PLAYING IT BY THE YEAR
RITVIZ SRIVASTAV, A 23-YEAR-OLD SINGER, DJ AND ELECTRONIC MUSIC PRODUCER, IS MAKING THE GOOD-TIME CHARLIES DANCE TO HIS BEATS
When did you start ?
I was six when I started learning music from my mother, Anvita Bharti, a trained Indian classical singer. Spending a few years learning to sing Khayal, I moved onto a formal training in Dhrupad under Pandit Uday Bhawalkar. After this, I taught myself electronic music production and began composing. I didn’t restrict myself to any genre initially and was writing what I liked—hip hop, dubstep, trap and pop.
From where do you seek inspiration?
It can be anywhere, a relationship, a conversation, a book you read, a trip you took, or in the feeling of ‘being’. I live in the moment; that keeps me excited to do things I love.
How can one make it big as an artist?
One must surround themselves with people that support and motivate them. There is no shortcut to success as it comes with a lot of trial and error. One must be open to failure but not beat themselves up too much. At the end of the day, ask yourself if what you’re doing makes you happy, if the answer is yes, then keep going.
What would you say is the strength for your hit song Udd gaye?
The melody is catchy and people want to listen to it over and over again.
What tunes are you currently humming?
For Aisha by MEMBA.
What do you enjoy the most in music?
Music has the power to transport you into a different world and I love that feeling.
Which singers are your all-time favourite?
As my mother is my role model, she would top the list. Other than her, I would say Lady Gaga and AR Rahman because their music is timeless.
Takeaway tips for those working with beats?
It is good to have idols and look up to other producers, but try to be original, collaborate with other artists and producers and work with different types of songwriters.
Advice for aspiring singers?
If you’ve been trained formally, that’s great but it doesn’t mean that you need to follow every rule that was taught. Open yourself up to exploring and doing things in your own way.
What’s next for you?
My new album, DEV. We’re taking YUV fest, which would include real world comedy and music performances, to nine cities across India. There are collaborations coming up with Seedhe Maut, SickFlip, Karan Kanchan. I’m also opening for Katy Perry’s maiden performance in India at the One Plus Music Festival.