Saahel: ‘I Make Music That Makes Me Happy’

Mumbai singer-songwriter Saahel opens up about his new song “Ruby,” what listeners can expect from his multi-city ‘Zariya Tour,’ what he has planned for the rest of the year and more in this interview with Rolling Stone India. Read below.

You grew up learning Hindustani classical music, how do you think that shaped you into the artist you are today?

Actually, it all started off with my parents, they forced me into it and I didn’t like it at the first go. But, I eventually started liking the whole aspect of classical music, and I totally fell in love with the whole concept of it. And I just kept doing it and I feel It plays a very major part in my artistry and the kind of music I make and all credit goes to my parents.

You’ve managed to create a fan following since you released your debut single “Zariya” – how did you feel when the song was well-received by listeners?

Honestly, I was super nervous because the way I started off and my fan falling started off is me putting out covers and making my renditions of other songs. So I wasn’t sure how my community and my fans are going to receive the song, but it did pretty well. Still, a lot of people recognize me because of that song, and it played a major role in my life.

Since then, you’ve released a few more singles, how do you balance that creative process while also having a lot of eyeballs on you?

For me, it’s just about having fun while making music. I don’t really think about who’s going to have those eyeballs on you or something. I just make music that makes me happy. I’ve been doing that since day one and I’m still doing it. I feel I’m going to do that till the end.

You’ve released two new songs this year; “Daaye Baaye” and “Ruby” – what can you tell us about each of these songs?

‘Daaye Baaye’ is a very different song compared to ‘Ruby.’ ‘Daaye Baaye’ has a lot of Indian classical influences, a lot of Indian pop influences and stuff. It’s a very simple melody and a very simple tune, but all the instruments and soundscapes are very refreshing and it’s just a new take on classical music. ‘Ruby’ I made because I had a lot of fun creating that song. I feel like that is one of the quickest tracks that I’ve created. It’s about having your people around and having fun with them.

What was your experience like putting the music video for “Ruby” like?

When we came upon a music video for ‘Ruby,’ the first thing that came in my mind was just to get your people along and have fun. So, if you watch the music video, it’s just four of my friends and we are literally having a massive pool party and we’re just having fun. That is what it is.

When it comes to the writing process for you, what is the usual flow like?

Usually, I just get on my piano or my keyboard and just jot out some chord progressions and start thinking about some melodies. But sometimes I pick a raag and I put some chord progression on it, and I start writing a melody according to it. But there’s sometimes where I just pick out type beats and I start writing on type beats.

You’ve done remixes and collaborations for “Zariya” – is that something that you plan on doing more of for your other songs?

For sure. I feel like it is great when I make a song I love, and people make their rendition of my song in my community and tries to play with that song. So, I’m always open for remix contests and stuff. That’s how Zariya EP came out, because we just literally put out a story that I’m going to get a bunch of remixes for ‘Zariya,’ send those remixes, and let’s release it as an EP.

You also have a tour coming up, what can listeners expect from your upcoming shows?

The way I started off is by making covers and renditions of Bollywood songs and other songs other than my songs. So, I’m going to have a piece of Bollywood as well and I’m going to have my piece of my original music and my original content. A bunch of unreleased stuff as well, and I’m super excited for the tour.

What else is coming up through 2023?

2023 I feel it’s just going to be a lot of original music and a lot of music videos. Just diving into my life, the kind of person I am and just my music.