GURU RANDHAWA

The 'High Rated Gabru' Guru Randhawa became the talk of town after a few smashing hit songs. All of 27 years of age, this precocious artist has taken the Bollywood industry by storm! One of the popular independent singers, who have had significant number of songs to his credit, is Guru Randhawa. In an interview with us, he spoke about his musical path, inspiration, his collaboration with Pitbull, how he uses technology to reach his fans and a lot more. Who were your early music inspirations and who amongst them inspired your music the most?

It all began for me with listening to songs on TV and singing it at an early age. Since, I used to stay close to India-Pak border, I used to listen to artist like Gurdass Mann, Babbu Mann from Punjab and legends from Pakistan like Sajjad Ali, Abrarul- Haq, etc. These were my initial inspirations and developed my interest to be in front of camera and on stage.

How did you get into music? Do you remember the exact moment when you know or did you realise gradually?

So, I come from Gurdaspur, Punjab which is

4 km from Indo-Pak border. Coming from this small village, the satellite used to catch regional channels along with DD national and others. I used to listen to old folk and pop music that used to come on TV then. I remember, if we moved the antenna of radio on one side, so we used to hear Punjabi legendary artist like Babbu Mann, Gurdass Mann. Moving the antenna on other side we could hear Pakistani artist like Sajjad Ali, Abrarul- Haq, etc so we had best of both worlds. I always had to dream to come on TV and by god’s grace I was able to achieve that. My early struggles were just like any other kid in village and while growing up I decided to follow my passion of music. My parents were always supportive of me and did everything in their capacity to support us. Being from a village, definitely we had limited sources but I always believed in my music. I never gave up and kept doing what I love. Even the songs that you hear now mostly were written back then. I feel, this was not a struggle. It was my journey and God has always been by my side. It was a lot of hard work, but if you keep working hard and respect your parents, things fall into place eventually

What is your writing and composing process?

So the artist I used hear that time on TV or radio used to compose write and sing their own songs. As a kid I thought, that is how it is be done. I write and compose music taking inspiration from everyday lives so that the audience can easily connect with the essence of the music that is being portrayed. I always try to keep my songs very easy with lyrics and catchy/young composition. There is no fixed process, it just comes to my mind and I take note of it. It can be in car, on flight or in studio, anywhere. Sometimes the hook comes and then I work on the later part. After

writing is done, composition comes naturally and then we go to studio to record it. with independent music, I can do what I feel satisfied with, and not feel the pressure of what others expect me to deliver.

You're one of the most watched singers (globally) on Youtube. Has any of that outreach permeated into any countries that you did not expect it would reach?

Absolutely, the music industry has added a lot of volume to my career. It has helped me and reach parts of world which I didn't knew existed. It is a new experience and I am getting to learn something new every day. It feels top of the world to see people from all around the world dancing to my songs. God has made it all work.

How do you think technology plays a role in today’s world especially in the music industry? How do you leverage it to reach out to your target audience?

I think technology plays a vital role in any artist’s life. Back in those days, there were very few mediums and the options were limited. Today, an artist can directly upload video/song on Youtube and other streaming sites/apps and can easily reach out audience. Nowadays, people have started following music more seriously. They can directly connect with artist on social media and stay constantly updated about artist whereabouts. It has definitely opened new avenues that didn’t exist before.

At the end of the day, all the mediums generate revenue and the number of downloads for a song do matter for an artist.

How was the music scene in Punjab when you were coming up? Was music appreciated in households or was it more of an individual pursuit?

Honestly, the Punjabi music scene has been vibrant ever since with artist Gurdass Mann, Babbu Mann, Surtaj Singh and may more. I was exposed to music with TV and radio so definitely it was a household scene. In today’s day and time, it has expanded beyond measure and I am glad so many good talents are coming out from Punjab.

Does the presence of prolific singers like Gurdaas Maan give the local scene in Punjab any buoyancy?

Yes, absolutely, they are legendary singers and will be remembered for their always.

You've said that you enjoy performing at weddings. Do you feel that they give you a more intimate space to meet the fans and do concerts feel any different?

Yes, performing at wedding is fun as it is a small intimate close affair. But in comparison to concerts, I love singing for my fans who take out time from their hectic schedule to attend my concerts. Performing for my live is the best feeling. When the audience resonates with my music and sings every single word from the song. the high of performing live is unmatched, the thrill, the love, the energy all makes it an unforgettable experience.

Did you experience any difference in the process of working for a Bollywood project in comparison with the scene back home and (now) with international artists? If yes, what?

Well, I feel Independent single have an aura of their own and no pressure for the artist in terms of creativity. For instance, before my song 'Suit Suit' was dropped in 'Hindi Medium' movie, it was already reached about 100 million plus views on Youtube. The people who made me reach these numbers like my fan base, subscribers, followers they all pushed the song even further to reach where it is today. This is the magic of Independent music. That's why all true artist enjoy making Independent singles as you can give a part of you to the music. It is a different process to create music for films. I need to know what the film is about and the scene for which I am composing the song. Understanding the mood of the film is also important and there are inputs from directors, producers to keep in mind as well.

Tell us about your favorite Gear and why do you like them?

I recently purchased a Grand Piano for my new home and I;m so excited to play it.

How was the experience of working with Pitbull? Why did he become the choice for your first international project?

It was great working with Pitbull sir and dream come true collaboration. I always wanted to represent my village, my state and my country at international level, so this opportunity was one step towards that representation. I feel, as an artiste, it’s my responsibility to diversify my music and spread the beauty of my culture. It was awesome working with him and the song has turned out really good. His contribution on the song added a magical spin that gave it an International twist. It was huge step ahead in going global and this collaboration set Indian music on global map. I would love to explore more collaborations in future.

Would you ever consider singing a song for a different language then Hindi and Punjabi to permeate other industries?

If something interesting comes my way in any language, why not.

When did you think an artist becomes successful? When do you think it happened in your story?

It is an ongoing process always. So to say, when people sing your songs and really enjoy it greatest gift for an artist. The love I receive from my fans and the happiness in eyes of my parents it is my biggest achievement.

What do you consider yourself first - lyricist, writer, singer or composer?

I think all three are part of the process, each is important to complete a song.

You have been signed by T-Series for a long time now. How did the collaboration come about? How much has it evolved?

The label heard my independent songs and approached us to place it in movies. They are like family to me. I’m thankful to Bhushan sir for all his support, it wouldn’t have been possible without the hard working team at T-Series. With support of our fans and well-wishers, we have been able to achieve our milestones till now and many more to come.

Do you have any forthcoming projects? Could you tell us something about them?

Currently, I’m doing a tour and receiving a lot of love for slowly slowly. I have few Bollywood songs coming in movies like Arjun Patiala, Dream Girl and few more. I have a new single releasing very soon, you will hear about it soon. We have tried something new with this single.

What are some of the platforms you listen to music on and why do you like them?

Youtube, Itunes

If there is something you’d like to change about the music industry, what would it be and why?

The amount of talent emerging from our country is incredible. It's a good phase for Hindi Music industry with rising of independent singles too. I wouldn’t want to change anything when it comes to music. Everything is good. Even when u do not understand language of a singer you would listen to the music and make your own version of song and groove to it. Anyone can connect to good music, that is its power

How would you describe your sound to someone to has never heard you?

Young and vibrant

Name some music composers you’d love to work with

AR Rahman, Bruno Mars

Your message to our readers

Do your hard work and you can achieve your goal if you do same thing 10,000 times and just focus on your work. God has a plan and right time to make things work. Just believe in your art and respect your parents