When he began our 5:30 p.m. interview by ordering himself a shot of espresso, a mocha and a tea, I could tell Nikhil Korula had not grown complacent in his success.

“Don’t be afraid of not having a schedule like anyone else’s because the best musicians, or the best businessmen — they’re not sleeping away the entire day,” Korula said.

Korula is a singer-songwriter who has shared the stage with music giants as wide-ranging as Herbie Hancock and John Mayer. A 2001 graduate of USC’s opera program, Korula has found his own musical niche writing what he calls a world-infused strain of pop meant to make you dance. But he doesn’t let his achievements stop him from maintaining a fastidious practice and songwriting regimen.

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