‘Middle Class rapper’
‘Middle Class rapper’
‘Middle Class rapper’
By Spandan Fulkar
13th Jan 2024
By Spandan Fulkar
13th Jan 2024
Let me take you back to a rainy July evening in 2022, the kind where the weather gods decide to have a water balloon fight, and you end up being the unwilling target like they’ve got a vendetta against me. So, there I am, slogging my way back from the office, my so-called raincoat is doing more harm than good, letting the water seep in like an uninvited guest. Plastic bags on my feet to dodge the dirty water, roads looking like they've been through a war, and me with a runny nose navigating through the flooded streets and cars splashing water. Oh, did I mention the three to four looming deadlines waiting to haunt me the next day?
But in the midst of this watery chaos, there's a saviour - a song playing in my ear. ‘Salim’ by "The Siege." It was like my personal anthem, turning this whole miserable scene into a movie where I'm the main character. The music gave me the push I needed to keep going, despite the mess around me.
Now, fast forward to December 2023. We did a shoot and an interview with 'The Really Brown Boy' for the inaugural cover of 'The Outsiders.' ‘Days are slightly better now’ and here's how our conversation unfolded.
Let me take you back to a rainy July evening in 2022, the kind where the weather gods decide to have a water balloon fight, and you end up being the unwilling target like they’ve got a vendetta against me. So, there I am, slogging my way back from the office, my so-called raincoat is doing more harm than good, letting the water seep in like an uninvited guest. Plastic bags on my feet to dodge the dirty water, roads looking like they've been through a war, and me with a runny nose navigating through the flooded streets and cars splashing water. Oh, did I mention the three to four looming deadlines waiting to haunt me the next day?
But in the midst of this watery chaos, there's a saviour - a song playing in my ear. ‘Salim’ by "The Siege." It was like my personal anthem, turning this whole miserable scene into a movie where I'm the main character. The music gave me the push I needed to keep going, despite the mess around me.
Now, fast forward to December 2023. We did a shoot and an interview with 'The Really Brown Boy' for the inaugural cover of 'The Outsiders.' ‘Days are slightly better now’ and here's how our conversation unfolded.
Photo credits CINEVEDD
Photo credits CINEVEDD
Photo credits CINEVEDD
Origins of Siegen
Siegen Moopanar was born in Bangalore to a South Indian family, with his father hailing from Tamil Nadu and his mother from Karnataka. Life took an unexpected turn when, at the age of two, his family moved to Mira Road. (now his rap den) The switch from his native language, Kannada, to Hindi marked the beginning of his journey.
Life in Mira Road wasn't a fairy tale for our ‘movie character’ as he calls himself on his social media and was a mix of challenges and triumphs. Despite being mischievous, young Siegen consistently excelled in academics. Yet, his life was punctuated by situations demanding resilience and a fighting spirit, both in school and personal life. It was during these formative years that an unexpected passion crept into his life and that is hip hop and rap music. Listening to rap provided an outlet for his emotions, particularly anger. He found peace in the powerful verses of artists who, like him, used rap as a means of expression. Reflecting on his own musical journey, he candidly shares, “My songs have a lot of anger, and i'm the best when im angry” In the intricate juggle between his South Indian roots and the urban hustle of Mira Road, this young man discovered not only the power of words but also the cathartic releases that music, particularly rap, could offer.
Birth of 'The Siege'
When asked about the origin of his stage name, he casually shared that there's no tale behind it. In a rather spontaneous move, he stumbled upon his cool stage ‘The Siege’ by simply dropping the 'n' from his real name. Sometimes, simplicity holds its own charm, and for 'The Siege,' the magic of his stage name lies in its straightforward connection to his identity.
Back in the day, Vh1's 'Hustle' claimed its spot on the television screen every day at 6 pm, becoming a daily ritual for the young Siegen and marked the beginning of his musical journey. Like countless others worldwide, it was Eminem who truly ignited a fire within Siege. Eminem's ability to channel inner anger through his lyrics resonated deeply with him, inspiring Siege to embark on his own rap journey. Admitting openly, Siege confessed, "I wanted to talk and do things like Eminem."
