Sanchit Sawaria played a pivotal role in creatively directing the visual language and concept, shaping the entire aesthetic of the project. His involvement as a sounding board guided the process, ensuring a seamless integration of audio and visuals. Khyati Trehan, on the other hand, brought her expertise in design and execution, collaborating closely with Sanchit.
We found ourselves pondering over themes of folklore, fossils and fragments of time. Sanchit was inspired to construct a world centred around the concept of what archaeological discoveries might look like if a future civilisation, centuries from now, unearthed remnants of our modern world. Therefore, both him and Khyati chose to create a new visual language.
What’ s been the biggest challenge in translating this vision from the studio to a live performance?
Managing my ambition has been incredibly challenging. I wanted to approach this tour as a musical theatre piece that travels from city to city, with all the complexities that come with it— coordinating visual artists, light designers, photographers, on-ground support, and navigating availability and budget constraints. It’ s not easy at all.
However, having Aneesha Kotwani, whose extensive experience in event management has been invaluable, has helped us take it one day at a time. Sonically, the best decision made is to bring the co-producer, Goya to also music direct the live shows. This has allowed me to fully focus on performance direction.
You’ ve co-produced this EP— your first time in this role. How did stepping into that position change your creative process?
Co-producing this EP was nonnegotiable for me. I was clear about the direction of the tracks and felt a newfound confidence in my own stem-work after a long time. This experience has opened up a new realm of freedom that I deeply enjoy, and I believe it will make me more explorative and expressive in my music-writing process moving forward. Who knows— I might find myself producing music for other artists sooner than I think!
The tour features a stunning visual component by Moebius. How do these visuals interact with the music to enhance the experience?
The visuals were brought to life by Sanchit Sawaria and Khyati Trehan, with the final stitching done by Moebius, who also hails from NID. These visuals are more than just images— they embody the geography, textures, and essence of the theme. They’ re designed to guide the audience through the EP in a more conceptual and immersive way, enhancing the experience with depth and warmth.
You’ re also designing jewellery as part of the HYPERREAL world. What’ s the connection between the music and the merch?
As a passionate jewellery enthusiast, I wanted to create a tactile extension of the theme. It felt like the perfect moment to design a plate that carries the essence of having withstood the pressures of centuries. To complement it, I envisioned accessories that transform it into an interactive experience— a play of discovery and personal styling.
I couldn’ t have done this without Viti Mittal Studios guiding and facilitating the whole process.
From music to fashion to acting, you’ re constantly blending different creative disciplines. How do these worlds influence each other in your work?
I embrace a polyamorous relationship with industries, always staying creatively inclined without feeling the need to box myself into a singular role. This approach comes from my belief that I am living proof of how different art forms intertwine— how singing enriches my acting, painting influences my styling, and modelling breathes new life into my artwork, and so on.
You’ ve just wrapped up a role in Netflix’ s The Royals. How do you balance acting and music, and do the two ever overlap creatively?
All credit goes to Google Calendar, alarm clocks, a deep understanding of my team members, and a strict discipline that prioritises rest. With social media in the picture, and pressure to create content, everything now overlaps!
For someone coming to a HYPERREAL show for the first time, what should they expect to feel or experience?
Audiences can expect an emotive, powerful performance, woven with storytelling through soundscapes and voice notes. I hope it inspires listeners to leave with a spark of creativity, eager to create something of their own.
The Score Magazine highonscore. com
19