Having previously enchanted audiences with original gems like ‘Mere Ranjhana,’ ‘Raaziyan,’ ‘Kagaz,’ ‘Aao Zara,’ and ‘Tu Aazma,’ Garvit and Priyansh have woven a tapestry of soulful melodies that resonate deeply with listeners. Their ability to seamlessly blend Indian classical tunes with modern beats showcases their ingenuity and exceptional musical prowess.
Garvit and Priyansh graciously shared their journey of creating their recent EP ‘Lafz’ with us, shedding light on the intricate processes that led to its creation. From the initial inspiration to the final harmonies, their collaborative efforts shine brightly in this musical endeavor.
The aptly titled ‘Lafz’ encompasses four heartfelt tracks, each filled with its own unique essence. Tracks like ‘Jiya Mere,’ ‘Rasta,’ ‘Keh Do Na,’ and ‘Baaton Hi Baaton’ exude a blend of Indian classical and Western influences, showcasing their versatility and artistry.
Here are the excerpts:
Can you walk us through the creative process behind your debut EP ‘Lafz’? What inspired you to choose this title and theme for the EP?
We recently released an EP called “Lafz” with T Series, featuring four songs: Jiya Mera, Raasta, Keh Di Na, and Baton Hi Baton. Each song was a fun collaboration with different artists. The EP’s title, “Lafz,” in Urdu meaning words, symbolizes the importance of the words we use to describe love, which is reflected in all the songs.
What were some of the key influences, musical or otherwise, that shaped the creation of ‘Lafz’?
In our EP, we aimed to diversify our music styles, moving away from our usual blend of Indian Classical and Western sounds. We curated a collection that caters to various listener preferences. For instance, “Keh Do Na,” an acoustic track created over a year ago, exudes a soft and subtle vibe. On the other hand, “Raasta” offers a fast-paced, groovy aura with an Afro influence. “Baton Hi Baton” carries a marriage vibe, designed for easy listening and sing-alongs. Drawing inspiration from our wide musical palette as avid music enthusiasts, we strived to experiment and innovate, resulting in a dynamic blend of four distinct genres harmonized within the EP.
You’ve managed to create a unique sound by blending Hindustani classical tunes with contemporary beats. Can you explain how you developed this signature style?
Our approach to blending different genres is driven by our love for both Indian classical and Western music. We have a deep-rooted connection with Indian classical music, having studied and cherished it over the years. Similarly, our appreciation for Western music fuels our creativity. We create music based on what resonates with us, combining elements that we vibe with, rather than following a strict formula for fusion. While some may consider our style unique, we see it as a natural extension of our musical journey as both passionate listeners and students of Indian classical music. With years of learning and practice in classical music, it remains one of our core strengths and preferred genres. Although blending genres has become somewhat of a signature for us, it’s not a deliberate strategy but rather a result of our musical exploration and creative process. We let the song dictate the fusion, allowing the natural flow of creativity to guide our musical expression.
Being a producer-songwriter duo, how do you divide roles during the production of a song or an EP? What does collaboration look like for Garvit-Priyansh?
Dividing tasks is seamless for us as we each have distinct roles – he as the producer and I as the lyricist, with both of us sharing the roles of composer and singer. When we come together to create music, the process is collaborative. Whether he initiates a composition or I suggest improvements, our feedback loop drives us to enhance our work collectively. While our dynamic as a producer-songwriter duo thrives on collaboration, we’ve eagerly embraced working with various artists such as lyricists, composers, and producers, with more exciting collaborations on the horizon. We find joy in the creative process, effortlessly vibing with each other to craft music. Our approach involves envisioning the fusion of Indian and Western influences, strategizing and planning production and composition details before delving into the work. Challenges occasionally arise when our creative ideas diverge, leading to conflicts of perspective, but overcoming these differences ultimately serves to refine and elevate our music.
Could you share the story or the idea behind each track on ‘Lafz’, specifically how tracks like ‘Baaton Hi Baaton Mein’ and ‘Jiya Mera’ came to be?
Our creative journey began with “Keh Do Na,” a deeply personal and cherished track composed over a year ago, evoking a serene acoustic ambiance perfect for soulful listening. Subsequently, “Jiya Mera” came to life swiftly in a day or two, inspired by a spontaneous burst of creativity. Influenced by The Yellow Diary, the track exudes an uplifting vibe with a blend of kick and snare elements. The infectious energy of “Rasta” emerged from a newfound appreciation for Afro music, resulting in a lively, groovy composition that quickly became a favorite for us. “Baton Hi Baton,” on the other hand, was a collaborative effort with our talented friends Dhara and Shikhar, where their initial creation seamlessly merged with our composition and additional production touches to culminate in a harmonious blend. The process of crafting these tracks for our EP was not only creatively fulfilling but also represented a joyful exploration of diverse musical influences and collaborations—an experience we hold dear.
Which track from ‘Lafz’ is closest to your heart, and why?
