By Spandan Fulkar
29th Feb 2024
By Spandan Fulkar
29th Feb 2024
Abhinav and his childhood best friend were introduced to music through the prism of his friend's dad, a 'cool uncle' with a treasure trove of cassettes and CDs that they eagerly explored. The first album that truly resonated with Abhinav was "Backstreet's Back". Concurrently, the pulse of the neighbourhood was set by the older kids cranking up Akon's "Konvicted", which led Abhinav's ears to catch Eminem's electrifying presence in the track "Smack that!". With a determined spirit, Abhinav embarked on a musical journey, immersing himself in Eminem's discography and branching out to explore the realms of Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, and Snoop Dogg. In the sanctuary of his bedroom, he honed his craft, passionately covering the verses of these rap legends. Yet, his talent remained a closely guarded secret, a private sanctuary he was hesitant to share with the world. However, fate had other plans. In 2017, amidst the revelry of a college house party, fueled by the intoxicating atmosphere, Abhinav found himself swept up in the moment as Eminem's "Rap God" blared through the speakers. In a spontaneous burst of energy, he began to rap along, surprising everyone with his skill and prowess. The crowd erupted in awe, showering him with praise and encouragement. That impromptu performance marked a turning point for Abhinav. It was his first taste of the spotlight, an unofficial debut that ignited a fire within him. In that electrifying moment, he realized that his destiny was intertwined with the rhythm and rhyme of hip-hop, and he knew without a doubt that he was destined for greatness.
“I started writing really late in my journey. I used to enjoy being able to rap like my favourite artists but never really thought of creating myself. First ever song I wrote was in 2021. I called it "Good-life's hard.”
A Turning Point
During a time when Abhinav seemingly had it all comfort, security, and material wealth, he found himself engulfed in a sense of discontentment. Each night, as he lay down to rest, an unsettling feeling gnawed at him, as if there were unfinished tasks in the depths of his consciousness. Reflecting on those tumultuous times, Abhinav acknowledges the darkness that threatened to consume him. In moments of desperation, when despair seemed overwhelming, he found calm in the simple act of putting pen to paper. Writing became his lifeline, a hope in the darkest of nights, offering him a means to channel his inner turmoil and confront his deepest fears. Looking back on that pivotal period, Abhinav recognizes the profound significance of his writing as a catalyst for transformation which was more than just a creative outlet, more of a lifeline that pulled him back from the brink of despair, providing clarity and purpose in the midst of chaos.
Abhinav and his childhood best friend were introduced to music through the prism of his friend's dad, a 'cool uncle' with a treasure trove of cassettes and CDs that they eagerly explored. The first album that truly resonated with Abhinav was "Backstreet's Back". Concurrently, the pulse of the neighbourhood was set by the older kids cranking up Akon's "Konvicted", which led Abhinav's ears to catch Eminem's electrifying presence in the track "Smack that!". With a determined spirit, Abhinav embarked on a musical journey, immersing himself in Eminem's discography and branching out to explore the realms of Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, and Snoop Dogg. In the sanctuary of his bedroom, he honed his craft, passionately covering the verses of these rap legends. Yet, his talent remained a closely guarded secret, a private sanctuary he was hesitant to share with the world. However, fate had other plans. In 2017, amidst the revelry of a college house party, fueled by the intoxicating atmosphere, Abhinav found himself swept up in the moment as Eminem's "Rap God" blared through the speakers. In a spontaneous burst of energy, he began to rap along, surprising everyone with his skill and prowess. The crowd erupted in awe, showering him with praise and encouragement. That impromptu performance marked a turning point for Abhinav. It was his first taste of the spotlight, an unofficial debut that ignited a fire within him. In that electrifying moment, he realized that his destiny was intertwined with the rhythm and rhyme of hip-hop, and he knew without a doubt that he was destined for greatness.
“I started writing really late in my journey. I used to enjoy being able to rap like my favourite artists but never really thought of creating myself. First ever song I wrote was in 2021. I called it "Good-life's hard.”
