By Spandan Fulkar
22nd Feb 2024
By Spandan Fulkar
22nd Feb 2024
Just a few days ago, my friend Sid and I were casually browsing through some new music on YouTube, nothing out of the ordinary. We stumbled upon a track that someone had recommended to us, and while it was alright, it didn't particularly stand out. However, as we listened, something unexpected happened, we stumbled upon a hidden gem. At first, we thought it might be a reuploaded song by a renowned international artist, you know, the kind that often circulates on YouTube to rack up views. But as the music played on, we found ourselves exchanging surprised glances. This wasn't just another mediocre track, it was something entirely different, fresh, and of exceptional quality. It had an unmistakably international vibe, far beyond what we'd typically associate with Indian music. The shock set in when we realized that the artist behind this incredible piece wasn't some global sensation, but an Indian talent. It was mind-boggling to fathom that amidst the clutter of the music scene, an artist of such caliber was flying under the radar, lacking the views, recognition, and appreciation he undoubtedly deserved.
The song that blew us away was titled 'Down' and the name of the artist was ‘HVSH’ and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. HVSH's music had the potential to rival and surpass many big names in the Indian music industry, yet here he was, relatively unknown to the masses. It was a revelation that left Sid and me absolutely floored, and we couldn't help but wonder why more people weren't tuning in to witness the brilliance of HVSH's artistry.
At 'The Outsiders,' our mission revolves around unearthing hidden gems from various musical genres and sharing their stories with the world. We believe in giving underrated artists a platform to showcase their music, allowing our audience and fellow music enthusiasts to discover new talent and fresh sounds. Naturally, after stumbling upon the remarkable music of HVSH, we knew we had to delve deeper into his story. We reached out to him to learn more about the person behind the music, eager to uncover the journey that led to the creation of this international sound and sure enough, we were able to connect with HVSH and embark on a journey to unravel the narrative behind his out of the box musical expression.
Torrents and Tunes
During our exclusive conversation with Arun Dsilva, better known as 'HVSH,' generously shared profound insights into his life, music, and artistic journey. Recounting his initial steps into the music world, the 27-year-old reminisced about the era of 2011-12 when EDM reigned supreme. Influenced by trailblazing artists like MAKO and DVLM, whose exceptional music left an indelible mark, Arun found himself irresistibly drawn into the realm of music production. His journey took an unexpected turn when he stumbled upon Fruity Loops while browsing a torrent website, initially seeking games. Despite his novice status in the music scene, Arun found inspiration in his girlfriend's encouragement, embarking on a journey of creation. He began crafting small electro-piano compositions, pouring his heart and soul into expressing his affection for her. As time progressed, Arun's passion deepened, leading him to immerse himself in various online communities and Facebook groups populated by diverse producers. Amidst this exploration, he found himself particularly drawn to the soulful sounds of hip-hop and R&B, resonating deeply with their emotive expressions. It was during this period of exploration that Arun discovered Deverano, a prominent figure on SoundCloud whose musical brilliance influenced his evolving taste. Enthralled by Deverano's work, Arun spent years ardently following his musical journey, allowing it to shape his own artistic direction and eventually, Arun took a leap of faith and reached out to Deverano, a decision that would prove to be pivotal in his burgeoning career. Their collaboration on Arun's first song marked a significant milestone, capturing the attention of industry insiders and platforms like edm.com.
“Bryson Tiller has played a pivotal role in shaping my musical identity. I make it a point to listen to "Just Another Interlude" every day since discovering him, it's the only MP3 hard-saved on my phone. His album "Trapsoul" acted as a mirror into my life, feeling as if he was right there during the peaks and depths of my relationships.”
Just a few days ago, my friend Sid and I were casually browsing through some new music on YouTube, nothing out of the ordinary. We stumbled upon a track that someone had recommended to us, and while it was alright, it didn't particularly stand out. However, as we listened, something unexpected happened, we stumbled upon a hidden gem. At first, we thought it might be a reuploaded song by a renowned international artist, you know, the kind that often circulates on YouTube to rack up views. But as the music played on, we found ourselves exchanging surprised glances. This wasn't just another mediocre track, it was something entirely different, fresh, and of exceptional quality. It had an unmistakably international vibe, far beyond what we'd typically associate with Indian music. The shock set in when we realized that the artist behind this incredible piece wasn't some global sensation, but an Indian talent. It was mind-boggling to fathom that amidst the clutter of the music scene, an artist of such caliber was flying under the radar, lacking the views, recognition, and appreciation he undoubtedly deserved.
