Music composer-singer NAKASH AZIZ speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about his latest single, journey and future projects among other things
What is Superstar all about?
Naresh Sharma, who happens to be Mithun’s father, got in touch with me, regarding this song. I was excited to collaborate with him. He has worked with the greats like of Laxmi Kant-Pyare Lal, Bollywood industry celebrates this musician. he has amazing music sensibilities. I went and recorded this song. He and Anand B Seshadri (penned the song) worked on the song. I just grabbed the opportunity. The good part is that I was allowed to do my thing; I had a lot of fun.
Why are playback singers turning to indie space?
There was never a singles culture in India, it was always about the album. Music companies don’t really invest in an artist that much. Though there are exceptions like Sony Music has Badshah and T-Series has Guru Randhawa. Singles are a great way for an artist to express and experiment with what they are doing; to say what they want to. Normally, when an artist does a film, it is story-driven. The kind of songs that I do are to promote a movie barring a few. When you do a single, the sky is the limit. You can do a song on a budget of Rs 10,000 or even Rs 50 lakh.
There was a time when singers just did films. Does Bollywood restricts artists and hence they are diversifying?
Actually, there is too much work at present. There are say, 10 new films being made just for Netflix; like this, there are other OTT platforms. Then there are Bollywood films. Then there are TV shows, then there is YouTube. Everybody gets an opportunity today. I don’t feel restricted in any way as Bollywood music puts me on the biggest platform. If I sing a song it will come on different platforms. People are doing other things to be noted by Bollywood. People in Bollywood are doing other things since they have a following and want to expand that base.
When you did Selfie, did you feel it would do so well?
I call such songs 100-year songs — songs that will last for a long time. For example Ek, do, teen. How, when during a party, it is played. Kids who are12-13 when they turn 30-40, is when songs that I have sung for Pritam da and or Vishal-Shekhar will become Ek, do, teen for them.
What is about such songs that they become popular?
I would say that for me when I sung Selfie — it was done with great intent. We put in a lot of works and wa done with honesty. There may be artists who would look down upon this song and say it is not serious music. I never believed that music needed to be serious. I enjoyed doing this song. It was meant to be for a big-budget movie and enjoyed the opportunity. I try to mean when I sing.
Do you think people are looking for peppy numbers only?
People are looking for those romantic numbers. There are too many majnos who get their hearts broken. Only when they are partying do they listen to me.
What are the plans for this year?
I am in the process of making a short film and send it to festivals. The workshop is on for the actors. I have a great director on board. I love storytelling and promote people who want to say something different rather than trying to do what the trend demands. As for music, films require music and there are a few singles in the pipeline. My friend (Sargam) and I, we have a production house — Moth Music Records — we are trying to collaborate with artists and who crazy things and do their things.