A Turning Point
During a time when Abhinav seemingly had it all comfort, security, and material wealth, he found himself engulfed in a sense of discontentment. Each night, as he lay down to rest, an unsettling feeling gnawed at him, as if there were unfinished tasks in the depths of his consciousness. Reflecting on those tumultuous times, Abhinav acknowledges the darkness that threatened to consume him. In moments of desperation, when despair seemed overwhelming, he found calm in the simple act of putting pen to paper. Writing became his lifeline, a hope in the darkest of nights, offering him a means to channel his inner turmoil and confront his deepest fears. Looking back on that pivotal period, Abhinav recognizes the profound significance of his writing as a catalyst for transformation which was more than just a creative outlet, more of a lifeline that pulled him back from the brink of despair, providing clarity and purpose in the midst of chaos.
Embracing the Journey
As Abhinav continues to navigate his journey as an artist, he acknowledges that while goals and aspirations may evolve over time, there are certain constants that remain unchanged. Despite this, he finds comfort in embracing the unknown, preferring to let the winds of fate guide him rather than charting a predetermined course. With a sense of trust in the greater plan laid out by the universe, Abhinav surrenders himself to the flow of life, accepting whatever opportunities come his way with an open heart and a discerning intuition.
“Rather than fixating on specific goals or benchmarks, my primary focus is on the simple joy of creation. I find fulfilment in the act of bringing my artistic vision to life, pouring my heart and soul into each endeavour with a fervent passion. My only desire is to continue this journey for as long as possible, allowing my creativity to flourish and resonate with others in times of need.”
Organic Evolution
While discussing his creative process, Abhinav unveils a deeply organic approach that adapts and evolves with each new project he undertakes. From the outset, it's evident that his method is as varied as it is intuitive, marked by a commitment to perpetual exploration and innovation.
Each day, Abhinav listens to a variety of beats, attuned to the subtle nuances that evoke particular feelings within him. When a beat resonates deeply, he distils his emotions into words or phrases, shaping the framework for his songwriting. Years of dedicated practice have honed his lyrical prowess and rhythmic finesse, allowing words to flow effortlessly from his mind to the page and also recognizes the importance of authenticity in his craft, channelling his innermost thoughts and feelings into his music without concern for external expectations.
“An essential part of my process is capturing the raw essence of a beat's initial impact. I instinctively record my first reactions, knowing that these intuitive scats and flows hold a purity that cannot be replicated. For me, music is a visceral experience, one that thrives on intuition and emotion rather than rigid logic.”
Embracing the Journey
As Abhinav continues to navigate his journey as an artist, he acknowledges that while goals and aspirations may evolve over time, there are certain constants that remain unchanged. Despite this, he finds comfort in embracing the unknown, preferring to let the winds of fate guide him rather than charting a predetermined course. With a sense of trust in the greater plan laid out by the universe, Abhinav surrenders himself to the flow of life, accepting whatever opportunities come his way with an open heart and a discerning intuition.
“Rather than fixating on specific goals or benchmarks, my primary focus is on the simple joy of creation. I find fulfilment in the act of bringing my artistic vision to life, pouring my heart and soul into each endeavour with a fervent passion. My only desire is to continue this journey for as long as possible, allowing my creativity to flourish and resonate with others in times of need.”
Organic Evolution
While discussing his creative process, Abhinav unveils a deeply organic approach that adapts and evolves with each new project he undertakes. From the outset, it's evident that his method is as varied as it is intuitive, marked by a commitment to perpetual exploration and innovation.
Each day, Abhinav listens to a variety of beats, attuned to the subtle nuances that evoke particular feelings within him. When a beat resonates deeply, he distils his emotions into words or phrases, shaping the framework for his songwriting. Years of dedicated practice have honed his lyrical prowess and rhythmic finesse, allowing words to flow effortlessly from his mind to the page and also recognizes the importance of authenticity in his craft, channelling his innermost thoughts and feelings into his music without concern for external expectations.
“An essential part of my process is capturing the raw essence of a beat's initial impact. I instinctively record my first reactions, knowing that these intuitive scats and flows hold a purity that cannot be replicated. For me, music is a visceral experience, one that thrives on intuition and emotion rather than rigid logic.”