The song that blew us away was titled 'Down' and the name of the artist was ‘HVSH’ and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. HVSH's music had the potential to rival and surpass many big names in the Indian music industry, yet here he was, relatively unknown to the masses. It was a revelation that left Sid and me absolutely floored, and we couldn't help but wonder why more people weren't tuning in to witness the brilliance of HVSH's artistry.
At 'The Outsiders,' our mission revolves around unearthing hidden gems from various musical genres and sharing their stories with the world. We believe in giving underrated artists a platform to showcase their music, allowing our audience and fellow music enthusiasts to discover new talent and fresh sounds. Naturally, after stumbling upon the remarkable music of HVSH, we knew we had to delve deeper into his story. We reached out to him to learn more about the person behind the music, eager to uncover the journey that led to the creation of this international sound and sure enough, we were able to connect with HVSH and embark on a journey to unravel the narrative behind his out of the box musical expression.
Torrents and Tunes
During our exclusive conversation with Arun Dsilva, better known as 'HVSH,' generously shared profound insights into his life, music, and artistic journey. Recounting his initial steps into the music world, the 27-year-old reminisced about the era of 2011-12 when EDM reigned supreme. Influenced by trailblazing artists like MAKO and DVLM, whose exceptional music left an indelible mark, Arun found himself irresistibly drawn into the realm of music production. His journey took an unexpected turn when he stumbled upon Fruity Loops while browsing a torrent website, initially seeking games. Despite his novice status in the music scene, Arun found inspiration in his girlfriend's encouragement, embarking on a journey of creation. He began crafting small electro-piano compositions, pouring his heart and soul into expressing his affection for her. As time progressed, Arun's passion deepened, leading him to immerse himself in various online communities and Facebook groups populated by diverse producers. Amidst this exploration, he found himself particularly drawn to the soulful sounds of hip-hop and R&B, resonating deeply with their emotive expressions. It was during this period of exploration that Arun discovered Deverano, a prominent figure on SoundCloud whose musical brilliance influenced his evolving taste. Enthralled by Deverano's work, Arun spent years ardently following his musical journey, allowing it to shape his own artistic direction and eventually, Arun took a leap of faith and reached out to Deverano, a decision that would prove to be pivotal in his burgeoning career. Their collaboration on Arun's first song marked a significant milestone, capturing the attention of industry insiders and platforms like edm.com.
“Bryson Tiller has played a pivotal role in shaping my musical identity. I make it a point to listen to "Just Another Interlude" every day since discovering him, it's the only MP3 hard-saved on my phone. His album "Trapsoul" acted as a mirror into my life, feeling as if he was right there during the peaks and depths of my relationships.”
The Trials of Crafting 'Muse'
Reflecting on his musical journey, Dsilva shared insights into the evolution of his songwriting process. "'The first song I ever wrote was called 'No Excuses,'" he reminisced, "but it was just a 10-minute brisk write-up before it was eventually overwritten." However, the pivotal moment arrived with his composition titled "Muse," which swiftly garnered a cult following among his fanbase. This track served as a litmus test for audience preferences, with mentions of "Muse" often signalling approval. There was a fleeting moment of local fame for him which, he confessed, inflated his self-worth beyond reason. This pseudo-confidence translated into popularity with the opposite sex and at times leading to the crossing of certain boundaries. The creation of "Muse" proved to be an intricate process, spanning a year. "'Three months to produce, three months to write, three months to record,'" he recalled, "'and another three months to reproduce due to a laptop fire incident.'" Despite falling out with the contributing singer, whose name remained uncredited, Arun acknowledged the influence of his collaboration. "I had to painstakingly cut and destroy his every take," he admitted, "but his contribution was irreplaceable." Notably, the singer has since found success, now collaborating with Russ and enjoying a fruitful career.
“The song underwent a staggering 21 versions and 19 masters before reaching its final iteration. A friend from that time had a pivotal realization, affirming, "'That, that's it,'" upon hearing the perfected sound.”
