Portrait of a musical hit man
JUBIN NAUTIYAL SPEAKS ABOUT HIS BIG SINGING SUCCESS AND UK TOUR
A RAPID recent rise has resulted in a huge number of hits for Jubin Nautiyal in a relatively short space of time.
The singing sensation has delighted music fans around the world with stunning songs such as
Raataan Lambiyaan, Tum Hi Aana, Humnava Mere, Tujhe Kitne Chahne Lage Hum, Dil Galti Kar Baitha Hai, Bewafa Tera Mushkarana, Wafa Na Raha, Main Jis Din Bhula Du, Dil Pe Zakam, and
Lut Gaye, which has crossed a billion views on YouTube. By mixing up standalone singles with music for high-profile films, the smooth voiced singer, songwriter, and musician has gone from being a small-town guy with big dreams to becoming a globally popular star.
What has added to the multi-instrumentalist’s mastery are his magnificent live shows to packed arenas around the world.
That is why there is great excitement about his forthcoming November shows next weekend, in London (4) and Leicester (5).
Eastern Eye caught up with the classically trained 33-year-old to discuss his impressive journey, hit songs, performing live, inspirations and hotly anticipated UK tour.
How do you reflect on your musical journey?
I believe my journey till now has been interesting. Well, I hail from the small town of Dehradun. My music has been a constant support. My love for music keeps me going and makes me want to pursue it every day in unique ways. It’s roughly been 10 years since I entered the music industry, but it is about the effort gone into it 20 years before that.
What do you mean by that?
I think music was not something that I found in between my journeys – it has always been there with me as a part of my life. I have faced ups and downs, and learnt a lot about myself in the process. How humble you are at the peak of your career and how graceful you are at your lowest say a lot about a person. My music career has taught me a lot, and it has taught me to be like a spring. The more you push me down, the higher I’ll jump. That’s the kind of
passion you need to make anything
possible in life.
The last few years have been remarkable and you have been much in demand. Have you had a chance to enjoy the success? Yes, indeed. God has been kind to me. I think success is experienced in one’s honesty, efforts, hard work, and the time you love to put into it relentlessly without thinking about anything. That is what drives you to achieve your dreams and goals in life, and when you are appreciated and loved for your work by others – that’s what you can
call success.
Global success doesn’t seem to have changed you?
I surround myself with likeminded people, including those who have seen my career graph so far. They are the same people who critique my work and would not only just praise it because of the artist that I am. Instead, they love me for the human being that I am. When you involve yourself with such people who know you inside and out, then I think
that you are protected.
Which among your blockbuster hits is your favourite? Raataan Lambiyan has been a very special song for me, which is very pure and raw. I was happy and excited to see the kind of love it received and the way it was appreciated. When I first heard the song, I fell in love with it instantly too.
How do you generate so much emotion in love songs?
Music is an emotion. I think an artist is a means of communicating the language of sound, love, and emotions. The love that I receive is so pure and innocent, and that helps me in my music as well. My love for mountains is not hidden. They inspire me in life to go ahead, be strong, create beautiful things and produce soothing music that touches the soul. I enjoy being outside with mother nature because whenever I feel off, I think of the mountains and being there, and it helps me give my best to the work. So yes, I am full of emotions, like a soul in love with nature.
Are you able to tell if a song will be a hit when you’re recording in a studio?
Honestly, I treat each song as a hit. As an artist, I would want an audience to listen to my songs, and I always give it my best. The rest is the song’s journey after it is released, but while recording, it’s like my baby and I nurture it with a lot of care.
How does being in the studio compare to being on stage? There is a lot of difference between performing live and being in a studio or singing to a playback. But one thing common to both is that, as an artist, you have to give your 100 per cent.
You have a great reputation as a live artist. Tell us about your most memorable live performance.
There are many, but I would share this concert I did at IIT Roorkee. I sang Tujhe Kitna Chahne Lage Hum from Kabir Singh, and there were approximately 30,000 kids or more in the audience. The energy during that performance was mesmerising, and the audience was very excited to sing the song with me. Later, when the video of that performance was released and went on to be the most viewed live performance on YouTube in Asia, I got a lot of recognition for that. So yes, that song and performance has been quite memorable.
How much are you finally looking to perform in the UK?
It will be my first time performing at the Wembley Arena in London, and we’ll be back with double the excitement and energy. I am looking forward to performing in Leicester for the first time.
‘I treat each song as a hit’
What can we expect from the shows?
Expect the unexpected. It will be a unique and rocking show. I look forward to seeing you all there.
How does it feel to work with the UK’s leading and longest established promoters, Rock On?
I feel thrilled and amazed. I am blessed to be associated with the hardworking team. Cheers!
How do you feel before going on stage?
I remember the chills and overwhelming feeling when I went on stage for the first time. It was just so much to take in, seeing so many people gathered, cheering, and hooting for you. The feeling is so strong I can’t express it in words. I can say every live performance to this date gives me the same emotion, and it’s one of the best feelings in the world.
What inspires you as an artist?
I have several inspirations; the people who taught me and inspired me to become what I am today. My father and mother are my biggest inspirations. I am always grateful for the love and appreciation my fans shower on me. I can’t express that feeling in words.
What music dominates your playlist?
I love listening to Kishore (Kumar) da, (Mohammad) Rafi sahib, and Nusrat (Fateh Ali Khan) sahib. They are magical and I enjoy listening to them. Apart from that, I listen to Amy Winehouse, John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Damien Rice, and many more.
Why should we come to the concerts?
Because you wouldn’t want to miss a live performance, which has zero filters. The hard work we do as a team for each gig has taken our fanbase to a different level. We would want to maintain and keep up the shows.
Jubin Nautiyal will be live at OVO Arena, Arena Square, Engineers Way, London HA9 0AA next Friday (4); and at Morningside Arena, 31 Charter Street, Leicester LE1 3UD next Saturday (5). See www.rockonmusicuk.com and Instagram: @jubin_nautiyal