Summary
Highlights
Arijit Singh reflects on the disparity between his public persona and his true self. He explains that the name 'Arijit Singh' has become a perception, a joke among his friends and an identity he sometimes finds overwhelming. He describes himself as a combination of data, memories, patterns, and habits, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery beyond public expectations.
Arijit stresses the critical role of continuous learning for musicians, especially in an evolving industry. He discusses his embracing of AI as a tool rather than a threat, highlighting its potential to enhance vocal performances and make music production more accessible. He reveals his efforts to patent his voice for AI use and how he deliberately sculpted his vocal style to adapt to industry demands.
Inspired by filmmakers like Satyajit Ray and James Cameron, Arijit believes in the power of film to impact lives. He discusses his independent film project, 'Sa,' and his dedication to learning filmmaking as a storytelling medium. He also elaborates on his independent music label, 'Oriyon Music,' which aims to release his compositions and scout new talent, fostering a collaborative music culture.
Arijit shares how his mother and several teachers, including his classical music teacher, profoundly influenced his life and character. He recounts a captivating story illustrating the importance of focus and being present, drawing parallels between spiritual teachings and musical practice. This concept of unwavering focus is something he aims to instill in future students.
Arijit outlines his comprehensive vision for a music school, emphasizing holistic development. His proposed curriculum would prioritize health, mental well-being, and awareness before delving into musical subjects. He also discusses his NGO, Tatwamasi, founded on the principles of public service, with a focus on health, education, and sports for children. He explains his unique approach to funding and participation, seeking genuine commitment over monetary donations for now.
Arijit recollects a humorous yet impactful childhood incident that taught him the importance of self-reliance and making his own rules. He then offers candid advice to various music industry stakeholders: urging music labels to be fairer to artists, filmmakers to be transparent about payments, and fellow musicians to create their own instrumental music. He also advises aspiring singers to define their career path, whether it's playback singing or independent music, and to continuously hone their craft and understand market demands.
Arijit, joined by Sunny M.R., clarifies the common misconception surrounding Auto-Tune, explaining that it's a tool to refine vocal imperfections without replacing genuine singing. He emphasizes the importance of using Auto-Tune subtly to maintain emotional integrity. He also shares his current music preferences, highlighting artists like Lizzy McAlpine, Ustad Amir Khan, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, and The Yellow Diary, and expresses his admiration for A.R. Rahman's PS Anthem and collaborations by Salim-Sulaiman and Sonu Nigam.
Arijit and Sunny M.R. conclude by sharing their perspectives on the most crucial change needed in the music ecosystem. Arijit advocates for a well-structured system that ensures fair payment and proper crediting for all musicians, emphasizing security and government support for artists. Sunny M.R. highlights the need for more and better performance venues, particularly government-backed ones, to foster a thriving live music scene and support dying art forms.