Swaii

The Art of Music

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.

And why did you choose that style of music?

I chose experimentation as a way to go for my music style as it depicts my own self that is being versatile as an artist.

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.