My Mother Has Been My Constant Cheerleader

I am very passionate about my Music though I have completed my Masters in Clinical Psychology. I create my own renditions of Hindi and Punjabi melodies and upload it on Youtube. As a kid, I was always attracted to creative forms of art and sports. But I was somehow more inclined towards music. It did not develop overnight. My mother has been my constant cheerleader who encouraged me from the very beginning.

I have learned guitar both online and offline. I am presently taking professional training in vocal music. Music is something that fuels my fire and can keep me up all night.

1. What do you enjoy the most being an artist?

Scrolling through comments over my Instagram and YouTube where people tell me that my music is a stress buster for them, it gives them peace, it is relaxing for them or they are listening to my voice on loop. I think that’s the most valuable thing for an Artist.

The recognition that my music gives me in public, where my parents feel proud in front of everybody, that feeling is unmatched. Besides, when young girls with guitar say that they look up to me, or I am an inspiration for them, I feel my purpose as an Artist is fulfilled.

2. How would you describe the music that you typically create?

I like to experiment a lot by creating different types of mashups, and that’s my strength in terms of presenting my music. Besides I love singing old Hindi and Punjabi folk songs on my Guitar. My favorite genre is Sufi. I try to put up those songs on Social media that I majorly connect with, keeping in mind that it does not objectify any caste, culture, or woman.

3. Which famous musicians do you admire the most? Why?

No matter how much commercial numbers we listen to, I always go back to old melodies. I really admire Satinder Sartaj for the kind of music he is giving to society. His work is unique that connects to the soul. Bir Singh is my other favorite lyricist and singer. His poetic expression of songs is no less than jewels carved over a mere paper. Also, I love listening to Amrinder Gill, Surinder Kaur, Ali Seth, Rabbi Shergill, and Arijit Singh.

4. Please explain your creative process.

I try listening to a lot of songs from different genres. Besides I keep humming and singing most of the time during the day. If I feel any song is suiting my voice, I practice it over my guitar. And then I try to record it in my phone recorder, listen to myself, correct my mistakes and re-sing till I am satisfied. And then I shoot a video for the same to upload it over my YouTube Channel. Sometimes it doesn’t come out that perfect, sometimes it demands a lot of retakes, but now I feel it’s okay.

Initially, I have wasted a lot of my time, just to chase perfection. But Mistakes are what make us original and gives us a reason to work hard next time.

Nowadays I am troubling my mom to shoot my videos outdoor and I am really enjoying that process of creating content for my YouTube audience.

5. What are your top six favorite songs of all time? Why those songs?

It is difficult to choose favorites in terms of music. If I have to pick a few of them, Ummm that would be___

Tu Te Main ~by Bir Singh (It’s a Punjabi song and the lyrics of this song relates to nature, sky, the earth with the purest feelings of love in a couple.)
Auzaar ~by Satinder Sartaj ( Being nature love myself, I totally look up to this song because it’s penned in the praise of nature and God’s creations.)
Chandani Raatein ~originally by Noor Jehan but a few of its covers are just amazing. I listen to it mostly at night. It’s a beautiful melody with beautiful lyrics.
Kiven Mukhre Toh ~by Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan ( NFAK songs are a total vibe itself. )
Bulla Ki Jana ~by Rabbi Shergill ( It’s a Sufi song that questions our existence in this world. It’s my personal favorite song to sing with my guitar )
Chan Kithan ~ by Surinder Kaur & rendition by Ali Seth (it holds a strong flavor of old Punjabi folk songs )

6. What are your ambitions as a songwriter and musician from here?

I want to perform on stage as a complete Artist. I haven’t written anything as of yet but I wish to compose my own music, write my own lyrics. And for that, I am presently setting up my own little home studio and practicing music to make myself credible enough.

Quite recently, more professional opportunities have come knocking on my door but I am mindful of the kind of opportunity I want to take, and not merely anything that comes my way because I personally like to work on my own terms. Honestly, my definition of success isn’t fame or money but a sense of satisfaction and happiness at the end of the day.

7. What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

For the Budding Artist, I would say just don’t quit before the miracle happens. Wake up every day, Visualise your goals, and then work for it honestly. Study and master your craft. It is important to seek professional training for excelling in this line. Watch the kind of singers you listen to, which makes up 60% of the skills. Besides that enjoy the procedure of reaching your goals. Do not magnify negative comments on social media. Rather shift your focus on productivity and improvement. Be original and don’t be scared to try new things.

Your passion does not have to pay you in the beginning and it’s okay to have a dream that does not pay you. This doesn’t mean that your dream is not valid. It’s still ur dream, it’s still valid. You just need to put in your hours, you need to put in the hard work and be consistent at what you do. Do not chase numbers or followers. Just do it for the love of it. It will automatically reward you if not today but someday.

- Ravneet Kaur

Interviewed by - Adarsh Tiwari