behind this song aligns with our cause: to help people find meaning beyond materialism, to embrace introspection, and to seek contentment in the deeper, quieter places of life.
“Which One is Real?” is another song that explores identity and the masks we wear.
“Who you see is not you, I’m the one who sees you, Lost in the games you play pretend.” This song speaks directly to the pressures of societal expectations, the masks we wear to fit in, and the confusion we face when we lose touch with our true selves. In a world full of images and facades, we ask: which version of yourself is the real one?
This track dives into the complexities of identity and self-perception. It’s a call to look beyond the surface and the roles we play, to uncover what’s truly authentic. For me, this song is about encouraging others to be themselves unapologetically and to stop pretending for the sake of approval.
These songs tie into a larger cause we’re working on: mental health awareness, unity, inner peace, and personal authenticity. In a world that constantly pressures us to perform, to fit in, and to acquire more, we believe it’s vital to start conversations around true happiness, self-worth, and the importance of emotional well-being.
We’re also partnering with non-profit organizations that focus on mental health resources, providing safe spaces for people to explore their identities and express themselves freely. It’s an exciting time for us to be using music to amplify these messages and create a ripple effect of positivity and introspection.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
As independent artists, we face a unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to getting our music heard in a saturated industry. We are self-funding our music, which means every project, every album, every performance is a personal investment. The creative process takes time, effort, and resources, and without external support, it’s incredibly difficult to break through the noise created by big labels and mainstream media. By supporting our campaigns, purchasing our music, or buying our merchandise, individuals can directly help fund the work we do. Your support enables us to create meaningful art, maintain artistic freedom, and continue producing music with messages that matter. Furthermore, society can help by fostering spaces where independent musicians like us can perform, whether through local events, festivals, or online platforms. The more exposure we get, the more support we can gather to fund our music and reach broader audiences. Governments play a critical role in sustaining the arts by offering grants and subsidies for independent musicians. These programs would provide the resources we need for production, marketing, and promotion, helping us compete with the larger industry players. Without such support, it’s easy to be drowned out by the big labels with their massive budgets and media presence. One of the most powerful ways individuals can support our music is by encouraging the listening of good, clean music that offers positive messages, meaningful lyrics, and an authentic experience. By sharing our music with friends, family, and social networks, and encouraging others to listen to independent artists who create thoughtful, uplifting music, individuals help ensure that meaningful art has a chance to be heard. The struggle for indie artists is real, but with funding, resources, and support from the community, we can continue creating music that resonates with people and brings positive change.
Why do you think music in particular has the power to create social change and create a positive impact on humanity?
Music has a unique ability to bypass the intellect and speak directly to the heart. Unlike a speech or a lecture, music doesn’t ask for permission to be felt it just is. It has this incredible power to dissolve barriers, to bring people together across cultures, languages, and beliefs. That’s why it has always been such a vital force in social movements, revolutions, and healing.
In our case, music allows us to explore the deeper questions of life — questions like “Who Are You?”, “Why So Busy?”, and “What the Troll?”. These songs aren’t just melodies, they’re invitations for reflection. Through rhythm and lyrics, we’re able to gently challenge the listener to pause, think, and maybe even shift perspectives. That’s the beauty of it; change doesn’t always have to be loud or forceful. Sometimes, it’s a quiet chord that strikes something deep within.
Music can be a mirror, showing society where it is, and a light, guiding it toward where it could be. It inspires empathy, opens hearts, and creates a sense of shared humanity. When used consciously; with clean lyrics, real messages, and intentions, it can uplift, heal, and unite.
That’s why we do what we do. Because we believe music is not just entertainment, it’s a force for transformation.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”?
Your message matters more than the numbers.
Don’t wait for the perfect start with sincerity.
Clean, conscious music is needed and it will find its audience.
Self-funding is hard, but it builds resilience and integrity.
Build a community, not just a fan base.
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
If I could start a movement, it would be called “Pause & Listen.”
Through music, storytelling, and art, “Pause & Listen” would create spaces, both digital and physical; where people can reflect on deeper questions:
Who am I really?
What matters to me?
What kind of world am I helping create through my choices?
We’d collaborate with artists, educators, mental health advocates, and spiritual leaders to host immersive listening sessions, live performances, and workshops in schools, workplaces, and communities. Every song we create, like “Who Are You?”, “Why So Busy?”, “What the Troll?”, “How Happy?”, and “Which One Is Real?”, already carries the seeds of this message. This movement would simply expand its reach.
Because when people truly pause and listen, they begin to see more clearly, feel more deeply, and live more consciously and that kind of inner shift can ripple out into the world in powerful, lasting ways.
Who knows? Maybe this movement has already begun.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
This quote has stayed with me through every phase of life and music. It reminds me that real transformation begins within. If I want to see more peace, more awareness, more unity in the world, I must embody that in the way I live, create, and share.
This became deeply personal when I began using music not just as a form of expression, but as a medium for impact. I realized that music could be more than just sound, it could be service. It could be a way to bring people back to themselves, even if just for a moment.
Whenever we compose songs like “Who Are You?” or “How Happy?”, or “What the Troll?” or “Why So Busy?” it’s rooted in this idea of being the change. We’re not trying to preach or point fingers. We’re simply reflecting on our own journey of questioning, of growth, and of returning to what really matters.
This quote keeps me grounded and reminds me why I started. It’s easy to get lost in the noise of the industry, but when your “why” is strong, your path becomes clear.
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
If I could have a private breakfast or lunch with someone, it wouldn’t necessarily be a celebrity or public figure. I’d love to sit with regular people who are quietly making powerful changes in their daily lives — teachers, social workers, single parents, nurses, independent artists, or young people finding their voice through adversity.
These are the real heroes. The ones who don’t always get the spotlight, but whose kindness, resilience, and choices ripple out in ways we may never fully see. Their lives inspire the kind of music we create — songs that ask deep questions, hold space for reflection, and honor the strength of the human spirit.
I’d love to listen to their stories, learn from their journeys, and maybe even weave their essence into the songs we write next. Because that’s where the real change happens — in everyday moments, led by everyday people, with extraordinary courage.
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
About the Interviewer: Stanley Bronstein is an attorney, CPA, and author of more than 20 books. However, he doesn’t consider any of those his greatest achievement. His most significant accomplishment was permanently losing 225 pounds and developing the personal growth system that made it possible — The Way of Excellence. As a catalyst for change, he has dedicated his life to helping others maximize their potential, transform their lives, and achieve optimal health. To learn more, you can download a free PDF copy of his latest book, The Way of Excellence Journal, at https://TheWayOfExcellence.com.
Music Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Shweta Harve Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.