Renowned rapper and melodious singer, Ikka Singh, catapulted to stardom with his infectious track ‘In Da Club’ from the movie ‘Tamanchey’. Now, gearing up to unveil his much-anticipated third album, ‘Only Love Gets Reply’, Ikka has joined forces with illustrious names in the music realm such as Diljit Dosanjh, Badshah, and Karan Aujla.
The album’s lead track, ‘Laadla’, teased the audience’s auditory senses when it made its debut in November last year, quickly amassing nearly 60 lakh views on YouTube. As fans eagerly await the full musical symphony within the album, Ikka exclusively sheds light on why ‘Only Love Gets Reply’ stands as a magnum opus in his illustrious career.
Here are the excerpts:
What are you hoping to achieve with the release of ‘Only Love Gets Reply’? Are there specific goals you have in mind for how this album will impact your career?
This album marks a significant milestone for me as it represents my third musical endeavor. Crafting albums holds a special place in my heart, as it provides a broader canvas for artistic expression. A single song may not suffice to convey the depth of my thoughts; an album offers the necessary space to narrate intricate stories and emotions. Growing up immersed in album culture, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of creating a cohesive body of work that encapsulates my experiences and musings. With this album, I aimed to venture into a more commercial territory, blending elements of hip-hop from my previous two albums with a more mainstream appeal. This fusion of styles was a deliberate choice, one that I felt compelled to explore at this juncture in my career. Timing played a crucial role, and the opportunity to collaborate with T-Series, courtesy of Bhushan Sir’s support, presented itself at the perfect moment. I am immensely grateful to those who believed in my artistic vision and provided the platform to amplify the reach and impact of my album. Their understanding of my creative direction has significantly contributed to the growth and success of this project.
Each artist you’ve collaborated with brings a unique style to the music. How do their individual styles influence the overall sound of the album?
When I choose to collaborate with a unique artist, my goal is to enhance the project with their individual sound. It’s important to me that each song stands out and offers something different. I carefully consider which person to feature on each track, ensuring a perfect fit. This has always been my creative approach. Whether I’m writing for myself or someone else, I focus on how the music will be perceived and the intended impact. For instance, when I wrote a song for Diljit Paaji, my aim was to create lyrics that complemented his vocal style. Each lyric is crafted with the artist’s vocals in mind. When I work with Guru Bhai, I make sure that what I’ve written aligns seamlessly with his singing style. My ultimate goal is to blend their uniqueness into my album, resulting in a project that offers a truly distinctive sound.
Can you walk us through your creative process for developing the tracks on this album? How do you start creating a song from scratch?
Many of my songs come to life in unexpected ways, often sprouting from small beginnings. Take, for example, the genesis of “Laadla”; while listening to it, a beat suddenly caught my ear, inspiring a spontaneous hook. In that moment, I penned down the hook and subsequent verses, and that’s how the song shaped up. Another track, sung in collaboration with Karan Bhai back in 2014, still lingers in my mind alongside other half-forgotten ideas. When a particular song captures my attention, I find myself pondering its potential and feeling compelled to nurture it further at the right time. Amongst my many compositions, there are several unfinished pieces that I am eager to complete. Contemplating a collaboration with Diljit Bhai, I envision the kind of song we could create together, tailor-made to suit his style. These songs I speak of, were they already works in progress? If so, how could I bring them to fruition for his inclusion? This isn’t merely about the present moment; it’s about an evolving album that is taking shape. I felt the need to consolidate my ideas and channel them into what will become the 9171 album. Trusting in my creative instincts, I sensed the album should be released in the near future.
Was there a particular track on the album that was more challenging to produce or write than others?
