AVKASH MANN, who has recently released his video track Jatt Di Star, speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about how tough it was to shoot for it and why he chose to debut with an English song before venturing into Punjabi
What is your new single about?
It is a song to acknowledge that someone special; the star in your life. A lot of thought went behind the song when we were making it. There are songs that talk about relationships, or about their life or even something personal. We wanted to make a happy and positive song to acknowledge somebody else. When we did the song there was no lockdown due to COVID-19. But then I realised that in this lockdown, there are so many stars around us and I wanted my song to make that connection.
Where did you shoot the song? How much hard work did it involve?
We shot the song in Havana, Cuba. We wanted the song to come across that we were having lots of fun. But the truth is that it was tough to shoot the video. It was very hot there and have 12-13-hour shoots. It was a two-day shoot and had to wake up at 4 am and be on the sets by 6 am and be there till beyond 7-8 pm. But I am glad that the vibe in the song comes across as energetic and people having a good time. If people are able to see that, it was a job well-done.
Is it necessary for a singer now to be a performer as well?
It depends on the artist, how he wants his career to move forward and the perception he wants people to have. If he wants people to know him just for his voice, he can concentrate on that alone and how well you sing and do stage shows. If one wants to be in front of the camera as well, then that has to be done properly since people are going to watch every single thing you do – how you express yourself, how you move and look. If you want to optimise your career in that sense, you need be to a performer as well.
This is your second Punjabi track and is different from the usual songs that we associate with the language. Has it been a conscious decision to be different?
Yes. But this comes organically to me. I want to do music that is meaningful and resonates with the kind of person that I am. I want to be known for my kind of music. I don’t want to take stuff that is out there. There are many artists out there who are doing good work, why replicate that.
What is your kind of music?
It is a mix of music that is from all over the world. I never see music as having any kind of language or any sort of rules. Music can be anything. Every time I make music I am in a new space with new motivations, things that are around me and music that I am listening to reflects on the kind of work that I am doing.
How much did your father (Harbhajan Mann) inspire you to become a singer?
It was the atmosphere that inspired me to be a singer. The whole experience of going to a studio and shows and being in an environment where songs were being created influenced me and important for me. He never told me that I had to be a singer. It was something that I wanted to do because I loved the art so much.
Is it tough to make a mark outside of your father’s shadow?
It is a difficult situation with age. I was always known my life as son of Harbhajan Mann. That I how I was treated when I went out in public. I knew it would be there once I came out as a singer professionally and there would instance comparisons and was prepared for it. I am ready for that challenge, to step out of the shadow and build my identity and this has been my focus. My father is his own entity and his own music, I am doing my own thing.
You made your debut with an English song before venturing in Punjabi. Why?
I was making a lot of songs back then and felt that it was the perfect song to be put out there. And alluding to the earlier question, just to carve out my own path. I didn’t want my dad’s help for a big launch. I wanted to know what I could do on my own do something completely unexpected.
How did you get to collaborate with VYRL Originals?
After my first song. English track, we had a mutual understanding for my first Punjabi track. I have been with them for less than year but it feels that I known for years. They treat me like family and look for many more collaborations with them.