DARSHAN RAVAL recently released his first single of 2020 — Asal mein. He speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about how music finds a connect with listeners at a personal level and the reason why he loves digital platforms
What is the latest single about?
It is a sad song about a boy who is put in a friend zone, a story of many people out there. It has beautiful lyrics. Usually, I put out a song every Valentine’s Day and even during monsoon season. But this time instead of releasing it on that day, I decided to release post the day.
You have composed the song as well. How did that happen?
I have always been singer-song-writer-composer. In between I collaborate with songs. But when it comes to independent songs, I compose all my songs. Tere Zikr, one of my biggest hits has also been composed by me. There are others who pen down the words but for Kaash Aisa Hota besides composing it, I have written it as well.
I understand that you have been releasing a Valentine’s Day and monsoon single for the last 5 years. Any particular reason?
Like every festival people prepare for the festivities, I do a song for February and July. My fans wait for the song. People know that I will release a song on monsoon and Valentine’s Day. It has become a tradition. They even know the date and the time I will release it. No song for winters and summers since I am busy singing for Bollywood (laughs).
Is it tough to keep a balance between Bollywood and indie space?
It is not tough. This is because I am particular about the kind of project I take up for the industry. I don’t take up a song just for the sake of it. I do because I identify with it.
Why is it that most love songs centre around break-ups?
Love is a pure form of emotion. Any pure form of emotion brings sadness and happiness. Love songs that are on a happy note as just as popular. Sad songs on the other hand touch the hearts of the people. I make sad songs because I want people out there who are upset feel that there is someone out there who understands them and it with them. I want my songs to be like a friend to the people.
Do you think that music connects people at a personal level?
I was sceptical before. But when my songs started becoming popular, I was not able to gauge if there was a connect with the people even if the song was a hit. But for the last one year, after I started doing concerts, I came to realise that people find a connect. My song Tu Mileya has no video, just an audio and when I sing that song people cry. This is an emotional moment for me. I now know that they live the song.
What is the good, bad and ugly of the situation where two-three singers sing the same song?
Earlier, people used to have one composer. Now, you have four-five composers and each has a favourite voice that they want to use. Some time, you have one composer and four-five singers. This depends on the makers and what they are looking for. More people means more people get a chance. Also, this keeps the artist on his toes.
What is the attraction of doing independent songs?
One main reason is to connect with the fans. I have been doing independent songs for the last nine years. There is more freedom in this space. I can express myself better here. I wanted to create one-to-one connection with my listeners.
What about live performances?
Today, we differentiate among platforms and genres. But the main aim is to reach as many people as possible. If it means that I have to sing on the radio, I would do that as well.
What has been the best fan moment?
I have many, it is difficult to mention one. I just performed in Delhi and my fans had come with a cake to celebrate the success of my latest song. They wait for hours to take a photograph with me, they motivate me and share beautiful things. Each city has what I call Darshaners and Blue family. They give me extreme love.
What next?
There are a few movie songs that will release later this year.