Crafting Authenticity
Describing his sound, Abhinav paints a picture of unfiltered, gritty, and raw tones that resonate deeply with the listener. His music carries a certain intimacy, urging the audience to experience it in solitude, as if it were a secret meant for their ears alone. This sense of exclusivity stems from his childhood, where he guarded his musical tastes as a personal treasure and seamlessly switches between languages to capture the full spectrum of emotions, adding another layer of depth to his work. Surprisingly, achieving this raw sound requires meticulous effort and experimentation, particularly in the recording and mixing process, which consumed much of his time over the past year. Among his key influences, Kendrick Lamar holds a special place in Abhinav's heart, evident from the tattoo of Lamar's lyrics etched onto his skin. Other luminaries like 50 Cent, Eminem, and The Weeknd also play a significant role in shaping his artistic vision, contributing to the rich tapestry of influences that inform his unique sound.
Upcoming Projects
In Abhinav's musical pipeline, a series of weekly singles are set to hit the airwaves, followed by an eagerly anticipated EP. Titled "LE.KHA (लेखा)," the EP serves as an audit of the rap game, delving into the intricacies of the industry. With a newfound understanding, Abhinav is poised to settle his "debt" with the upcoming EP titled "ऋण," which takes on the format of a short rap musical. Each track seamlessly transitions into the next, creating a cohesive journey that demands to be experienced in its entirety.
“From time to time, I like to explore different genres beyond underground hip-hop. I've dabbled in dream pop, R&B soul, and alternative music, and I'm eager to dive into rock soon. This exploration is shaping me into something entirely new, almost like creating a whole new genre. Growing up, hip-hop was all I knew until a college crush introduced me to the American dream pop band "Cigarettes After Sex," which opened my eyes to other sounds.”
Abhinav's recent insight is simple, focus on what sounds cool to you, not what you think will impress the audience. He believes waiting for a label or a successful artist to mentor you is the wrong approach. Instead, fall in love with your art and put in the work. Abhinav suggests making 40-50 songs before calling yourself an artist and his top advice is to write every day. It's like training a muscle. Then, learn new skills like mixing and mastering. Be patient, like the Karate Kid, mastering the basics frees you up to create without hindrance.
“One track that holds a special place in my heart is "numb." I released it on my birthday, and it marked the first time I ventured outside my usual genre into Hindi music. The song delves into mental health issues, with lyrics I had written before even knowing what the sound would be. One day, while browsing beats on YouTube, I stumbled upon a beautiful church organ melody that perfectly matched the emotions of the lyrics and felt as if some higher force guided the composition process. I can't take full credit for that song as it was a deeply spiritual experience creating it. Every time I listen to "numb," it transports me back to a nostalgic place I can't quite pinpoint in time.”
Crafting Authenticity
Describing his sound, Abhinav paints a picture of unfiltered, gritty, and raw tones that resonate deeply with the listener. His music carries a certain intimacy, urging the audience to experience it in solitude, as if it were a secret meant for their ears alone. This sense of exclusivity stems from his childhood, where he guarded his musical tastes as a personal treasure and seamlessly switches between languages to capture the full spectrum of emotions, adding another layer of depth to his work. Surprisingly, achieving this raw sound requires meticulous effort and experimentation, particularly in the recording and mixing process, which consumed much of his time over the past year. Among his key influences, Kendrick Lamar holds a special place in Abhinav's heart, evident from the tattoo of Lamar's lyrics etched onto his skin. Other luminaries like 50 Cent, Eminem, and The Weeknd also play a significant role in shaping his artistic vision, contributing to the rich tapestry of influences that inform his unique sound.
Upcoming Projects
In Abhinav's musical pipeline, a series of weekly singles are set to hit the airwaves, followed by an eagerly anticipated EP. Titled "LE.KHA (लेखा)," the EP serves as an audit of the rap game, delving into the intricacies of the industry. With a newfound understanding, Abhinav is poised to settle his "debt" with the upcoming EP titled "ऋण," which takes on the format of a short rap musical. Each track seamlessly transitions into the next, creating a cohesive journey that demands to be experienced in its entirety.
