have a clear direction, but in other
ways, it’s a lot more challenging
because you have to intentionally
stay away from certain words,
imagery, moods, etc – which can feel
a little restrictive. I enjoy both the
processes a lot for different reasons.
You are known as a man of few
words. Is that because you prefer
to express yourself with music? Or
do you just not like all that talking?
I guess this has come from the fact
that I don’t like talking much on
stage. I prefer to let my music do the
talking there. In life and otherwise, I
think I am fairly talkative actually.
When did you first realize that your
music was touching people’s lives?
At my Mumbai show last December,
which was one of the biggest shows
of my life till that date. There’s an
Instagram post about my experience
on that day, I think that will give
you a lot of perspective. Apart from
that, seeing people have ‘cold/
mess’ tattoos on their arms and
necks definitely has deepened the
process, even though I personally
am petrified of the idea of a tattoo.
Who do you listen to?
All kinds of artists. Lately
been listening to the new
Mac Miller record a lot.
Since you tend to write rather
expertly about basic human
experiences, what do you
think people want more than
anything else in their lives?
I have never made such a claim. I don’t
think I am qualified to answer what
people want from their lives. It’s quite
an existential thought and I might
have not answered that question even
12
The
Score Magazine
highonscore.com
for myself. It, however, is endearing to
see so many people find a connection
in their lives with my music.
The fact that you are celebrated
now; has that made a real
difference in your life?
No, as of now my life continues
to remain pretty much the same.
Yes, occasionally now at airports
and coffee shops random people
come up to me saying they love my
music. But beyond that, so far, I've
been able to live a normal life.
What have you been
reading these days?
I started this book called The
Checklist Manifesto sometime ago
but then kinda stopped. It’s been
super busy with lots of touring and
traveling so I’m planning to get
back to that in the next few days.
Has a book ever given birth
to one of your songs?
No. Not yet.
What is more difficult - finding
the initial idea for a song or
polishing it into the song that
listeners eventually receive?
Polishing the song is definitely more
challenging. I think people glorify
the concept of an ‘idea’ way too
much. Ideas are great but they’re
meaningless if not executed properly.
Is there a real difference between
writing in English and Hindi? Do you
think the same people are listening
to both in the same numbers?
For me, not really. When it comes
to writing a song, general rules of
songwriting apply across the board
regardless of the language being
employed. Secondly – I would assume
so, but I don’t know for sure. You can
check the numbers and see for yourself.
Who would your ideal musical
collaboration be with?
I don’t know. You only know
a collaboration is working
when you’re in it.