Exclusive Premiere: Sarthak Saksena Explores Reconciliation in Romance in ‘Phase’ Video

About a minute into composer and singer-songwriter Sarthak Saksena’s debut independent single “Phase,” you get the idea that this is an openhearted, melancholic pop song about heartbreak. But then, the Mumbai artist launches into Hindi vocals, aided by classical percussive elements and followed by a sitar arrangement.

The fusion-pop song, which released earlier this month on streaming platforms, is now accompanied by a music video directed and edited by Kushal Soni, showcasing a difficult but worthwhile relationship between a couple, portrayed by actors Aneri Vajani and Utkarsh Kohli. As they pick up the pieces after a rift, “Phase” evocatively reflects the resolve of two lovers. Below, Saksena discusses the themes behind the track, working with producer Shahzan Mujeeb and what’s coming up next.

“Phase” definitely comes across as not just a sonic fusion but also linguistically, since you have Hindi and English lyrics. How did you go about thinking of doing this?

“Phase” as a track talks about two contrasting emotions – sorrow and hope. However, ironically we feel these two emotions at the same time when we are going through a difficult phase in our life. I wanted to show the contrast of these emotions and when I sat to write this down, very organically my thoughts came out in these two languages. But the use of western and classical music was a deliberate effort to show the poles apart emotions and yet how they blend in together beautifully in music and life.

How did you begin working with [producer] Shahzan Mujeeb and what the production process was like?

Shahzan and I go way back. We have struggled together and seen each other through many good and bad days. Our music taste and vision for making music that matters is similar and I couldn’t think of a better music producer/artist for my first original. Our ability to understand each other’s thoughts, experiment extensively with the track till we crack it and drive to make music that matters is what makes us a great team. 

What’s coming up next through 2022?

Just like “Phase,” I want to continue experimenting with music. There is a beautiful depth in what an artist can make and I want to explore that in myself. 2022 will be a series of originals that will be non-conventional with the hope that I will continue receiving all the love from people.

Watch the video for “Phase” below. Stream the song here.