“From time to time, I like to explore different genres beyond underground hip-hop. I've dabbled in dream pop, R&B soul, and alternative music, and I'm eager to dive into rock soon. This exploration is shaping me into something entirely new, almost like creating a whole new genre. Growing up, hip-hop was all I knew until a college crush introduced me to the American dream pop band "Cigarettes After Sex," which opened my eyes to other sounds.”
Abhinav's recent insight is simple, focus on what sounds cool to you, not what you think will impress the audience. He believes waiting for a label or a successful artist to mentor you is the wrong approach. Instead, fall in love with your art and put in the work. Abhinav suggests making 40-50 songs before calling yourself an artist and his top advice is to write every day. It's like training a muscle. Then, learn new skills like mixing and mastering. Be patient, like the Karate Kid, mastering the basics frees you up to create without hindrance.
“One track that holds a special place in my heart is "numb." I released it on my birthday, and it marked the first time I ventured outside my usual genre into Hindi music. The song delves into mental health issues, with lyrics I had written before even knowing what the sound would be. One day, while browsing beats on YouTube, I stumbled upon a beautiful church organ melody that perfectly matched the emotions of the lyrics and felt as if some higher force guided the composition process. I can't take full credit for that song as it was a deeply spiritual experience creating it. Every time I listen to "numb," it transports me back to a nostalgic place I can't quite pinpoint in time.”
Crafting Authenticity
Describing his sound, Abhinav paints a picture of unfiltered, gritty, and raw tones that resonate deeply with the listener. His music carries a certain intimacy, urging the audience to experience it in solitude, as if it were a secret meant for their ears alone. This sense of exclusivity stems from his childhood, where he guarded his musical tastes as a personal treasure and seamlessly switches between languages to capture the full spectrum of emotions, adding another layer of depth to his work. Surprisingly, achieving this raw sound requires meticulous effort and experimentation, particularly in the recording and mixing process, which consumed much of his time over the past year. Among his key influences, Kendrick Lamar holds a special place in Abhinav's heart, evident from the tattoo of Lamar's lyrics etched onto his skin. Other luminaries like 50 Cent, Eminem, and The Weeknd also play a significant role in shaping his artistic vision, contributing to the rich tapestry of influences that inform his unique sound.
Upcoming Projects
In Abhinav's musical pipeline, a series of weekly singles are set to hit the airwaves, followed by an eagerly anticipated EP. Titled "LE.KHA (लेखा)," the EP serves as an audit of the rap game, delving into the intricacies of the industry. With a newfound understanding, Abhinav is poised to settle his "debt" with the upcoming EP titled "ऋण," which takes on the format of a short rap musical. Each track seamlessly transitions into the next, creating a cohesive journey that demands to be experienced in its entirety.
“From time to time, I like to explore different genres beyond underground hip-hop. I've dabbled in dream pop, R&B soul, and alternative music, and I'm eager to dive into rock soon. This exploration is shaping me into something entirely new, almost like creating a whole new genre. Growing up, hip-hop was all I knew until a college crush introduced me to the American dream pop band "Cigarettes After Sex," which opened my eyes to other sounds.”
Abhinav's recent insight is simple, focus on what sounds cool to you, not what you think will impress the audience. He believes waiting for a label or a successful artist to mentor you is the wrong approach. Instead, fall in love with your art and put in the work. Abhinav suggests making 40-50 songs before calling yourself an artist and his top advice is to write every day. It's like training a muscle. Then, learn new skills like mixing and mastering. Be patient, like the Karate Kid, mastering the basics frees you up to create without hindrance.
“One track that holds a special place in my heart is "numb." I released it on my birthday, and it marked the first time I ventured outside my usual genre into Hindi music. The song delves into mental health issues, with lyrics I had written before even knowing what the sound would be. One day, while browsing beats on YouTube, I stumbled upon a beautiful church organ melody that perfectly matched the emotions of the lyrics and felt as if some higher force guided the composition process. I can't take full credit for that song as it was a deeply spiritual experience creating it. Every time I listen to "numb," it transports me back to a nostalgic place I can't quite pinpoint in time.”
