The Score Magazine - Archive April 2016 issue! | Page 41

Starting with the cliched question : How did your journey in the music industry begin?
I met a producer in UK who loved my voice however he wasn’t convinced with my Hindi accent. So instead of
making a song in Hindi which was my desire all along, he produced a song for me in English. However, I didn’t
release it because I only wanted to sing in Hindi / Urdu. The experience of recording my first song and not being
content, made me hungry to satisfy the desire inside me and although it has taken many years of dedicated
training and commitment, I am now proud to be releasing my Debut Solo Album fully in the language I wanted
to sing in.
Tell us about your song Palkaan.
I was lucky to have my first break came with the musical genius ‘Jawad Hyder’ aka ‘JKD’ who composed and
produced my debut single ‘Palkaan' in 2014. Whilst JKD wasn’t taking on any new artists at the time, I knew when
I first met him that this meeting was beyond a coincidence and was determined to do whatever it took to work
with him. A year later, I knocked on his door - not knowing that behind this knock awaited a sanctuary leading
to a mysterious adventure – ‘Palkaan.’ The song had South American Jazz acoustics infused with a Bollywood
vibe - hitting all major Bollywood music channels and was an overnight success.
What has been your best music experience ever?
Recording songs in the studio which I had only heard for the first time hours before the recording itself. This was
challenging but very exciting. I had to learn lyrics, melody and the translation of the lyrics whilst also feeling
the song before I was sent into the booth to record. This was absolutely the best experience although daunting.
Explain a bit more about your latest debut solo album Woh Pal.
The Album takes listeners on a journey, as I hopelessly wander through life experiencing fantasy to heartbreak.
When I stop to ask questions on the path of love, I go on a quest for soul searching. The songs are a collaborative
effort of creativity between myself, Atif Ali and his writers and co-producers who came together to tell the story
of my heart. When you hear the Album, you hear my heart. Having seen all colors of love, my Album covers
360 degrees of all the emotions in and out of love. An album, that twists and turns melodically from one song to
next, flows like a series of mini fairy tales. Whilst the Album strings together a concept based on a collection of
moments, it advocates a deeper message ‘everything turns to ash but moments remain in the soul forever…
complete or incomplete’.
What or who inspires you the most?
I am most inspired by Lata Mangeshkar as a singer. I can relate to her voice. It’s so natural and so elegant and
even though I don’t understand the lyrics fully, I can feel the emotions in her voice. I am a strong believer
that music should bring people together from all walks of life. Every tribe, every person has values that can
be associated with some aspect of music. Lataji’s voice is so strong that the words don’t matter, her voice
mesmerizes you and carries you into her message. That is exactly what I try to achieve with my songs.
If not music, what would you be doing?
I love dancing for pleasure. From a young age I would put on music channels and dance away. I would have
loved to have been a professional dancer. But having said that I would definitely be doing something as an
artist because I am very creative by nature.
You've worked with some great musicians like Jawad hyder and Atif Ali etc. How was the
experience?
Jawad Hyder makes great music. I love his music that’s why I worked with him for my first two singles.
However, when I was introduced to Atif Ali he fast became my producer because as an artist he understood
how to ‘Produce’ me and bring out the best in me. Atif Ali is actually the man behind my voice. I am blessed; as
I have faced many hurdles in my career but I have also had opportunities to work with the best of talents.
How do you blend in different genres so well?
Primarily, because all the songs are love songs no matter what genre. The songs are deep and meaningful. I
connect with the melody of the song first before I get into the words. I understand the emotions of my songs and
try to live them as I sing. That is probably why, I have the ability to carry off any genre.
What are the future projects that we can look forward to?
I am working towards the launch of my Debut Solo Album ‘Woh Pal’ which is due for release in mid 2016. And
thereafter I would love to try out playback singing for films.
Any message to the readers of The Score Magazine?
The advice I would give to readers is to always follow your heart. Be prepared to suffer the pain and perseverance
to get what you want. It might be a tough journey. People might not understand or try to discourage you. But in
the end you will triumph because you have been true to yourself. The last thing I would add is, chip at it bit by bit
every day for your entire life. One day you will yourself be a masterpiece.
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