Singer songwriter Arko Mukherjee talks to Sangeeta Yadav about his debut in non-film singles with Aainda and the need to have separate music industry
Tell us about your new non-film single— AaindaIJ
Aainda is all about giving relationship a second chance. In today’s world people are very impatient and intolerant and have a lot more options. I feel we can all have a little more kindness and forgiveness in our heart when things go wrong in relationship. I write songs for myself taking inspiration from my life but it is difficult to point out exactly what inspired me to come up with this.
Why it took so long for you to debut in non-film single spaceIJ
I was a little skeptical to venture into singles space. Everything in the music industry functions very differently. It is Bollywood dependent thus it is very difficult to promote non-film music. When Sony Music came up with this idea, I was quite kicked about it.
Do you think music industry should have a separate identity out of BollywoodIJ
Yes music industry should have its own existence outside films too like we have in the West where the music industry is as good as the film industry. We do had separate music scene earlier during the indi-pop culture but it just got vanished. I hope the trend builds up again and in the next few years, we should be back in full power with non-film music scene. With so many new composers and singers venturing into singles, this is a transition phase and a perfect time to have lot more singles.
How is the business of music shaping upIJ
It is a good time for artists in the music industry especially after the Copyright Amendment Act 2012, though it will take some time to get things on place. Also, we have some great digital platforms now which is very confined to international music. These platforms play an important role in promoting music but if they support non-film music too, it will make a very big difference.
Did you every faced writer’s block while writing a songIJ
Yes, many times. When I face writers block then I call Manoj Muntashir who is a great lyricist and we have worked together for Saathi Rey from Kapoor & Sons and Tere Sang Yaara from Rustom.
Your recent films song — Nazm Nazm for the movie Bareilly Ki Barfi is doing very well...
It is a very interesting film. I have never done a song for a film which is based on a particular region like this one is based around Bareilly. I prepare my bank of songs and whenever the film project comes, I reshuffle my list and see which music fits best. When the director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari gave me the brief, I thought Nazm Nazm would fit perfectly. It has my version as well as Ayushman Khurana and Sumedha Karmahe’s version and all of it has come out very well. I feel good when other singers and budding artists come up with their version of my song. I believe music is for everyone and should touch each and every one’s soul.
What are your upcoming Bollywood ProjectsIJ
My next is Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana starring Rajkummar Rao and Tadka starring Nana Patekar.