Akasa aka Akasa Singh shot to fame with Sanam Teri Kasam’s song Kheench Meri Photo in 2016 but her journey started way back with Mika Singh’s stage shows. In 2018, one of the biggest pop hits came by her in the form of Thug Ranjha, where she was featured in the video as well. Then in 2019, she came back with Naagin that took the internet by storm. And now, 2020 seems to be a promising year as she is all charged for many more collaborations and lyrics writing. In a quick chat with TMM, Akasa talks about her journey in the world of music and how each step has helped her reach new heights.
Post Thug Ranjha, was there a pressure on you to deliver as big a hit or as popular a number? Did Naagin live up to the expectations in your eyes?
Post Thug Ranjha I had a yearlong gap which was a bit of a disadvantage as I gained a lot of eyeballs for the single but couldn’t really utilize it. However, I did do some music before Naagin. I had a big Bollywood break with Aithey Aa from Bharat and I had a song with Tanishk Bagchi and Vayu- Maaserati. But Naagin was definitely one of my biggest hits. Way beyond expectation. I’m still in awe of the love, it’s receiving by people.
AKASA Singh, How did Naagin happen and how was it to collaborate with another singer Aastha Gill for it?
It was all because of Sony Music – our label. Vayu, Aastha Gill and I are signed to Sony Music and they bought us together along with Puri as a producer to make this song happen. I’ve worked with Vayu before on Thug Ranjha and Maaserati and I’ve always had a great equation with him. But this is my first time working for Aastha and it was an amazing experience. I remember, we went on a bike ride together (I was driving and Aastha was sitting behind me) and we were talking about how great it would be to collaborate together, and Naagin was so impromptu thereafter!
With independent singles gaining as much, if not more popular than even Bollywood songs, do you think it’s a great time to explore your artistic capabilities in that zone? And are there more such projects in the pipeline for you?
Definitely! Ever since I began, I’ve been concentrating on independent music. Especially after getting on board with my team at Sony Music, I’ve been able to create, feature in and spread independent music more and more cause of their expertise and support in the pop space. Besides, independent music allows you a greater scope of experimentation and freedom. I’m first and foremost an indie-pop artiste and then a Bollywood singer. I have lots more in store- this was just the beginning!
From being part of a band to doing covers on YouTube to releasing singles and becoming a playback singer, it’s been a slow and steady rise for you. How do you look upon this journey and would you change anything about it?
Each part of this journey has led me to where I am now. I wouldn’t change the decisions I’ve taken but I have certainly learnt the value of time. In retrospect, I have realized how valuable each and every second can be – maybe I should have started work on my independent music a lot sooner. But now I am not going to be wasting any more time – its full speed ahead!
AKASA Singh,What are the kinds of bands/musicians you have grown up listening to and who are some of your current favourites now? Is there anyone you look up to as a mentor/guiding light from the industry?
I grew up listening to a mix of everything because music runs in my family. From Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Sahab to all the 90s indie-pop artistes to lots and lots of Sunidhi Chauhan and then going listening to Beyoncé, Adele, Coldplay etc These have been my forever favourites. Some of the current music I’m obsessed with is by The Yellow Diary, Prateek Kuhad, Ben Howard, Billie Eilish, etc. My guiding lights and mentors from the beginning have been my parents. And most recently my team at Sony Music that’s helping me achieve through projects what I would dream of while I was growing up.
AKASA Singh,How was it to collaborate with LAUV?
Coincidentally I had interviewed Lauv for a music portal earlier this year – when he had come down to Mumbai for a concert. I’ve always been a huge fan; I and my friends even went to the concert and we knew each and every lyric to his songs. Little did I realize that we would soon have a song together! Rochak and Lauv have put together a beautiful song and I’m honoured that they chose my voice for it. The love has been overwhelming and it’s a surreal feeling.
AKASA Singh,A lot of singers prefer the stage, while some choose the studio. Are you the former, who likes to own the stage or the latter?
I feel like I am a 100% authentic on stage. I can interact with my audience and have fun performing – it’s like a party! Concerts are more like getting authentic feedback to your music through the audience. I tend to be a bit conscious in the studio for some reason – maybe it’s because I keep this pressure on myself to give the perfect take.
In 2020, what all can one expect from you, musically? Any more collaborations?
Lots of collaborations, lots of singles and a new step towards songwriting and writing my own lyrics! Can’t wait to show you what I have in store!
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