Creative Philosophy
Arun is all about injecting some meaning back into music, which does not mean that he’s dissing music made today but according to him it sometimes can feel a bit repetitive and he's really into that genuine creativity and authenticity and in those moments when he stumbles upon something totally fresh, like a new angle on things or a story he's never heard before, that really gets him excited. (Just like we got excited discovering his music) In a world where everything's go-go-go, it's easy to overlook the little things. He wants to grab listeners' attention and take them on a journey, get them thinking. “My aim is to share stories that are often overlooked, but in a unique and memorable way. With a life full of different experiences, I make sure to keep my creative work genuine and meaningful, whether it's through visuals or music. Essentially, I consider myself a storyteller who wants to connect with people on a deeper level and make them think about things in a new light.” says Arun.
Love, Loss, and Betrayal
Spilling beans on the inspiration behind his latest release, "Adore You," Arun opens up about a profound connection he once shared with someone. What began as a platonic relationship gradually blossomed into something deeper, causing Arun to grapple with his emotions and the delicate balance of admiration and affection. However, the storyline took a cinematic turn when this girl returned to India from Sweden, leading to a mutual understanding between them. Yet, this newfound harmony was short-lived as she abruptly severed ties, leaving Arun in a state of confusion and confronting the harsh realities of hypocrisy. Through "Adore You," Arun explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the inevitable evolution of relationships over time.
Crafting HVSH's Sound
Arun provided insights into his song-making process, emphasizing his major reliance on samples to craft his music and when embarking on a new track, he meticulously hunts for a captivating melody or chord sequence, a task made challenging by his discerning taste. Once he discovers a compelling foundation, he seamlessly weaves in lyrics and constructs the song around this initial idea. Despite favouring simple beats, he devotes time to experimenting with unconventional sample combinations, refining the sound until it resonates harmoniously. To gauge the song's potential, he tests it out by playing it in his car, relying on the immersive experience of driving to assess its appeal. In a departure from conventional trap elements, Arun has been exploring more organic and acoustic sounds while incorporating subtle vocal nuances with the distinctive 'HVSH' essence.
“People often compare my music to The Weeknd's, even though I've never tried to sound like him. I'd describe my style as a mix of 'trap soul' and R&B, with a vibe similar to Bryson Tiller. I like to experiment with different genres, but I always come back to that R&B feel. I also add in bits from soul, dancehall, and drill to keep things interesting. I work with a bunch of talented producers who help me create diverse sounds and rhythms in my songs.”
The Trials of Crafting 'Muse'
Reflecting on his musical journey, Dsilva shared insights into the evolution of his songwriting process. "'The first song I ever wrote was called 'No Excuses,'" he reminisced, "but it was just a 10-minute brisk write-up before it was eventually overwritten." However, the pivotal moment arrived with his composition titled "Muse," which swiftly garnered a cult following among his fanbase. This track served as a litmus test for audience preferences, with mentions of "Muse" often signalling approval. There was a fleeting moment of local fame for him which, he confessed, inflated his self-worth beyond reason. This pseudo-confidence translated into popularity with the opposite sex and at times leading to the crossing of certain boundaries. The creation of "Muse" proved to be an intricate process, spanning a year. "'Three months to produce, three months to write, three months to record,'" he recalled, "'and another three months to reproduce due to a laptop fire incident.'" Despite falling out with the contributing singer, whose name remained uncredited, Arun acknowledged the influence of his collaboration. "I had to painstakingly cut and destroy his every take," he admitted, "but his contribution was irreplaceable." Notably, the singer has since found success, now collaborating with Russ and enjoying a fruitful career.
“The song underwent a staggering 21 versions and 19 masters before reaching its final iteration. A friend from that time had a pivotal realization, affirming, "'That, that's it,'" upon hearing the perfected sound.”
Creative Philosophy
Arun is all about injecting some meaning back into music, which does not mean that he’s dissing music made today but according to him it sometimes can feel a bit repetitive and he's really into that genuine creativity and authenticity and in those moments when he stumbles upon something totally fresh, like a new angle on things or a story he's never heard before, that really gets him excited. (Just like we got excited discovering his music) In a world where everything's go-go-go, it's easy to overlook the little things. He wants to grab listeners' attention and take them on a journey, get them thinking. “My aim is to share stories that are often overlooked, but in a unique and memorable way. With a life full of different experiences, I make sure to keep my creative work genuine and meaningful, whether it's through visuals or music. Essentially, I consider myself a storyteller who wants to connect with people on a deeper level and make them think about things in a new light.” says Arun.
