One of the top five finalists of The Stage, Rupin Pahwa tells S Mallik that he can best express himself through a song and feels that the poetry he writes helps him make sense of all the craziness that goes around him
You have been on The Stage. Has it always been your dream to become a singerIJ
Not really. Growing up, I actually wanted to play cricket for India, but my parents wanted me to focus on studies and get a good job and all that. I always enjoyed singing though. It was only in college that I was able to sing songs I liked. Music became a beautiful release that would take me away from all the worries and troubles of life. I still feel I can express myself better when I’m singing than when I’m talking.
What have you been up to since the show endedIJ What are your aspirationsIJ
I’ve been doing gigs in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Bangalore. I’ve been collaborating with a few producers on some new songs. I’m also working on my own songs. I also want to write and share my story through my songs with them. People haven’t seen my song writing yet. I’ve been writing songs for as long as I remember. It’s how I make sense of the craziness that surrounds me. It’s amazing how the same set of words when woven into a melody sound so beautiful, so much more than the same words, when spoken.
Today, there are a number of independent artistes. How do you break through the clutterIJ
All these artistes are great because they have their strengths and they have their ardent followers. I have a unique set of experiences, distinct singing and playing style and a set of musicians that have inspired my music. My musical journey was inward first and then outward. I write from experience and sing from the entire body. Training happened much later to complement and supplement the ingredients I already had, and not the other way around.
It is current yet has it’s roots in some of the greatest songs ever played on the radio. This unique combination allows me to create my own space in the music industry and my sound will break through like nothing else before.
Will you be putting out original compositions or perform cover tracksIJ
I will be putting out a combination of original music (solo and collaborations) and covers that speak to me.
What do you think is the status of an independent artist today in the industryIJ
With Youtube and all kinds of social media, I think the line between independent artistes and signed artistes has been blurred, to say the least. While some would argue it’s easier when a label takes care of everything from production to packaging. Some independent artists like Passenger, JP Cooper, in our indian market — Indian Ocean, Raghu Dixit, et al. — these guys are well respected in the community, have a great fan following, are doing a lot of shows, creating a lot of music as independent artistes and thriving in their own respect. At the end, you need to be true to yourself, your music, your fans — status is all about perspective.
Where do you see yourselves down the lineIJ
I want to do music just for the joy it gives me and people in general. I see myself touring with a band, connecting with my supporters, getting inspired on the road. Sharing stories, food and a whole lots of love. After a certain point, I’d like to help, guide young musicians and help them become better at their art and so many ancillary activities that are so crucial to an artist's success today. Form my own artiste management company... who knowsIJ
The top five are currently on an eight city
The Stage Tour and performed at Hard Rock Cafe last night