Indore-based Ashwin Adwani is a singer-songwriter whose music combines elements of mainstream culture from today with classical Indian music which gives the artist the benefit of a unique and broad appeal. Following the recent success of his single “Bemausam Baarish”, Adwani is all set to give listeners a wholesome experience. In a conversation with us, he talks about his latest single ‘Adhoore’ and his journey so far.
1. Tell us a bit about your project. How did you begin your journey as a singer-songwriter?
Music has always been around me since I was a child. My father had a boombox and a cassette collection that varied from Bhajans to Bollywood. Mornings used to start with Bhajans and Nights ended with Adnan Sami music. I think that’s how I got into music very early on.
I picked up a few instruments growing up, discovered Ed Sheeran and learned about the art of songwriting. The idea of creating an entire universe with your words and your stories fascinated me and then I started writing songs, never looked back.
2. Which bands/artists were your first love and who is your biggest influence?
Ed Sheeran has been the biggest influence on me as an artist. Adnan Sami and Atif Aslam have been the soundtrack of my childhood.
3. Tell us a bit about your latest release ‘Adhoore.’
Oftentimes people’s absence feels there’s a missing piece in this puzzle of life. Adhoore is a song that narrates that feeling of being incomplete. The song being upbeat and the story behind it being a bit heavy is a contrast that I feel shows how chaotic your mind gets when you’re going through something like that.
4. What is your music-making and recording process like?
I write about things that I go through, things that excite or bother me. Writing at this point, comes very naturally to me. It feels like I’m taking my listeners on a journey with me about my own life with every song that I put out.
5. Why do you make music? What drives you as a musician and what are your songs about?
I make music because it feels cathartic. Most of my music is about me trying to navigate different things in life – loneliness, happiness of being in a new relationship, heartbreak etc. I put my songs out in the world knowing that my experiences are not unique BUT any of these songs could be the one that gives someone comfort when they go through something similar.
6. Which Indian bands or artists do you admire and why?
The Yellow Diary. Having been on tour with them as their supporting act for two years showed me what it takes to be amongst the greats. They truly are the most hardworking yet humble people I’ve had the pleasure knowing. Akshath, Bharg Kale, Anoushka Maskey, somanshu are some of the other acts that I’ve been listening to on loop.
7. What’s your take on the independent music scene in India?
Never been a better time to be an independent musician in India than right now. The availability of so much information makes it easier to navigate currently than it was pre-lockdown. Having said that, there’s definitely a lot we can work on. We need more performance venues and promoters who are willing to take risks on booking newer artists rather than just the ones we see on every festival lineup.
