People are looking to support homegrown talent and indie music, feels Raghav Meattle, a Mumbai-based singer-songwriter who rose to fame after reaching the semifinals of the second season of English singing talent hunt show 'The Stage'.
The musician was recently shortlisted among the Top 24 leading singer-songwriters in the country by Maruti Suzuki's musical initiative 'Nexa Music'. With great emphasis on vocals and melodies, Raghav uses heartfelt songwriting and catchy tunes to build a strong connection with his listeners.
Meattle performed at the World of Christmas, High Street Phoenix on Christmas. Excerpts from his IANSlife interview.
1. You are trained in Hindustani classical music. Could you tell us about the training?
I started with Hindustani classic when I was five-six years old because my parents put me into it. Over time, by class eight or nine, a few of my closest friends started listening to bands like �Metallica' and �Creed' and there was no looking back. I think I grew up listening to that sound and identified with it more. I still listen to classical music at times, but I think my expression in music leans towards the western side because of what I exposed myself to while growing up.
2. Your songs are simple, yet touch a chord with the everyday Indian.
I think I'm a better writer than a musician. I like to write about the things around me and then set tunes to them - hence, the relatability.
3. It's been a year since your debut album 'Songs from A Matchbox'. How has the response been so far? You also crowdfunded this album.
The response has been great. We're about to touch 4,00,000 plays across all platforms which is pretty awesome for an indie release with zero marketing budgets. It's all about the DIY spirit. I raised over 4.6L from 180 contributors and that happened because people are looking to support homegrown talent and indie music. I think anything that is real will ultimately end up finding support.
4. As someone who is rising up in the industry the organic way. What is the experience like?
I think it's a great one, because I get heartfelt messages nearly everyday from people who are inspired by my music, journey. As long as I have people listening to my music, I'll keep writing more and playing more gigs!
5. In view of your song 'Woh Din Kahan Gaye', do you think art must be political?
I don't think art has to be political but at the same time, it should be allowed that creativity and the freedom of expression. If I choose to write about things that matter to me, even if it's political, I should be allowed to express it!
6. What are your upcoming projects?
I just finished shooting a music video for a new single called �City Life'. I should be releasing it in January. It's a song about big metropolitan cities and we've shot the music video all across Mumbai on an 8mm film camera. The old school vibe should really work for the song.
Kajol’s style mantra of the day: Life is short, let my pallu be long
Speaking about work, Kajol, who was last seen in ‘Lust Stories 2’ and ‘The Trial’, will soon be seen in ‘Do Patti’, which also stars Kriti Sanon and Shaheer Sheikh.
PM Modi has 50-year vision for India’s growth: Ashwini Vaishnaw
The Union Minister answered IANS questions very candidly and also gave a message to the people of the country that in the next five years, the government plans to ensure that every person travelling by train can get a confirmed ticket.
India's 1st bullet train set to run in 2026: Railways Minister
The Bullet Train is a very complex project. The work on it started in 2017 and it took almost two-and-a-half years to complete the design.
'Bigg Boss' contestants Soniya Bansal, Shiv Thakare unite for music video 'Koi Baat Nahi'
The 'Bigg Boss' fame contestants Soniya Bansal and Shiv Thakare have teamed up for a music video titled 'Koi Baat Nahi'. Soniya was a part of 'Bigg Boss 17'. The season was won by Munawar Faruqui. Shiv was the first runner-up of 'Bigg Boss 16'.
Bitcoin scam case: ED attaches assets worth over Rs 97 cr of Raj Kundra, Shilpa Shetty
The attached properties include a residential flat in Juhu, which is in the name of Shilpa Shetty, another residential bungalow in Pune and equity shares in Raj Kundra's name.
Congress in Tripura blocks rail stations to protest police fired-killing of 5 farmers in MP
The firing on Tuesday came during raucous protests to demand better crop prices in the drought-ravaged region that saw one farmer suicide every five hours in the past two years.
DMs, SPs of violence-hit MP districts transferred
The farmers agitation entered its eighth day on Thursday. The peasants have been on strike since June 1, demanding loan waiver and fair price for their produce.
Indian American selected among 12 NASA astronaut candidates
He continued on to earn a master's degree in aeronautics and astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduated from the US Naval Test Pilot School.