HOLLYWOOD TELEVISION MUSIC SHUBH KNEW MUSIC WAS HIS CALLING

All of 22, the musician feels fortunate to have performed alongside artists such as OMI and AR Rahman

At 12, much like most kids his age who dream of becoming rockstars one day, Shubh Saran (right) embarked on his journey to play the guitar. Now 22, he has grown up to perform extensively as a solo artist, and with globally renowned musicians in the United States, India, Canada, among other countries.

“At the age of 15 when everyone was running after engineering or becoming a doctor, I wanted to do something with which I could create my unique identity,” says Shubh, adding: “I was fortunate that an early age, I got an opportunity to perform alongside artists such as OMI and AR Rahman.”

Where does he see himself 10 years down the line? “I’d hopefully be playing and composing my songs. That’s my first and the foremost love.”

In his compositions, Shubh has crafted a unique style that draws from classical and contemporary Indian music, modern jazz and neo-soul.

Ask him about his latest album, Hmyra, and he shares that “it revolves around the central theme of a willingness to struggle and sacrifice in order to achieve something greater.” Talk about sustainability, and Shubh says, “Streaming and downloading are the order of the day. However, performing becomes the major source for money generation.” Even with his debut album, he says, the focus was not on making a huge profit, but to bring music out there and present himself.

Who’s his favourite artist? After struggling to name just one, he finally says Tigran Hamsayan, adding that people who genuinely understand and appreciate jazz are few, but the number is good enough to take jazz forward.