advised by my doctor . I just like to eat what I want . However , twice in my life , I have been on vocal rest for a whole month . I pushed myself so much , I could feel my vocal nodules swell and hurt .
What role does the digital space play for you ? How helpful it is to interact with your audience ?
Well , it is important to connect to the audience but at the same time , I have had my struggles with being active on digital platforms . There are many artists who stay away from social platforms and still have such a great following . I understand the importance of social media and its personalized touch that helps you connect with your fans , however , I hope for a day when my music speaks for itself and my listeners know how much I appreciate them without having to say it on digital platforms .
Being a playback singer , how do you balance film-based songs and independent music at the same time ? It is a very difficult thing to do , isn ’ t it ?
I am very shy and introverted about my songwriting . But at the same time , I ’ ve always had a feeling that I had to do independent songs along with film songs . Exploring your sound continuously is extremely essential to evolve as a musician . I did an EP at the end of last year called ‘ Saazish ’ which had three songs . I wrote my first Hindi song ‘ Kushnaseeb ’ for it . I felt very happy doing it . One of the songs in the EP had a Kathak vibe to it , and I felt very emotional and nervous releasing something that close to me . The response from my friends , family and my fans had inspired me to keep writing more and more songs . I also composed a track for the Netflix show , Mismatched , however , it did not end up being used for it . We later ended up using the track for an lgbtqio + campaign for MTV , which felt perfect . For me , singing on Television was a different ball game altogether . Television singing is not as easy as it seems . There is a lot of acting that goes into it . It was always difficult for me , but my mom used to say it was good though ! To be frank , I was too real for the television . But I made good friends with Akriti and Shaan who are regulars in reality shows .
What do you think of the scenario of film and independent music is going to be like in coming future ?
When I started singing in film , I realised that one should not compartmentalise music . Music itself is beautiful and it changed my perception towards art . I do not like to segregate it into film and non-film music . Music is a universal Language .
What is the most exciting album you are working on currently ?
I am working on a Durga Puja song , actually . My Dad suggested that I should do one , since it ’ s such a huge part of my life , But I ’ ve never done a song for it . With my childhood connect with Kolkata and Durga Puja season coming up soon , I am looking forward to it .
What would you say to young budding artists who want to make it
The contemporary world is full of opportunities . There is no room for blending into a crowd . The only thing I can say is do your own thing and be unique
RAPID FIRE
A song that you constantly sing in the shower
It changes every day , sorry !
If your voice had a color , what would it be ?
Velvet Purple
One musical trend you would love to bring back ?
I would like to have less weirdness in videos . Those days in the 90s , the music videos were so much fun with a theme .
A food that influences your singing positively ?
Dal Chawal , Mashed Potato . I am very easy to be pleased with food !
If your life had a theme song , what would it be ?
Crazy Town , you ’ d have Gone
Could you take us through your gear , which you use for singing
I have too many guitars , monitors , and systems . I have manual processors which is better than software .
What is the mic that you use ?
I invest a lot in mics and my latest purchase is a Manley mic . Also , on an additional note , all the soundproofing panels made in my studio were made by my studio partner Sashwath and me . It took us a whole month but it was a moment of pride to be able to create this studio ourselves .
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