tricksingh

tricksingh’s journey into the world of music began long before he started releasing his tracks on streaming platforms two years ago. From his earliest memories of listening to his dad’s cassette tapes during car rides to being selected as the lead singer in kindergarten, music has always been his calling. His teenage years were filled with diverse musical experiences, from performing for the government of India to gracing the stage in the adaptation of Lion King’s Broadway production.

Despite briefly veering away from his musical ambitions to pursue corporate aspirations, the 24-year-old’s heart remained tethered to his musical roots. His resurgence in music during college marked the dawn of a fresh era. With his debut song released in September 2022, tricksingh started off on a new journey. In an exclusive interview with Rolling Stone India, the “Samjh Na Aundi” singer delves into his journey, sharing insights on overcoming setbacks, including a daunting accident during a music video shoot, and how his determination to carve his mark on the musical landscape shines through. 

Rolling Stone India: tricksingh, it’s been two years since you started releasing your music on streaming platforms. Did you ever imagine this is how your life will pan out? 

tricksingh: You know, there’s this innate talent that everyone seems to possess, right? Well, for me, it’s always been music. I recall fondly listening to my dad’s cassette tapes during car rides and having record players at home that I was absolutely fixated on. But let me tell you about this moment in kindergarten, when they lined us all up and, lo and behold, I was the one they singled out and said, “You, you’ll be the lead singer from now on.” That was the beginning of my journey. From kindergarten until about 11th or 12th grade, I was the lead singer in various school bands. Eventually, I formed my own band—a cozy acoustic setup. That passion led me to get audition and get selected for shows such as Indian Idol Jr. 

I’ve had diverse experiences with music since childhood. From performing for the government of India to support dyslexic children to being part of the adaptation of the Lion King Broadway in India, music has been a significant part of my life. 

Wow, your life has always been about music and your career aspirations have revolved around it since long ago, right? 

Yes and no. As I grew older, I found myself drifting away from music a little. It wasn’t that I lost my passion, but rather, I felt a sense of embarrassment pursuing a career in music while my peers were chasing more conventional paths like consultancy. This led me to prioritize my corporate ambitions. 

However, during college, I had a change of heart and decided to give music another shot. I started an acoustic act in India, armed with my ukulele and guitar, performing self-composed acoustic songs at restaurants. It was a mixed experience; some venues paid me nothing, while others offered a small sum. Nonetheless, having my friends cheering me on made it feel worthwhile, especially since I hailed from Chandigarh, where community support runs deep. 

Despite these performances, I lacked the confidence to move forward with recording my songs. I have a collection of around 30 indie acoustic tracks that I recorded but never released. Eventually, I abruptly halted my musical pursuits, leaving behind this trove of unreleased material. 

I transitioned into the corporate world and began working for a sneaker marketplace called Soul Search. My role involved leading community initiatives and marketing efforts. Through this job, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in India’s cultural scene and connect with creatives. Surrounded by these individuals, I began to realize that there’s a niche for creative expression in India, despite being surrounded by people who may not understand it. 

This newfound environment energized me and instilled the confidence to start sharing my music again. However, I reached a point where I wanted my music to reflect my identity rather than conform to a predefined mold. 

What happened after that? Talk to me about the time you released your first song/music video. 

I rallied all my friends together for my first few songs, because I had no budget or resources. It was a true do-it-yourself endeavor, with everyone pitching in for the cause. I enlisted the help of a photographer friend and put my best effort into the project. My debut song was released in September 2022, marking the start of my musical journey. Although it didn’t go viral, the response was deeply encouraging. It garnered a dedicated following, with those who resonated with the art reaching out to express their appreciation. I even secured my first few press features, which was a validating experience. 

This positive reception fueled my confidence, leading me to release two or three more projects. From then on, momentum kept building. However, I didn’t want to limit myself to just making music. Inspired by the likes of A$AP Rocky and Tyler, The Creator, I aspired to become a multifaceted cultural figure. Thus, visuals became integral to my identity. From my fashion choices to the overall aesthetic, everything was curated with the intention of being at the forefront of cultural trends. 

What is your music making process like? 

I view music as a way to encapsulate a specific moment in my life. I believe that if I over-polish it, it can start to feel artificial. Therefore, I prefer to let my music reflect the rawness of the moment, serving as a genuine snapshot of my journey. That’s why my music spans across various styles and genres, ranging from melodic singing to intense rap. I want each track to authentically express whatever emotions or experiences I’m going through at the time. 

I see. What about collaborations? Any wish-list artists or producers that you want to work with in future? 

So far, tricksingh has not engaged in any collaborations. I’ve been primarily focused on developing my own sound and establishing my presence in the music scene. While I feel fortunate to have had these opportunities, my next step involves collaborating with artists whom I’ve admired. I already have a few collaborations in the works, including tracks with Hasan Raheem and AFKAP. These collaborations will add depth to my repertoire, especially after establishing my solo work. 

Additionally, I’m working with some of my favorite producers to incorporate old Bollywood samples into my music. This approach blends nostalgia with freshness, catering to our generation’s tastes. 

Why did you decide to leave your management and fly solo? 

I had a brief stint with management for about one or two months, but then I decided to part ways and manage myself. Along the way, I’ve made connections in the industry on my own and learned valuable lessons from those who have approached me directly. Instead of having someone represent me, I’ve taken the initiative to engage with industry veterans personally. This approach has allowed them to understand my journey and what I aim to achieve. Being self-managed has been a learning experience, and receiving advice from industry experts has guided me on how to navigate this path. 

You recently had a serious accident while shooting a music video. What exactly happened?? 

That particular project was with Def Jam. However, during the shoot, an unfortunate incident occurred. It was around 3 a.m., and we were at a location with stairs that lacked proper railing. While navigating the steps, I inadvertently misstepped, causing me to fall backward. The impact was significant—I felt the sharp pain immediately. The fall resulted in severe injuries, including a cracked cheekbone and nose. 

How come this incident not scare you? You were back releasing music a month after this accident.  

Honestly, I’m feeling a bit scared, but what keeps me going is my burning desire to become a truly great artist. 

Nice, I’m impressed. Tirath, I’m curious, who’s your dream international artist to collaborate with? 

Karan Aujla may be based in Canada, but I really admire his work, so him.  

As for international collaborations, I think Central Cee would be an exciting artist to collaborate with. 

Why do you personally think you define the future of music in India? 

My authenticity makes me a pivotal figure in the future of music. 

Nice. tricksingh, what can we expect from you in terms of upcoming projects and music? 

So, I suppose fans can anticipate an EP, along with some unexpected cross-cultural collaborations—artists you wouldn’t typically associate with a Punjabi artist. Additionally, there’ll be plenty of exciting integrations beyond just music.