For Siege, the turning point came when he committed to memorize the lyrics of Eminem's "When I'm Gone" even before he started penning down his own verses and constructed a way that would shape 'The Siege's' artistic path.
Origins of Siegen
Siegen Moopanar was born in Bangalore to a South Indian family, with his father hailing from Tamil Nadu and his mother from Karnataka. Life took an unexpected turn when, at the age of two, his family moved to Mira Road. (now his rap den) The switch from his native language, Kannada, to Hindi marked the beginning of his journey.
Life in Mira Road wasn't a fairy tale for our ‘movie character’ as he calls himself on his social media and was a mix of challenges and triumphs. Despite being mischievous, young Siegen consistently excelled in academics. Yet, his life was punctuated by situations demanding resilience and a fighting spirit, both in school and personal life. It was during these formative years that an unexpected passion crept into his life and that is hip hop and rap music. Listening to rap provided an outlet for his emotions, particularly anger. He found peace in the powerful verses of artists who, like him, used rap as a means of expression. Reflecting on his own musical journey, he candidly shares, “My songs have a lot of anger, and i'm the best when im angry” In the intricate juggle between his South Indian roots and the urban hustle of Mira Road, this young man discovered not only the power of words but also the cathartic releases that music, particularly rap, could offer.
Birth of 'The Siege'
When asked about the origin of his stage name, he casually shared that there's no tale behind it. In a rather spontaneous move, he stumbled upon his cool stage ‘The Siege’ by simply dropping the 'n' from his real name. Sometimes, simplicity holds its own charm, and for 'The Siege,' the magic of his stage name lies in its straightforward connection to his identity.
Back in the day, Vh1's 'Hustle' claimed its spot on the television screen every day at 6 pm, becoming a daily ritual for the young Siegen and marked the beginning of his musical journey. Like countless others worldwide, it was Eminem who truly ignited a fire within Siege. Eminem's ability to channel inner anger through his lyrics resonated deeply with him, inspiring Siege to embark on his own rap journey. Admitting openly, Siege confessed, "I wanted to talk and do things like Eminem."
For Siege, the turning point came when he committed to memorize the lyrics of Eminem's "When I'm Gone" even before he started penning down his own verses and constructed a way that would shape 'The Siege's' artistic path.
Middle-Class Anthem
The Indian hip-hop scene was usually either all about flexing with booze, fancy wheels, and bundles or, the usual gully and crime stories. But a middle-class vibe was nowhere to be seen until ‘The Siege’ rolls in. His songs resonate because they speak to the everyday struggles and experiences. However, Siege clarifies that he never set out to make the middle-class narrative his signature or a "middle-class rapper. For him, it's about creating art that reflects reality, steering clear of fabrication. In his own words, “I’m just what I’m and I think I really do a good job with broadcasting my life”. Siege’s authenticity has struck a chord with listeners, making him a relatable figure in a genre where reality often takes a backseat.
Crafting Rhymes
In the world of 'The Siege,' creativity flows naturally. He shares, "Anything that crosses my mind, I turn it into a rhyme." Describing his creative process, he reveals that he often collaborates with friends to create beats and instrumentals but these compositions, however, don't see the light of day immediately. He holds onto them, allowing the rhythm to soak in the essence of his life. It's during this period that he transforms his day-to-day experiences into lyrical expressions, weaving them seamlessly into his songs. For Siege, this process is more than just making music; it's a form of journaling, a way to capture the essence of his thoughts and feelings.
Siege sees himself not just as a musician but primarily as a writer. In his own words, "There is a lot of glory in being ordinary and a regular guy also." Which shows his perspective on the humility and authenticity that define his approach to art.
Dollars, Bills, and Artistic Battles
Being an independent artist, according to 'The Siege,' poses its biggest challenge: financial stability.
It is like a tightrope walk because, as he puts it, there are bills to pay, responsibilities to handle, and you're constantly on edge not knowing when that next paycheck's rolling in. It's not just a hit on the wallet but also messes with your confidence and mental well-being, which, of course, spills over into your art.