While it’s tough to pick a favorite, “Keh Do Na” holds a special place in our hearts as a standout track from the EP. Its soft, seemingly effortless melody belies the deep emotions and hidden turmoil it encapsulates, making it a poignant and powerful piece for both of us. Beyond its surface simplicity lies a tapestry of feelings that resonate with us on a profound level. Each song in the EP has its unique charm and energy – from the lively vibes of “Rasta” and “Jiya Mera” to the collaborative spirit of “Baton Hi Baton.” When it comes to performing, each track offers a different experience, but when we seek solace and tranquility, “Keh Do Na” emerges as our top choice, a soothing melody that we cherish listening to together.
Your songs are known for their heartfelt lyrics. Can you talk about your process of writing lyrics? What themes do you find yourselves returning to frequently?
For us, lyrics hold a special allure that surpasses even musical composition. While composition is undeniably vital, it’s the lyrics that truly captivate and draw listeners in. When my partner and I come together to create, the process is swift – a mere two to five minutes of collaborative brainstorming. We delve into discussions about our thoughts and ideas, aiming to infuse profound meaning into our work. As we craft our songs, we prioritize simplicity in our choice of words, striving for a relatable quality that resonates with our audience. Simple yet impactful lyrics allow listeners to connect on a deeper level, uncovering the true essence and significance of our music with each repeated listen. The power of lyrics lies in their ability to evoke personal experiences and emotions, creating a bond between the song and the listener. Collaborating with talented lyricists such as Shasvi and Priyanh has enriched our creative process, adding depth and poignancy to our compositions. Working on the lyrical content of our songs has been a rewarding and enjoyable experience, allowing us to craft music that resonates with our audience on an emotional level.
Since releasing your independent tracks and now with ‘Lafz’ on the way, how have you seen the response from your listeners evolve?
The reception for our EP has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re truly grateful for the support and feedback we’ve received. It’s heartening to see that listeners are appreciating the variety of songs in the EP, recognizing that each track represents a different genre and has its unique appeal. We’ve been delighted to hear from fans who have shared their favorite songs with us, expressing their love for tracks like “Keh Do Na” and “Rasta.” This diversity of appreciation highlights the beauty of creating an EP with a range of musical styles to cater to different preferences. Recently, we had the opportunity to perform our EP at two separate shows, and the response from the audience was incredibly rewarding and positive. Witnessing the enthusiastic reception of our music live has been a fulfilling experience, and we’re thrilled to see our songs resonating with people on a deeper level.
Looking beyond ‘Lafz’, what future projects or aspirations do you have? Are there new directions or styles you want to explore?
Our passion for music exploration drives us to delve into diverse genres and styles. Currently, we’re engaged in multiple exciting projects, including an upcoming album, two EPs, and various independent ventures. One noteworthy collaboration with a Delhi-based producer promises a unique and fresh sound that deviates from our usual style. Additionally, we’re delving into EDM tracks, aiming to broaden our creative horizons and attract a wider audience. Embracing collaborations and stepping out of our comfort zone, we’re eager to challenge ourselves creatively and experiment with new musical territories. While I can’t disclose specific details yet, I can assure you that a plethora of new projects and songs are on the horizon, each offering a fresh take on music that we hope will resonate with our listeners. We’re excited for the journey ahead and the opportunity to share our evolving sound with our audience.
What have been some of the most influential lessons you’ve learned on your journey as musicians?
Throughout our musical journey, we’ve embraced the belief that persistence and dedication are fundamental to success. By remaining steadfast in our commitment to creating and sharing music, we stay on course towards our goals. Surrounding ourselves with supportive and insightful individuals who guide us positively has been crucial in shaping our artistic path. Selecting the right influences and collaborators is paramount in fostering growth and creativity. As musicians, we are continuously learning and evolving, uncovering valuable lessons with each step we take. One significant insight came from the esteemed artist Anurag Saikya, who highlighted the importance of honing our classical singing skills and focusing on hitting straight notes for a harmonious blend in our compositions. This invaluable advice has enriched our work and contributed to our artistic development. Additionally, we emphasize the significance of patience in the creative process, emphasizing the need to remain calm and composed amidst the creative journey’s inevitable challenges and fluctuations. This resilience, coupled with a deep trust in our abilities and musical vision, serves as the cornerstone of our continued growth and success in the music industry.
Who are your musical idols, and which artists(both from the realms of Hindustani Classical and modern music) have influenced your music the most? Are there specific albums or songs that have shaped your musical taste and production style?
We draw inspiration from a diverse array of musical talents, venerating icons like Arijit Singh, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, A.R. Rahman, Salim-Sulaiman, Vishal-Shekhar, and many more. The visionary minds and soul-stirring compositions of these revered artists have deeply influenced our music. Alongside these seasoned maestros, emerging artists like Raghav Kaushik ignite our creative spark, infusing us with motivation and fresh perspectives. Their work serves as a wellspring of inspiration, guiding our musical endeavors and challenging us to explore new horizons. Each artist we admire contributes uniquely to our musical tapestry, enriching our artistic vision and driving our passion for creating music that resonates with our audience.