Love, Loss, and Betrayal
Spilling beans on the inspiration behind his latest release, "Adore You," Arun opens up about a profound connection he once shared with someone. What began as a platonic relationship gradually blossomed into something deeper, causing Arun to grapple with his emotions and the delicate balance of admiration and affection. However, the storyline took a cinematic turn when this girl returned to India from Sweden, leading to a mutual understanding between them. Yet, this newfound harmony was short-lived as she abruptly severed ties, leaving Arun in a state of confusion and confronting the harsh realities of hypocrisy. Through "Adore You," Arun explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the inevitable evolution of relationships over time.
Crafting HVSH's Sound
Arun provided insights into his song-making process, emphasizing his major reliance on samples to craft his music and when embarking on a new track, he meticulously hunts for a captivating melody or chord sequence, a task made challenging by his discerning taste. Once he discovers a compelling foundation, he seamlessly weaves in lyrics and constructs the song around this initial idea. Despite favouring simple beats, he devotes time to experimenting with unconventional sample combinations, refining the sound until it resonates harmoniously. To gauge the song's potential, he tests it out by playing it in his car, relying on the immersive experience of driving to assess its appeal. In a departure from conventional trap elements, Arun has been exploring more organic and acoustic sounds while incorporating subtle vocal nuances with the distinctive 'HVSH' essence.
“People often compare my music to The Weeknd's, even though I've never tried to sound like him. I'd describe my style as a mix of 'trap soul' and R&B, with a vibe similar to Bryson Tiller. I like to experiment with different genres, but I always come back to that R&B feel. I also add in bits from soul, dancehall, and drill to keep things interesting. I work with a bunch of talented producers who help me create diverse sounds and rhythms in my songs.”
Diving Back into Music
When asked about his upcoming releases and musical plans, Arun shared, 'I'm finally diving into music after intentionally rekindling my passion two years ago, following a break.' He revealed that much of his time has been dedicated to networking and solidifying his identity, paving the way for more consistent music releases. As he diligently works on his debut album, Arun emphasizes his growing focus on collaborations with artists from both local and international scenes. With a deliberate approach to seeking out emerging talents, Arun's debut album boasts a lineup of over 13 collaborating artists and albums overarching theme delves into the unravelling of an 8-year relationship over a span of months, exploring the intricate phases and perspectives of both parties as the situation deteriorates. Looking ahead, Arun acknowledges the importance of adapting to the current music landscape, with a steady stream of hits in the works. While he prefers to keep details under wraps, he hinted at exciting projects in the pipeline with artists like Abhi the Nomad, Nanku, and Anohnymouss, which he believes will set a new standard for Indian talent crossovers.
“Since I got back into music, I've been making beats every day. Before, I used to take forever to finish a song, but now I'm quicker. I spend a lot of time listening to music, and every new song I find influences my own work. I discovered a lot of cool stuff on SoundCloud, especially in the underground beat scene. The creativity there is amazing, with unique sample flips and drum patterns. My goal is to bring that creativity into the mainstream music scene.”
A Multi-Sensory Experience
Before diving into music, I was more of an "artist" in the broader sense. I gained a reputation designing covers for artists, initially using Pixlr on my phone before transitioning to Photoshop and monetizing my skills. This allowed me to trade for lessons, drumkits, and samples, accelerating my growth. Observing the creative landscape on Instagram, I noticed a lack of depth in grid layouts. So, I made a conscious effort to add perspective to my posts, even if it meant extra work. I enjoy embedding little puzzles for those who pay attention, adding depth to the experience. As technology evolved Arun ventured into video editing with After Effects, aligning his vision of crafting a multi-sensory experience through art. From cover art to lighting during live shows, every detail matters in creating a memorable impact.”I prefer to keep my goals private, believing that speaking them into existence might jinx them” claims Arun
“I aim to attract those who appreciate effort and depth in creativity. Being used as a reference or muse by others is the highest compliment I can receive. Even in this interview, I saw the opportunity to enhance the article with a photoshoot, furthering my visual narrative.”
