‘I am creating my own image'

by ASJAD NAZIR

SINGER NS CHAUHAN TALKS ABOUT HIS LATEST PUNJABI RELEASE AND WHY HE LOVES CLASSICAL MUSIC MOST

TALENTED singer NS Chauhan has con­sistently delivered hit songs throughout his career, ranging from British bhangra tunes to commercial Bollywood tracks.

The ability to adapt to styles and work with a diverse number of music producers has given him an impressive body of work, which has added to his growing stature as an artist. The British singer, multi-instrumental musician and songwriter added to the grow­ing collection of hit songs with his most re­cent release Ni Kudiye, which also features rap by Sidharth Katyal.

Eastern Eye caught up with the multi-tal­ented artist to talk about music, his latest song and future plans.

What first connected you to music?

Music is something that was always around in my family because my dad is a classical gurbani [spiritual hymns] teacher. My grand­father was also an acclaimed classical singer. So music has been in our family for genera­tions and it was only natural for me to carry on that important legacy.

Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?

I am a big fan of classical music. Legendary singers like Sabar Koti, Surjit Bindrakhia, Lal Chand Yamla and Chamkila heavily influ­enced me while I was growing up.

What has your music journey been like?

It’s been a very tough ride because when I started back in 2004, I didn’t get much support from any­one in the industry as I didn’t know anyone. I had to learn all the in and outs my­self. I approached many la­bels and finally got to re­lease my debut album in 2006, which was a massive success. Also, social media wasn’t popular as it is nowadays, so getting my name out there was a challenge. So overall it’s been a hard but rewarding journey, in the end.

You have recorded a number of hits, but which one is closest to your heart?

That is a difficult question to answer because as an artist you like all your creations. But if I had to single out one, then it would be Shar­abi Kehnde Ne from the film Happy New Year for Shah Rukh Khan.

What led you towards your latest release Ni Kudiye?

I actually wrote Ni Kudiye in 2017, but it took me almost a year to create the final music for it because I wanted it to be perfect. I didn’t just want Punjabi audiences to enjoy it – I wanted to create something universal for everyone. I am happy I achieved that, be­cause I feel it’s a song that crosses different musical frontiers.

Tell us a little more about the song?

It’s a great combination of dance, fusion and electro bass with a Punjabi twist, a very catchy hook line and peppy beat. It is a song that can cheer up anybody’s mood on the dance floor. You don’t have to be Punjabi to dance to it. It’s for everyone and that’s what good music should always be about.

You worked on the track for over a year, but what was the biggest chal­lenge of putting it together?

It has a very easy Punjabi hook-line, but the start of the song is more like a freestyle rap that turns into a verse and then suddenly drops back to the hook-line, which will force anyone on a dance floor to let loose. So getting the production just right was a challenge. We had to recreate it many times for the best result, which I can proudly say we nailed in the end.

Who are you hoping will connect with the song?

It’s a fun track that everyone can enjoy, irrespective of their cultural back­ground or musical taste. The idea behind this song has always been to shake the dance floor in any country. I have tried to go be­yond what you would expect from a Punjabi song and added other musical elements into it. I believe this is a very unique song.

You are a very versatile singer, but which style of music do you most enjoy?

I love classical music as I started on that from an early age. Now I sing in Bollywood, bhan­gra and most other commercial genres, but classical is my favourite and always will be.

How much does performing live mean to you and which was the most memorable?

I have been lucky enough to perform more than 150 shows in the last five years worldwide in front of thou­sands of people. I love per­forming live in front of an appreciative audience. When I step on that stage, I am in a different world. The audiences have made me and enabled me to stand where I am today. Their love and support have made each moment on my musical journey, including the live performances, memorable.

What would be your karaoke song of choice?

I think it would have to be the amazing Bolo Ta Ra Ra Ra by Daler Mehndi. There is just so much energy in that song.

Who would you love to sing a duet with?

There are a lot of great artists who I would love to work with. I would love to sing a duet with Nikki Minaj because I am a big fan of her voice and style.

What music dominates your own playlist?

I do love listening to classical music. I also love trying Arabic music and other diverse genres from around the world because I en­joy exploring other cultures via music.

What are some of your biggest passions away from music?

Music has been with me from a very early age so has overshadowed everything else. I have always had a passion for music. I love writing lyrics, creating beats and coming up with new musical ideas. I never get bored of doing that. There have been times when I have been in a studio for over two days with­out leaving it. So I would say music is my on­ly passion. Nothing else compares to it.

What is your greatest unfulfilled ambition?

I have achieved more than I could have asked for thanks to Almighty’s blessings, so I am very grateful. The great thing about music is that it is an endless ocean of possibilities. I would love to collaborate with mainstream American artists such as Eminem and Alicia Keys. It is still a dream to do this and help put Punjabi music properly on the global map.

If you could learn an instrument, which would it be and why?

It has to be the sarangi as it’s one of the toughest instruments to learn, but the sound of it is so sweet. It can take you from one place to another and you will forget all that is happen­ing around you. It’s a wonderful instrument.

If you could ask any artist, alive or dead, a question who would it be and what would you ask them?

I would like to ask the late great Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to return to us as I would want to see him perform live. There is so much to learn from the great legend.

What is the best advice you ever got?

Not to copy anyone, but to create your own image with your unique sound and creativity which no one can take away from you. I have always tried to follow that.

What inspires you today?

The love and warmth I get from fans world­wide is my biggest inspiration, as they keep me going and motivate me to work hard.

Why should we pick up Ni Kudiye?

It will make you go crazy on the dance floor and show off your moves. It’s a party anthem.

Finally, why do you love music?

Without music, life is a journey through a desert. Music is probably the only real magic I have encountered in my life, but there is no trick involved with it. It’s pure and it’s real. It moves, heals, communicates and does all these incredible things.

• Ni Kudiye by NS Chauhan ft Sidharth Katyal is out now