Sheykhar Ravjiani: Making music that is genre-agnostic

Ten months since he launched his label, Sheykhar Ravjiani of Vishal-Sheykhar discusses how his latest release reflects his desire to create music that can’t be bracketed

In the past few years, far distanced from the constraints of Bollywood music, the industry’s favourite composers have been crafting tunes that many aficionados would describe as addictive and mesmerising. If Salim-Sulaiman have been giving wings to new entrants via Bhoomi, Amit Trivedi’s independent label is the epitome of variety in music. In the same vein, Sheykhar Ravjiani’s Garuudaa Music has enabled fans to see him in a new light. In this interview, he discusses exploring a new musical soundscape, and his latest release.

Edited excerpts from the interview. 

Since having launched your label, Garuudaa Music, how do you believe you have evolved as an artiste?
While my musical journey has been predominantly defined by the work that I have done for films, there’s always been a part of me that has wanted to explore music that comes from a place of creative freedom. I took some detours [to make it] into the independent space by releasing some singles, but I still felt that there was a whole new creative space waiting to be discovered. What began as unfettered exploration turned into a dream that came true. I have hit upon a creative process that feels instinctive, and true to who I am. It’s a space where I feel a strong connection with everything I create. Ten months and 12 songs later, I see how wonderfully the two facets of my musical journey have been co-existing.

Your latest release, Teri roshni pakad lun, is unlike anything we’ve heard from you before. Can you talk about making and exploring this new soundscape?
Each song I have worked on has felt special in its own way, and every song connects with people on a different level, both emotionally and sonically. I can release a ballad on the back of a dance number, and then put out a pop-rock song, and then a ghazal. It’s about letting your creative energies take you where they will. Teri roshni pakad lun is an expression of the goodness and light that I want my music to bring to people’s lives. All I want is to make someone’s day a little better and to give them a reason to smile.

Do you believe your sonic quality is different when you’re creating music as part of Vishal-Sheykhar, and when doing so as an independent artiste?
With my label, the musical intent is simple—keep it simple but fresh. Every time I sit down to create a new song, I feel like I am unlearning. When you can set aside 25 years of experience and suppress the urge to do what ‘works’, and instead challenge yourself to begin again, then the magic happens. I am consciously creating a musical space that is genre-agnostic and driven by my instincts. The only brief is to follow your heart.

What are your future plans with Garuudaa Music?
I can promise some stellar songs and collaborations in the future, but my dream is that in 2026, the world will be able to witness the first-ever [performance], Sheykhar Live in Concert, with my label.

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