In his own words, Siege admits, "I don't want to be an independent artist because there's no glamour and glory in that." The constant battle to make ends meet is a harsh reality he faces. “ I tend to write back rather than fight back” and this approach is clearly evident in his song 'Rent is Due,' where, for 3 minutes and 30 seconds he vents his frustrations. It's a raw and honest expression of the challenges he faces, reflecting the very essence of his journey as an artist in a world where financial stability often becomes a battleground for independent talents.
Middle-Class Anthem
The Indian hip-hop scene was usually either all about flexing with booze, fancy wheels, and bundles or, the usual gully and crime stories. But a middle-class vibe was nowhere to be seen until ‘The Siege’ rolls in. His songs resonate because they speak to the everyday struggles and experiences. However, Siege clarifies that he never set out to make the middle-class narrative his signature or a "middle-class rapper. For him, it's about creating art that reflects reality, steering clear of fabrication. In his own words, “I’m just what I’m and I think I really do a good job with broadcasting my life”. Siege’s authenticity has struck a chord with listeners, making him a relatable figure in a genre where reality often takes a backseat.
Crafting Rhymes
In the world of 'The Siege,' creativity flows naturally. He shares, "Anything that crosses my mind, I turn it into a rhyme." Describing his creative process, he reveals that he often collaborates with friends to create beats and instrumentals but these compositions, however, don't see the light of day immediately. He holds onto them, allowing the rhythm to soak in the essence of his life. It's during this period that he transforms his day-to-day experiences into lyrical expressions, weaving them seamlessly into his songs. For Siege, this process is more than just making music; it's a form of journaling, a way to capture the essence of his thoughts and feelings.
Siege sees himself not just as a musician but primarily as a writer. In his own words, "There is a lot of glory in being ordinary and a regular guy also." Which shows his perspective on the humility and authenticity that define his approach to art.
Dollars, Bills, and Artistic Battles
Being an independent artist, according to 'The Siege,' poses its biggest challenge: financial stability.
It is like a tightrope walk because, as he puts it, there are bills to pay, responsibilities to handle, and you're constantly on edge not knowing when that next paycheck's rolling in. It's not just a hit on the wallet but also messes with your confidence and mental well-being, which, of course, spills over into your art.
In his own words, Siege admits, "I don't want to be an independent artist because there's no glamour and glory in that." The constant battle to make ends meet is a harsh reality he faces. “ I tend to write back rather than fight back” and this approach is clearly evident in his song 'Rent is Due,' where, for 3 minutes and 30 seconds he vents his frustrations. It's a raw and honest expression of the challenges he faces, reflecting the very essence of his journey as an artist in a world where financial stability often becomes a battleground for independent talents.
Visual Waves
"When I release music, I just go with the flow and think about what would be fun for that entire phase," shares 'The Siege,' known for his Taadkefaad style. His approach is spontaneous; there's no grand plan behind it. He enjoys adding interesting elements or wearing something unique during the release, simply because he finds it fun. He thinks visually while writing, envisioning pictures and scenes, and extends this visual approach to his overall presentation. Siege says, "I have a lot of fun when people have fun, and my brain works in a particular way, so why not do it? If I don't, someone else will. So, I'll be the one to do it." The underlying theme is simple: he does it all because it brings joy, making the artistic process not just about the music but about creating an enjoyable experience for both himself and his listeners.
Life beyond Art
These days, he's diving into Bollywood vibes, not the super new stuff, but not the ancient hits either. Delhi-6, Rock On, Ghajini, Omkara, the classics. And a lot of his inspiration is coming from the genius himself, AR Rahman. When asked about his aims and aspirations, Siege keeps it real. Number one on his list is making sure he and his family, along with the folks around him, are well-fed. No fancy stuff but just the basic priorities. He's not sweating the small stuff but it's all about taking care of the ones he loves. In Siege's perspective, he bluntly states, "Art, in general, is not that important in the real world." He elaborates by pointing out that during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, with everything else shut down, survival was still possible. Looking ahead, he finds fulfilment in the impact he can have, aspiring for influence and fame but acknowledges that money, while it can bring change in the physical world, is not the ultimate pursuit.
