Singapore Twins The Bala Boys Deliver Healing Sound to the World

At just 15 years old, Singaporean twins Sriram and Ganesh Balasubramanian faced a health crisis marked by chronic neurological pain. Despite a series of treatments, including steroids and surgeries, doctors struggled to provide answers. Eventually diagnosed with fibromyalgia, the twins turned to music as their source of healing. Now, at 29 and residing in Los Angeles, they are symptom-free and on a mission to share the therapeutic power of sound with the world.

Roots in Music

Music has always been a cornerstone of the Balasubramanian household. Their father, an Indian physicist who moved to Singapore, was a passionate player of the mridangam, immersing their home in the melodies of Indian classical music legends like MS Subbulakshmi and Ravi Shankar. From a young age, Sriram and Ganesh instinctively connected through singing, often participating in informal jam sessions with their father. “Music felt like being transported to another world, one without limits,” Ganesh shared in an online interview.

The twins attended Princess Elizabeth Primary School and began their formal music training at the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS) at the age of seven. Their educational journey included learning the theoretical framework of ragas, which guide improvisation in Indian classical music. They also explored the practice of manodharma, or spontaneous improvisation, drawing parallels to jazz by emphasizing personal expression within structured formats.

During their time at St Joseph’s Institution, the brothers joined the choir, further developing their vocal abilities. Their parents consistently encouraged their musical aspirations, fostering a strong foundation for their future.

Scholarship and Growth

The twins’ musical journey took a significant turn when they auditioned for scholarships at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, during a talent scouting tour in Asia. Both were awarded scholarships and completed their National Service, with Ganesh serving at the Bukit Batok Neighbourhood Police Centre, while Sriram joined the army’s media unit. Enrolling at Berklee in 2018, they experienced a transformative environment filled with diverse musicians.

Ganesh recalled that the Berklee atmosphere was liberating: “It felt limitless, like an endless ocean.” This exposure dismantled their previous notions of music, encouraging them to explore new ideas and break boundaries. While at Berklee, the twins became lead singers in the Berklee Indian Ensemble, contributing to its debut album, Shuruaat, which was nominated for Best Global Music Album at the 65th Grammy Awards. This marked a milestone as it was the first Grammy nomination for an ensemble officially associated with Berklee.

Crafting a Distinct Sound

During their Berklee journey, Sriram and Ganesh developed a unique sound that blends Indian classical music with contemporary styles and ambient textures. This musical fusion, informed by their experiences with chronic pain, incorporates spoken affirmations and layered soundscapes designed to soothe the nervous system. They noticed that their approach resonated with many listeners, who reported feeling calmer and more connected through their music.

In May 2025, the Bala Boys were invited by SiriusXM and Pandora to create a special release for World Meditation Day on May 21. Their four-track album, Om And Affirmations, quickly became Pandora’s top-streamed wellness release, surpassing 400,000 streams in its first month. This success culminated in a week-long billboard feature in Times Square, marking a significant moment for Indian classical music in a bustling global hub.

Cultural Changemakers

The Bala Boys view themselves as more than just musicians; they aspire to be cultural changemakers. Their collaborations extend to notable organizations, including the Chopra Foundation and participation in the Sages and Scientists Symposium at Harvard University. Their music serves as both performance and a catalyst for discussions on the role of sound in wellness. Conversations with wellness advocate Dr. Deepak Chopra have led them to explore how simple practices, such as humming, can trigger relaxation responses in the body.

This August, the twins are set to begin recording their first full-length studio album. With a renowned producer known for working with major artists, the album will reflect their Singaporean roots and the multicultural essence of the city. They aim to create a global collaboration that transcends language and geography, inviting musicians from various traditions to participate in this creative exchange.

Ganesh emphasized the significance of their upbringing in a multi-ethnic environment, stating, “That curiosity translates into our music.”

Having each other as twins has profoundly influenced their journey, providing unwavering support and companionship. Ganesh’s energetic and visionary approach pairs seamlessly with Sriram’s thoughtful and sensitive nature, resulting in a harmonious partnership both on and off stage.

Wellness remains central to their daily lives, with mornings dedicated to meditation and music practice. As awareness of natural wellness continues to grow, the Bala Boys are committed to exploring sound healing as a transformative frontier. They aspire to create music that helps others reconnect with themselves, stating, “In a time when so many feel overwhelmed, we wanted to create something that helps people come home to themselves.”