‘Sufi music isn’t just about singing high-pitched notes’
Sukhwinder Singh, the voice behind iconic songs like ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ and ‘Jai Ho’, speaks to Bulbul Sharma about how success and fame can make you choose between pride and progress.
Bollywood and film music? How does it affect the music industry at large? A.
The bonding of artistes and musicians is good and this rapport has increased over time, which is a good thing. We are all in the same industry, and working together will help us grow together.
Q. You started your career with in 1986. What according to you has been the turning point of your career? A.
My first lead song was in Dil Se [1998]. The song “Chayya Chayya” started it all. It was actually the beginning
fecting the quality of music and songs these days? A.
I feel that quite a few people are dependent on this particular technique. The auto-tune feature has become like a virus. Almost everyone is going for this feature, because the singers know that it can improve their voice and sync it with the music. I want music directors to use my raw voice, because that’s natural. I prefer working with music directors who don’t rely on auto-tune softwares. Singers should try and stay away from this feature, and work on their voice instead.
Q. Your power-packed live performances are loved by all and your prowess at playback singing is also no secret. Out of the two, which do you enjoy more? A.
“In our country a lot of people are straining themselves to reach higher notes and sound more like a “Sufi” singer. Sufi is not a particular kind or a style that requires third-octave notes. It’s a form of music that connects with the heart.”
Both are equally important. If I don’t do playback singing what will I perform on the stage?
Q. Recently, you said that Sufi musicians these days are “disrespecting Sufi saints”. So, what according to you is essentially wrong with the way Sufi songs are made and sung these days? A.
I have always found Sufi music to be special. It has always been my first love. In our country a lot of people are straining themselves to reach higher notes and sound more like a “Sufi” singer. Sufi is not a particular kind or a style that requires third-octave notes. It’s a form of music that connects with the heart and there are several ways to reach out. Not merely by singing in highpitched tones.
Q. What are the major changes the music industry has witnessed since the time you started out? A.
Learning music has always been a great experience for me as there are so many different things. It’s also interesting for me to accept changes. Both good and bad changes are afoot in the industry and I always choose the good ones. And I will always change with the times.