Over a decade ago, I created a song titled "Rain," which holds a special place in my heart. The inspiration struck during a heavy rainstorm while I was alone at home, lost in the rhythm of the downpour bleeding into my wired earphones as I worked on FL Studio. Layering chords to match the rain's beat, I crafted what became my favorite instrumental piece. A moment arose when my father, upon returning home, joined me as I designed the cover art on Pixlr. It marked one of the few solid interactions I had with him before his passing. The font he chose for the cover became a lasting symbol of that connection. As time passed, the song gained even more significance. Both my girlfriend and closest friend cherished it, likening its ambiance to its namesake. Even after transitioning to HVSH, they continued to keep the MP3 on their phones for years. For me, the song holds an additional layer of meaning. As a struggling insomniac, it became my lullaby, the only thing that could soothe me to sleep. Though I no longer listen to it due to its connection to a past relationship, its memory remains dear to me.
Diving Back into Music
When asked about his upcoming releases and musical plans, Arun shared, 'I'm finally diving into music after intentionally rekindling my passion two years ago, following a break.' He revealed that much of his time has been dedicated to networking and solidifying his identity, paving the way for more consistent music releases. As he diligently works on his debut album, Arun emphasizes his growing focus on collaborations with artists from both local and international scenes. With a deliberate approach to seeking out emerging talents, Arun's debut album boasts a lineup of over 13 collaborating artists and albums overarching theme delves into the unravelling of an 8-year relationship over a span of months, exploring the intricate phases and perspectives of both parties as the situation deteriorates. Looking ahead, Arun acknowledges the importance of adapting to the current music landscape, with a steady stream of hits in the works. While he prefers to keep details under wraps, he hinted at exciting projects in the pipeline with artists like Abhi the Nomad, Nanku, and Anohnymouss, which he believes will set a new standard for Indian talent crossovers.
“Since I got back into music, I've been making beats every day. Before, I used to take forever to finish a song, but now I'm quicker. I spend a lot of time listening to music, and every new song I find influences my own work. I discovered a lot of cool stuff on SoundCloud, especially in the underground beat scene. The creativity there is amazing, with unique sample flips and drum patterns. My goal is to bring that creativity into the mainstream music scene.”
A Multi-Sensory Experience
Before diving into music, I was more of an "artist" in the broader sense. I gained a reputation designing covers for artists, initially using Pixlr on my phone before transitioning to Photoshop and monetizing my skills. This allowed me to trade for lessons, drumkits, and samples, accelerating my growth. Observing the creative landscape on Instagram, I noticed a lack of depth in grid layouts. So, I made a conscious effort to add perspective to my posts, even if it meant extra work. I enjoy embedding little puzzles for those who pay attention, adding depth to the experience. As technology evolved Arun ventured into video editing with After Effects, aligning his vision of crafting a multi-sensory experience through art. From cover art to lighting during live shows, every detail matters in creating a memorable impact.”I prefer to keep my goals private, believing that speaking them into existence might jinx them” claims Arun
“I aim to attract those who appreciate effort and depth in creativity. Being used as a reference or muse by others is the highest compliment I can receive. Even in this interview, I saw the opportunity to enhance the article with a photoshoot, furthering my visual narrative.”
Over a decade ago, I created a song titled "Rain," which holds a special place in my heart. The inspiration struck during a heavy rainstorm while I was alone at home, lost in the rhythm of the downpour bleeding into my wired earphones as I worked on FL Studio. Layering chords to match the rain's beat, I crafted what became my favorite instrumental piece. A moment arose when my father, upon returning home, joined me as I designed the cover art on Pixlr. It marked one of the few solid interactions I had with him before his passing. The font he chose for the cover became a lasting symbol of that connection. As time passed, the song gained even more significance. Both my girlfriend and closest friend cherished it, likening its ambiance to its namesake. Even after transitioning to HVSH, they continued to keep the MP3 on their phones for years. For me, the song holds an additional layer of meaning. As a struggling insomniac, it became my lullaby, the only thing that could soothe me to sleep. Though I no longer listen to it due to its connection to a past relationship, its memory remains dear to me.
