Akshay Anand’s acoustic, romantic musical style has some of his friends referring to him as the “Indian Ed Sheeran.” The third-year molecular, cell and developmental biology student said he attributes the comparison to the fingerpicking and slow tempos in each of his original songs, creating a tone similar to Sheeran’s first album “+.” Anand said after years of partially completing tracks, he discovered the most effective method for his writing was to fully invest himself by penning lyrics and instrumentals in a single sitting. Read more...

Photo: Akshay Anand, a third-year molecular, cell and developmental biology student, said he discovered the only way he can write songs is if he does it all in one sitting. After breaking off his first serious romantic relationship, he said he stayed up until 3 a.m. starting and finishing his first original song. (Kanishka Mehra/Assistant Photo editor)