Catchy a.k.a. Vishal Iyer

We caught up with experimental producer, Catchy.

When did you first get into music? Please explain.

My journey with music first started when I was 14, I was inquisitive to explore how music was made so I was going through my iPad which was first bought and I started drawing random MIDI Notes on an application called Auxy. Since I was 14, I was also listening to a lot of Electronic Dance music by various artists like Martin Garrix, Avicii, Calvin Harris, DJ Snake, Nucleya and many more which pulled me into the curiosity of music-making. Since I am also inspired by my Indian culture so this made me get my fusion influences. After that studies came in so I was not into music that much but I was more into playing acoustic guitar and singing and consistently listening to various music.

At age 19 when I was in my college’s second year of Engineering, I started to produce music again seriously through my laptop this time experimenting and creating my own unique sounds. So from there on I went on consistently creating music with early listening influences of Electronic music and Indian Folk music.

So, in 2020 a biggest change in my career happened when I got signed to Songdew as an artist. From there on it has always been an uphill journey with them and they are always helping out to grow more and more with each day.

What genre of music do you perform and why?

I do not have a fixed set of genres currently as I am totally into experimentation. As experimentation gives me my unique style of fusion music which I love to create using my influences.

Otherwise, I love to perform all different kinds of music as they all together give me an edge to experiment and learn more and more.

Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

It was my listening ability and curiosity which slowly developed the love for the art with age. Since music also runs in my blood as my grandmother is a Carnatic Music teacher and my mom plays western and Carnatic Violin. So these all things together have somehow shaped me up as an artist and made me fall in love with what I create.

How has your music evolved since you first began performing/songwriting?

With time and age, my music has evolved into very beautiful art. As when I was young I was only and only thinking about sticking to a particular genre is Electronic music but now it is all about the courage to experiment and stand out and be unique with my sounds.

Even as a songwriter my lyrics have more beautifully matured than before. And I would say learning and growing never stop as an artist, I am always trying to improve with every song I create.

I’m sure you have shared the stage with a lot of talented artists/celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us?

Well it’s a very long way to go, but informally I have met Shankar Mahadevan Sir. He is very humble and a down to earth person. I hope to reach my new goals and perform soon in 2021.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion, or pride, and why?

It would be passion which would help me stay in this tuff business as passion is the one which attracts various energies and helps to be determined, focused and disciplined.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as an artist in an industry overflowing with new talent and ideas?

I think since the industry is ever growing and overflowing with new talents and ideas, I would say the biggest thing would be to be myself while making my songs.

The uniqueness comes from the unique sounds which I use to create my music.

What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

The biggest challenge for me as a performing artist has been to be consistent and bring new ideas to the table everytime I start creating something, well so for this yes I have been able to overcome it with time, I learnt not to pressurize myself for generating unique ideas and also learnt to go with the flow. The practice of meditation and reconnecting with nature has also helped me to overcome this challenge.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art? Please explain.

Well according to this phase I would say the statement is a bit true as in Life change is the only constant, to support this I would say Life is full of ups and downs, so hence the suffering and rising.

Also in the hardest times you go the most, even in these sufferings if you are able to fight and overcome it then you will be stronger than before with your art!

How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?

The Internet is the main source through which my music is reaching a very wide audience even without physically having a concert up there in other countries. The Internet has also helped me to gain more fan base through online communities both local and international.

If you could change anything about the music industry. What would it be?

One change I would suggest is that each and every artist should be pushed and should be helped to reach more and more audiences as people in our country (India) are stuck in a notion that film/bollywood music is only music available to them.

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why?

So here are my Top 5 Albums/ Singles which have inspired me along my journey 1) Vande Matarm album by A.R. Rahman The first ever music I listened growing up and the first song ever which gave me goosebumps and soulfulness. Can’t express the feeling in words as words can’t express how it feels on listening to it each and every time! 2) SAGA - I & II by MEMBA The most amazing artists who have their own sounds and unique vibes that’s what I strive for such an amazing album creates a very unique experience in your mind. A must listen. 3) Cold/mess by Prateek Kuhad This song is soo close to my heart, what a beautiful voice and what an amazing composition this is. Just close your eyes and feel it! This has been my go to song in easy listening. 4) O sanam by Lucky Ali He is one of the greatest legends ever will ever be as my childhood was full of his songs not only O sanam but also Tere mere Saath a masterpiece I would say! Been on repeat for ages now. 5) VED album by Ritviz His songs are soo good and have been on my playlist ever since so unique and happy songs to uplift your mood! I have fallen in love with his album VED especially songs Udd Gaye and Liggi are my favourites 6) Bass Rani by Nucleya This is how my brain started recognizing Indian electronic music. He has served as an inspiration ever since he released the album!

Tell us about your current project.

So currently I am working on a singer-songwriter, it will be released by the end of January. It would be something very different from usual which I do.

About the song - The song’s name is “Madhosh Hai”, captures the terminology of space in a relationship. The song is a small story of a dilemma between lovers either to love or not to love too much that the other is longing for space. So the confusion between them is expressed through the song. We all face the issues of relationship in our day to day life, so a real-life story influenced the lyrics. Emotions of love are very confusing sometimes it requires space to harvest the feeling, so Madhosh Hai is the phrase used to describe the madness of the lover’s heart, making him fall in love with her so madly. The song is a live version with live guitars and vocals.

Well, I will be releasing a song at the end of month. It’s a singer-songwriter called Madhosh Hai. The song emphasizes the Space terminology in a relationship.

What is the best advice you have received?

The best advice I have received would be, “NEVER GIVE UP” follow your intuitions and vision, dreams do come true. Also never let success get to your head, stay balanced and focussed everytime.

What’s next for you? Please explain.

I have got a lot of amazing music coming up in different genres - Electronic, Folk, Hip-Hop, Lo-Fi and much more. It would be a very big surprise for everyone, and would be totally unexpected. So excited to release them all very soon with Songdew. So, all my music will be the result of my courage to experiment with my sounds and create some very unique vibe.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

Fans can access my music through all streaming platforms on SongDew, YouTube, Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, Gaana, JioSaavn, Apple Music, iTunes, and many more.

Where are you from city,state, town, country?

I am from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFpWBIhzGLVeLr3nMuEAkyw Instagram- www.instagram.com/catchyproductions Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/catchyproductions/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/Vishaliyer3 All in one link - https://linktr.ee/Catchyproductions