After his first project EP in 2022, Dhruv Kapoor returns with his debut album which he has self titled, taking an exciting dive into bilingual storytelling that blends his experiences, experimenting with genres, and embracing the complexity of his musical journey.
In our conversation, Dhruv opened up about his path from casual music sessions to crafting a deeply personal project. His journey began as a drummer in a school band, but a heartbreak (the classic trigger for any good artist) pushed him toward songwriting. Since then, Dhruv has been navigating the evolution of his sound, pulling influences from iconic rock bands and introspective singer-songwriters like John Mayer.
He deliberately avoids new music while working on his projects to maintain a pure connection to his sound. “It’s about being honest,” he said, describing how he taps into the melodies swirling in his head, playing them out on his guitar or MIDI, and letting them grow organically.
This album isn’t just a musical project—it’s a snapshot of Dhruv’s life. Each of the 13 songs, sung in both Hindi and English, reflects his dual identity and the emotional push and pull. Tracks like Jo Tum Ho and How Do I Get Home? carry this essence, blending acoustic warmth with storytelling that feels both local and universal.
Songs like Dream Away capture the spirit of Dhruv’s core message—keeping the dream alive, even in the face of challenges. “This album is a reminder to keep dreaming,” Dhruv explains, his optimism evident. For him, it’s about living freely, embracing love, heartbreak, and the full spectrum of emotions without feeling constrained by life’s expectations.
Creative Process: From Heart to Headphones
When it comes to how Dhruv approaches songwriting, his method is refreshingly fluid. He doesn’t stick to a rigid process but lets the music take shape in whichever way feels right at the moment. Sometimes it starts with a melody, other times with a lyric, and occasionally both emerge together. As he honed his craft, Dhruv learned to let the music guide him, creating something that feels intuitive and heartfelt rather than calculated.
He’s also developed a strong sense of how collaboration can enhance his work. Tracks like Honey Bee feature Gowri Bhat, adding depth to Dhruv’s warm acoustic tones. He’s collaborated with Zoe Siddharth on Summer, a soft piano-led ballad that highlights both the emotional weight and vocal range of the album.
Archit Anand, Dhruv’s longtime friend and mentor, co-produced the album and is featured on the closing track Kyun? Dhruv credits Archit as the genius behind much of the album’s production, describing their relationship as one of mutual respect and artistic alignment.
Tracks to Watch: From Heartfelt to Playful
The album moves through a spectrum of moods, from the introspective and melancholic to the playful and carefree. How Do I Get Home? is one such track—a fictional story about wild nights and carefree fun, reminiscent of ’90s rock anthems. With lyrics that imagine a rebellious, no-holds-barred attitude, Dhruv paints a picture of what life could be like if we let go of our fears and just lived in the moment.
In contrast, songs like Khwahishein and Sukoon dive into themes of longing, personal reflection, and peace. These tracks represent Dhruv at his most vulnerable, offering a glimpse into his inner world where love, dreams, and identity swirl together.
The bilingual nature of the album isn’t just a nod to his multicultural background—it’s also an artistic choice that broadens the emotional range of the project. Dhruv seamlessly moves between English and Hindi, allowing the two languages to coexist and shape the stories he’s telling.
The Road Ahead: An Album with Staying Power
At 23, Dhruv Kapoor is just beginning to carve out his place in the music scene, but his debut album already feels like a statement—one that says he’s here to stay. For Dhruv, this project represents not just a personal milestone but also a response to the current music landscape, where singles reign supreme. “I wanted to make something bigger, something that would stand the test of time,” he shared, explaining why he chose to release a full album now.
As Dhruv prepares to take this body of work on tour, starting with his hometown of Delhi, he’s eager to see how the live performances will resonate with audiences. “Playing live is a celebration of the effort,” he says, looking forward to the energy and connection that comes from performing in front of a crowd.
With Dhruv Kapoor, he’s created more than just music—it’s an invitation for listeners to step into his world, to dream, reflect, and live freely.
