Hindustan Times ST (Jaipur) - Hindustan Times (Jaipur) - City
A bond beyond music
Composer duo Sonny Ravan and Shree D talk about their roots, their music and how online platforms are helping aspiring artists
Pune-based composer duo Sonny Ravan (Siddharth Banerjee) and Shree D are the brains behind the song, Andolan Nanga Hota Hai, from the recentlyreleased film, Poster Boys. The song is written and composed by Sonny, while Shree sung and sound engineered it. In an interview with HT City, the two composers talk about their music, working together and how the Internet is a great tool for new artistes.
WHEN THEY MET
Speaking about how they met, Shree recalls his first impression of Sonny when the two met at Indo-canadian singer-musician Ishq Bector’s house seven years ago. Shree says, “Sonny was sitting in one corner all composed and calm. He gave me a smile and continued with his work. Trust me, looks can be deceptive. I would have never imagined what level of crazyness hides behind that innocent face.” He adds that it was only when Ishq and Sonny started rapping to a song that he realised what he had gotten himself into. “The lyrics were explicit and I was scared. It was some crazy rap and it took me some time to get used to it.” Jumping in with his side of the story, Sonny says, “I agree. I am not a singer and was trying to sound cool. I don’t blame him if he was scared. After that meeting, we got along like a house on fire. We met every day, and discussed work and personal lives.”
A COMBINATION THAT WORKS
Sonny and Shree have been working on projects together for some time now, and it’s evident that they enjoy each other’s company. But, do they have creative differences? Sonny says, “The fact that we met at a time when we were struggling helped us understand each other’s strengths. So, we know each other pretty well when it comes to music. I can tell him if the song is not good and he can do the same. We are pretty honest about our work. I have learned a lot from Shree. He taught me how to capture sounds and has been a good influence on me.” Shree is also all praises for Sonny, “He is a free bird and gives people around him ample space and freedom to work. He is one of the few talented artistes who don’t make others insecure. You fall in love with him for his simplicity and craziness.”
A BLESSING
Shree believes the online platforms today are a blessing for aspiring artistes. He says, “If you have the talent, put it out there for everyone to see. When we entered the industry, we did not have Youtube or Facebook Live. We had to wait for hours in public gardens, outside music company offices and had to do so much more for exposure. Today, the Internet provides a direct ticket to the entire world. One should explore it and take advantage of it. You have to be ready to accept the truth and be honest to yourself. You cannot expect people to accept mediocrity.”
Shree actually taught me how to capture sounds. He has been a good influence on me SONNY RAVAN, COMPOSER Sonny gives people ample space and freedom to work. You fall in love with him for his simplicity and craziness SHREE D, COMPOSER