To be honest, the reality is quite different. I face a unique struggle in my music-making process because I have a meticulous approach, taking considerable time to refine each piece. It’s not uncommon for me to feel that a particular song is missing something crucial. In the context of a film album, there have been instances where the musical and melodic elements were revised thrice due to my dissatisfaction. I engage in thorough self-review, listening to my songs repeatedly, seeking out imperfections and assessing how they resonate with me. My belief is that if I connect with my own music on a deep level, then others will too, driving me to persevere through these challenges. I hold the view that every artist should continuously strive to elevate their musicality and pursue excellence in their craft. This involves a critical evaluation of what can be improved, what should be omitted, and striking the right balance between complexity and simplicity. The process of mixing and mastering, in particular, presents its own set of challenges, often leading to conflicts that need to be resolved. Crafting an album is far from easy; it demands hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the art. Despite the difficulties encountered, the journey is incredibly rewarding. I find that confronting challenging narratives ultimately enriches my work; overcoming obstacles may be daunting, yet it equips me with the resilience needed to surmount any obstacles that come my way.
Badshah revealed the exciting collaboration during a recent concert which triggered a huge fan reaction. How did you feel about the fans anticipation and their response to this announcement?
I’m feeling good about the album so far, the journey has been quite positive. As we move closer to its release, I anticipate receiving feedback from listeners about what resonates with them, what falls short of their expectations, and what truly stands out. This project has been a labor of love, crafted with immense dedication and effort. I’ve poured my heart and soul into it. My earnest desire is that just as my fans have embraced my individual songs, they will wholeheartedly embrace this album. Whether it’s someone discovering my music for the first time, a devoted fan of Badshah Bhai, or a follower of Diljit, my goal is to bring joy to all of them through this project. I strive to approach my work with integrity, knowing that if I create something of quality, my fans will recognize and appreciate it, leading to a positive reception for the album.
How do you think your music has evolved with this album compared to your previous works? Are there any new musical elements that you’ve experimented with this time around?
Absolutely! Every album I work on marks a significant evolution in my craft, providing invaluable lessons along the way. Sanjoy, the album producer, and the producer from Delhi have been instrumental in shaping the album’s sound through their dedicated efforts. Collaboration, in my opinion, is a profound learning experience. When you team up with new individuals, especially fellow artists, the opportunity for growth is immense. I firmly believe that there’s always something to glean from others, and one should continually strive to expand their knowledge base. Growth is synonymous with learning; stagnation only occurs when learning ceases. Through the creation of this album, I’ve embraced a wealth of insights and knowledge, thanks to the collaboration with these talented individuals. The experience of working with them has proven to be enriching, and I am grateful for the opportunity.
What kind of reception are you expecting for this album of yours?
I consider this album to be my finest work to date, a creation born from the depths of my passion and dedication. Ultimately, the reception and success of the album lie in the hands of a higher power, determining the blessings it will receive and the love it will inspire among listeners. Each song within this album is like a cherished child to me, a labor of love and creativity. While I personally hold each track in high regard, the true measure of their impact will only be revealed upon release, through the reception of the world. I maintain a positive outlook, hopeful for a favorable outcome, placing my trust in the hard work and commitment of my team. This album holds significant value to me, serving as an additional chapter in my musical journey. After investing considerable time and effort into its creation, my deepest desire is for it to resonate with and reach people in a meaningful way.
You’ve collaborated with giants like Badshah, Diljit Dosanjh, and Karan Aujla. How did these collaborations come about and what was the experience like working with each of them?
For me, these artists are truly idols, individuals I’ve held in high regard since the inception of my musical journey. The admiration and respect I have for them run deep, and their music has been a wellspring of inspiration for me. Working alongside icons such as Badshah Bhai and Diljit Paaji has been a dream come true. Having penned several songs for Diljit Paji in the past, I have gleaned valuable lessons from his expertise, particularly in enhancing the melodic aspects of my compositions. Badshah Bhai’s lyrical prowess has captivated me since my early days in 2009, and collaborating with him has always been a goal of mine. We are currently in the process of working on our third song together, a prospect that fills me with immense pride and joy. It’s a reciprocal respect that exists between us; just as I hold them in high esteem, they, too, acknowledge and value my contributions. The inclusion of esteemed artists such as Geet Paaji, Badshah Bhai, Karan Aujla Bhai, and Guru Randhawa Bhai in this album is a reflection of the blessings that have graced this project. Their involvement has added a layer of reverence and significance to the album, underscoring it as a truly blessed endeavor.