Show details
What are your thoughts on online music, how do you rate the talents considering electronic gimmickry is being employed in music production these days?
The digital realm has opened up new spaces to create online music. When we were starting our careers 20 years back, we didn’t imagine how easy it would be for newcomers to reach out to people. Listening to music is very subjective. During our time we would go to a CD store and listen to music on headphones before buying them. Now, you can access it online. Having said that, it is still not that easy for young talent to get an audience. Only the talented will survive. Despite the gimmickry involved in the production, the artist cannot resort to it during live shows. So, unless you are intrinsically a good singer, all the gadgetry will only get you so far.
If given a chance to redo a song from the past, which one would you These days, singing is not only about vocal talent, an artist has to be a complete package. What are your thoughts on this?
This was also true of the earlier generation of performers. Kishore da was a complete package on stage. Personally speaking, my debut album, Pal, also required me to possess these qualities and I loved performing it live. I love the stage and have no inhibitions when I am performing. Whenever I am on stage, I feed off the energy of the audience. I enjoy interacting with the audience and believe it’s integral to performances. Every time it is a new experience for me on stage.
Could you explain your creative process?
Recording a song is a spiritual experience for me. I take my time with a new song. I go through the lyrics and the melody before I attempt to sing it. The song should catch on and you should sink into it so deep that you forget everything else – it’s just you and the song. This is true for every song, even if some of them don’t become popular. Creating music is a gratifying and deeply personal experience for me.
What does it take to be a professional singer, what’s your advice to someone looking to join the industry?
You need perseverance, dedication and loads of patience. There has to be an unbridled desire and total focus on the job at hand. You need to have the passion and a fire in your belly to rock the song, make it your own and rule it. You have to make the most of every opportunity you get, no matter how established you are. The hunger always has to be there and you must perform to the best of your ability. Once you have done that, it doesn’t matter how the song is received. That’s all that matters. If you’ve given your everything to the song, people will notice your commitment and appreciate you.
Where: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium
When: Friday, November 22 Tickets: Starting at Dhs 50 onwards on www.dubai.platinumlist.net