POP PIN-UP KANESWARAN ON HIS SOLO CAREER AND NEW SONG SORAYA HAS A LOCKDOWN ART ATTACK

by ASJAD NAZIR

BRITISH pop star Siva Kaneswaran may be known for being part of The Wanted, but he has moved on magnificently since the globally successful boyband disbanded and carved out a solo career for himself.

The handsome singer’s newly released single Ready For This Love continues his individual journey of finding the middle ground between commercial and artistic music. The superb song is accompanied by an eye-catching video and is another indicator that he is at the beginning of an exciting new phase of his career.

Eastern Eye caught up with popular star Siva Kaneswaran to discuss his new song, how lockdown has changed him and what he most wants to master.

You have travelled the world, but today, where is your home?
Home right now is Los Angeles. It’s been lovely living here for the last five years. I do miss Ireland and the UK a lot, but I love the sun, music business and the people out here.

How do you look back on your musical journey?
I have lived my wildest dreams because of music. It’s been incredible to travel the world and change people’s lives doing what you love. There’s been some ups and downs, but it’s all part of growing up.

Looking back, would you have done anything differently?
I wish I had spent more time with my family. My family in Ireland and the UK understood, but it didn’t change that I missed so many moments.

Do you think The Wanted took a break too soon?
I think it was meant to happen this way. We worked for so many years. We were starting to do our own things and so it, naturally, was going that way.

How have you evolved as an artist?
I think I have become more honest and authentic with myself and my art. I don’t try to be perfect anymore and trust in the process.

Tell us about your new single?
Ready For This Love is a song I created in a dungeon in the depths of Sweden (true story). It’s an upbeat love song yearning for another person, but it stemmed from the questions I asked myself like, is it too soon to love? Am I ready to receive self love? I wanted to create the feeling I had of nostalgic love and revisit its innocence. The final aim is for people to celebrate love.

Who are you hoping connects with the track?
That is it’s ok to reflect on love and celebrate it. I really loved making this track and hope that it connects with people too.

How does this compare to other songs you have done?
This song has got such a vibe to it and is very simple in a way. I wanted something you could enjoy, but not overthink, unlike my first single Breathe In, which was introspective.

What is the musical master plan going forward?
The master plan is to build on what I already have achieved and enjoy every single moment of it.

How much does it mean to you that fans have stuck by you?
My fans mean the world to me. They make my dreams come true and I am truly blessed to be making music as a career. These experiences aren’t just mine. They’re shared with them and it’s lovely to know I am seen and supported for my art.

What else can we expect from you next?
You can expect new music in the new year. I am currently thinking of releasing an EP in the new year. There will be a more organic sound coming, but also will be staying true to my pop roots.

How have you coped with lockdown and has it changed you in any way?
To be honest, I didn’t cope well with the isolation in the beginning because I am a people person, but now I feel like I am returning to a place where I can be ‘ok’. It definitely has changed me. I have learned to be more grateful, listen more, and treat every human interaction as a sacred experience.

Today, what inspires you?
Seeing people doing good and art. I am also inspired by nature.

What music dominates your own playlist?
(Laughs) It changes monthly. Right now, music of African heritage, specifically Rema, Sonya Jobarteh and Oliver Mtukudzi. African music touches my soul in such a profound way.

If you could master something new in music, what would it be?
This might sound random. I would love to master and perform sound baths. It’s an incredible experience that I would love to offer to others someday. (Laughs) If you don’t know what they are then you are missing out. It is life changing.

Why should we pick up the new single?
You should only listen to my new single if you are Ready For This Love. See what I did there?

Why do you love music?
It’s because music has the ability to change lives. I think it’s the most incredible thing that humans have achieved. It is as old as the universe and yet we are still discovering the secrets it holds. What a wondrous thing. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Ready For This Love by Siva Kaneswaran is available on all digital platforms