Moments Beyond the Mic
Siege spills the beans on his proudest moment, and it's not your usual success story. "I'm the first person in my family to secure medical insurance," Siege reveals. The lack of financial education in his family, spanning across generations, meant that his father and even his grandfather didn't have this safety net. Recognizing this gap, Siege decided to take a step towards financial security. What makes this achievement even more memorable is the impact it had on someone else. A person heard Siege's song, where he weaved this personal story, and it resonated deeply. This listener, inspired by Siege's tale, became the first in their family to embrace medical insurance. This shared experience affirmed Siege's belief that his thoughts and actions hold significance. "Hey, maybe I'm not so crazy after all." he adds. And you can't help but nod your head in agreement because taking care of your people, that's a win in anyone's book.
As our conversation with 'The Siege' neared its end, he dropped a surprising bombshell. Music, he revealed, is just a stepping stone for him. In the next 5-6 years, he envisions hanging up his musical hat to pursue an unexpected path of politics leaving us all with raised eyebrows and intrigued minds. It seems 'The Siege' has grand plans beyond the beats and rhymes, ready to embark on a new journey that promises to be as unconventional as his musical endeavours.
Visual Waves
"When I release music, I just go with the flow and think about what would be fun for that entire phase," shares 'The Siege,' known for his Taadkefaad style. His approach is spontaneous; there's no grand plan behind it. He enjoys adding interesting elements or wearing something unique during the release, simply because he finds it fun. He thinks visually while writing, envisioning pictures and scenes, and extends this visual approach to his overall presentation. Siege says, "I have a lot of fun when people have fun, and my brain works in a particular way, so why not do it? If I don't, someone else will. So, I'll be the one to do it." The underlying theme is simple: he does it all because it brings joy, making the artistic process not just about the music but about creating an enjoyable experience for both himself and his listeners.
Life beyond Art
These days, he's diving into Bollywood vibes, not the super new stuff, but not the ancient hits either. Delhi-6, Rock On, Ghajini, Omkara, the classics. And a lot of his inspiration is coming from the genius himself, AR Rahman. When asked about his aims and aspirations, Siege keeps it real. Number one on his list is making sure he and his family, along with the folks around him, are well-fed. No fancy stuff but just the basic priorities. He's not sweating the small stuff but it's all about taking care of the ones he loves. In Siege's perspective, he bluntly states, "Art, in general, is not that important in the real world." He elaborates by pointing out that during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, with everything else shut down, survival was still possible. Looking ahead, he finds fulfilment in the impact he can have, aspiring for influence and fame but acknowledges that money, while it can bring change in the physical world, is not the ultimate pursuit.
Moments Beyond the Mic
Siege spills the beans on his proudest moment, and it's not your usual success story. "I'm the first person in my family to secure medical insurance," Siege reveals. The lack of financial education in his family, spanning across generations, meant that his father and even his grandfather didn't have this safety net. Recognizing this gap, Siege decided to take a step towards financial security. What makes this achievement even more memorable is the impact it had on someone else. A person heard Siege's song, where he weaved this personal story, and it resonated deeply. This listener, inspired by Siege's tale, became the first in their family to embrace medical insurance. This shared experience affirmed Siege's belief that his thoughts and actions hold significance. "Hey, maybe I'm not so crazy after all." he adds. And you can't help but nod your head in agreement because taking care of your people, that's a win in anyone's book.
As our conversation with 'The Siege' neared its end, he dropped a surprising bombshell. Music, he revealed, is just a stepping stone for him. In the next 5-6 years, he envisions hanging up his musical hat to pursue an unexpected path of politics leaving us all with raised eyebrows and intrigued minds. It seems 'The Siege' has grand plans beyond the beats and rhymes, ready to embark on a new journey that promises to be as unconventional as his musical endeavours
