MUSBA HASHMI speaks with JATIN and MASSQLINE, about their rap song Bhartiya Rail, that personifies Indian unity and diversity through railways and how the creative idea hit them to give the song a hip-hop vibe
How did the idea of Bhartiya Rail come up?
Jatin: One of our friends was traveling by train. He wanted to travel in the first AC but he was not able to get a ticket and had to travel in third AC. He was telling me anecdotes about his journey. That’s when the idea hit me to write a song about the Indian railways. This is how Massquline and I came up with the song Bhartiya Rail.
How did the collaboration with Massquline happen?
Massqline: We had known each other since our college days. Two years ago we made a web series. It was about college romance where we made music together for the first time. It worked well. We received positive response from the public. That’s when we knew that we had something, some creative synergy that we both share, so we went on to explore it further.
Do you think there is a need for more such songs that give out a social message?
Jatin: I don’t think there’s a need, but yes if an artist wants to make something that has a social message and it’s that is coming from the heart of the artist, then it’s good. But we shouldn’t force artists to make stuff with a message. It’s their choice and after all it comes from the heart and soul, no one can force you to do it.
You both are popular for fusing hip hop and rap and rock in music. Where did you get your inspiration?
Jatin: Massqline comes from a hip-hop background. I’ve been in rock and metal so we fused it together. What makes us so unique is that we don’t try to copy anyone’s style, no matter how popular it is we like to create what we have in our own minds and thoughts. It’s completely original whatever we create. If you see the lyrics, they are very balanced. The amalgamation of hip hop and rock and metal comes out beautifully together which is seen in our music.
What does music mean to you?
Massqline: Music is something that I can connect with. It’s more of an easing force for me and I think for the rest of the world as well. I am actually a doctor by profession and now I am a musician too and music is my way of healing the world.
What kind of songs do you listen to?
Massqline: I like good music from all genres. The kind of music which holds me, which is always on my loop is the one that has an element of poetry in it — rap songs that have content of poetry in it. There is an artist from New York called Immortal Technique, he happens to be my favourite rapper. Eminem, KRS-One, Bohemia. All the artists who have used poetry in their lyrics, I like listening to them.
What are your upcoming projects?
Jatin: There are some Bollywood projects coming up but we have to figure out if we want to do it or not. We would want to focus on independent music. And there are four more songs coming up, every month a new song. We can’t talk about anything in detail at the moment. But one thing is sure, our upcoming tracks will be fresh and exciting.
