DJ-singer Sahil Sharma aka Zaeden speaks with Shalini Saksena about how and why he became a singer and what his latest track Tere Bina is about

How did you become a singer?

The person who made the song, he commented on the video that we had done. He asked us to make an official cover for his next song. He really appreciated it. This really motivated me given the fact that he took notice and the person one looks up to, liked the song. So I decided to sing my original songs. That’s how the transition happened.

Did you have a professional training as a singer?

I have no training in music. The only musical connection that I have is that my father is a good singer and makes an album of Kishore Kumar songs and distributes it to family and friends. He is like a cover artist. I don’t have any formal training in music.

Were there many roadblocks from a DJ to a singer?

There weren’t any. I have been very lucky in the sense that VYRL Originals supported me. We had finished the song in November last year and six months down the line, we approached them and the song got approved at first go. I was all set to make the changes, but they liked it the way it was.

Why did it take so long to release the song?

I was trying to pitch the song to other labels. One label that we approached said it would a year. So that didn’t work out. VYRL is a great label. I like the way they work, they are very profession. They took the song the way I wanted it that proved to be a boon for us. I like art h artists who are there on the platform. The association happened after my manager, Ayushman Sinha and AI had a meeting with the label and they signed the track with me. I also signed the next song with them.

What is Tere Bina about?

I was in a happy mood. I wanted to come out with a romantic number. I came up with the melody within 15 minutes in my studio with just my guitar. Everybody, my family and friends loved what I had created. I approached Kunal, who is a brilliant lyricist. That is how the song was born.

Is there a genre that you are looking at?

I am open to doing all kinds to songs. If it sounds good to me, I would love to do it. People ask me if I am looking at Bollywood. I am open to everything if the song suits my voice and I like what I get.

Does that mean the film industry is the goal?

I would say that my goal is to make good music and reach out to as many people as possible through my music.

What next?

I am working on Hindi and English song which is a collaboration with an international pop star. I am working on other songs as well that will come out on VYRL.

There is a lot of competition. Does that restrict creativity?

I love to come out with fresh songs and experiment. I don’t want to compete with others. I only compete with myself.

Was your family apprehensive when you left your job?

I didn’t  care what people were saying. I was focused n making music. Even those who were saying anything, it motivated me and gave me confidence to move forward.