‘Music gives me solace in bad times,' says Neel Nadkarni

MORE people internationally are finding out about one of New York’s best kept musical secrets Neel Nadkarni.

Popularly known as NEEL, the talented singer, songwriter and producer with an impressive vocal range was born and raised in New Jersey, but is equally influenced by his Indian and American heritage. Aside from releasing acclaimed songs, NEEL has made a name for himself as an impressive live performer, opening for artists including Jay Sean, Arjun, Raghav and Vishal-Shekhar in popular arenas. He has also done a number of interesting musical collaborations including teaming up with Sodhivine for his most recent release One Last Chance.

With more commercial songs in diverse genres on the way, he is one of the American artists to look out for. Eastern Eye caught up with NEEL to talk about his recent single, music and future plans among other things.

You have been singing since the age of three and performing professionally for the past 10 years. How do you describe your musical journey?

My journey in music has been fascinating. There have been times when I felt on top of the world and also when I felt down. However, music has been my saviour, giving me solace in bad times, helping me to collect myself and rise again. I feel lucky to be in a unique position where I can sing Bollywood songs, ones based on Hindustani ragas, fast Punjabi numbers, urban desi numbers and American pop songs with equal ease. I’ve had the good fortune to meet some amazing singers and musicians along the way.

Tell us about your recent song One Last Chance?

Sodhivine and I are both first generation Indian-North Americans, and we share a special bond with the community in North America. We wanted to create something special for audiences, falling between mainstream American pop and Bollywood. By combining my Indian classical vocals with a mainstream sound, I feel we stumbled across a new style within Indian music.

What was the biggest challenge of putting the song together?

There were several challenges. Sodhivine and I couldn’t hit the studio at the same time because we are pretty much on opposite sides of the continent. So we spoke on FaceTime or the phone often to make sure the song was getting to how we wanted it.

What were the creative challenges?

It was trying to make the composition and lyrics gel with the production. As you can tell, the lyrics are very deep and flow well melodically. We wanted to design the instrumentation so it complemented the composition, but also hit hard. Sodhivine did a great job with this. Another challenge was the arrangement. We felt it wasn’t flowing properly, so it took us some time to realise that we should switch things around. And we’re glad it worked out.

Is the song aimed at anyone in particular?

I try to cater my music to all generations around the world. Since I am a first-generation Indian- American, a lot of my peers relate to my original music because it infuses sounds from both Indian and western pop cultures.

How does this compare to other songs you have produced?

This song is actually a little different from the other ones I’ve made. I made a song called Soniye a couple of years ago, which you could say was a chilled-out version of this track. So, sometimes we joke around and call One Last Chance, ‘Soniye 2.0’.

How many of your songs are based on personal experiences?

I try to take from my personal experiences and put them into as many of my songs as I can, whether or not it be 100 per cent. When I’m singing any song, I try to relate it to something in my life, so I can add that personal touch and the right emotion.

What can we expect next from you?

I’ll definitely be releasing more singles soon and an album in the near future.

What music dominates your personal playlist?

I have over 100 playlists on my phone. I have a couple of playlists with songs dedicated to Mohammad Rafi. I also have other evergreen songs from legends including Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar and Manna Dey. I also have some Bollywood playlists with more modern songs. I grew up with r’n’b music like Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight, so have a playlist including them and others similar to them.

Who would you love to collaborate with?

This is a really tough question because there isn’t any specific answer, nor any right or wrong ones. I respect a lot of artists for what they each bring to the table. One particular

artist would be Charlie Puth. I think he is immensely talented and it would be really cool to get in the studio and just vibe out with him.

What inspires you?

Mohammad Rafi has been my inspiration when it comes to music. When I first heard Rafi

Sahab’s voice as a kid, I was blown away by the sweetness and sound quality of it. I strive to achieve that same quality with my singing and my music.

What are your inspirations away from music?

My parents have been my inspiration when it comes to life in general. They worked so hard to build a life for me and my siblings in America, so I look at them as my role models as I navigate through life. I also get inspiration from the causes of many charities I support. Both the people whom the charities support and the selfless volunteers who work for the charities give me a reason to keep up my musical creations.

How much does live performance mean to you and what has been your most memorable moment?

Performing live means a lot to me, whether it be on karaoke tracks or a full live band. Although I must say, nothing compares to having my live band with me. Choosing a memorable performance would be tough because it depends on the occasion and vibe. I once had a gentleman stumble up to me and tell me, ‘I was out of this world’. That felt really nice even though it was just a private house party.

Which of your unreleased songs are you most excited about?

All of them. Unreleased songs are the best and the worst at the same time. The whole excitement comes from how you think people will perceive them, but you can’t be premature in releasing the songs because then you’ll feel incomplete. It’s such an exciting feeling to work on new material and I’m always so excited to release new content.

What is the best musical advice anyone ever gave you?

My supporters and mentors have given me a lot of advice over the years. If I had to sum it all up, it would probably be ‘to focus on your art and craft, and everything else will come. Just hone your skill and it will all work out’.

Tell us something about you not many people know?

I’m a family-oriented person. My parents and siblings play a huge part in my life and I’m very lucky to have them.

If you could learn any instrument, which would it be?

I already know how to play piano, harmonium, guitar, tabla, and drums. But I’d love to get better at all of them, namely guitar and jazz/classical piano.

Why do you love music?

Music is one of the few mediums that can surpass language and other stumbling blocks. It’s the only thing I’ve seen that can make people laugh and cry, in just a matter of seconds. Music has a way of touching and reaching our soul, and that is why I love it. I would say it surpasses any materialistic or worldly creation for me. I feel a huge sense of elation while creating and performing music and it never feels like work. I feel lucky that I got the support to pursue this passion of mine.

Why should we pick up your song?

One Last Chance is extremely different and unique from other urban desi or Bollywood songs out there. I haven’t heard a song exactly like this, and the fact that it’s been placed on three separate Spotify playlists speaks for itself. It would be an honour to be picked up and we are hoping that this song touches desis everywhere.