With indie music garnering much applause in recent times, there has been a slew of promising new releases in this genre. Sarthak Saksena’s Hindi track titled ‘Dhun’, which he composed and sang is a new fusion, indie pop number that caught our ear. It has been written by Shayra Apoorva and produced, mixed and mastered by Shahzan Mujeeb.
Saksena believes in crafting a harmonious convergence of India’s rich musical heritage with contemporary western influences and does so with a true flair for fusion. “Ever since childhood, I have had an innate affinity for music’s intricacies,” he declares. To date, Saksena has performed live over 500 times and has been a hit with the audience. “I would credit this to my roots in classical Indian music entwined with a profound admiration for western musical styles. They have served as the bedrock of my distinctive fusion sound.”
Saksena is a composer and lyricist and his debut single ‘Phase’ showed a glimpse of his talent, as it garnered acclaim and even found a coveted spot on Rolling Stone’s homepage. It also secured him a place on Spotify’s influential playlist ‘Fresh Finds’, and 600 listener playlists, further solidifying his presence on the global music stage.
He explains, “At the core of my musical philosophy lies a symbiotic blend of Indian and western tonalities. My compositions stand as bridges between cultural landscapes, effortlessly merging the soulful cadence of Indian melodies with the pulsating rhythms of the west. My vision extends beyond personal success; it aims to introduce the richness of Indian musical traditions to a global audience, fostering a universal appreciation for diverse musical heritages.”
Saksena has also collaborated with popular singers from Bollywood including icons like Shaan, Usha Uthup, and Yashita Sharma. “I would say my journey has been marked by innovation, experimentation, and the relentless pursuit of creativity. I hope to continue to expand my musical imprint, leaving an indelible mark that transcends borders and celebrates the beautiful fusion of musical legacies,” he says.
For ‘Dhun’, the creative process began with a compelling hook. It was the line ‘Payaliya bole sun mori dhun’ that inspired the entire narrative. Saksena explains further, “The song revolves around the symbolic representation of the humble ghungroo or payal, a string of musical beads worn around the feet, that serve as an artist’s silent plea for recognition within the dynamic setting of a musical showcase. To emphasize the contrasting elements, I intentionally infused western beats and music, creating a harmonious blend that mirrors the artist’s struggle to showcase their art amidst the crowd. The deliberate pauses in the music highlight the ghungroo payal, offering them the spotlight they deserve. Additionally, the experimental touch was introduced with the incorporation of a flute in the chorus, seamlessly fusing traditional Indian tones with a vibrant drop. The overall process was aimed at pushing boundaries and experimenting, akin to how I approach the songs I listen to. I believe ‘Dhun’ successfully captures the essence of the artist’s silent journey and their quest for recognition in the diverse landscape of music.”
The video of ‘Dhun’ captures this scene beautifully as Saksena’s powerful vocals are complemented by his strong lyrics as well as a vibrant dance by contemporary dancer Neeraj Lohani. The ghungroos or payals play a prominent visual and metaphorical role in the story.
Saksena’s journey into the world of music began at a tender age when he first started learning the intricacies of melody and rhythm. He calls himself an avid songwriter who enjoys experimenting with compositions, weaving together disparate elements to create a unique musical tapestry. With this new song, he has certainly proved himself one to watch out for.
Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com.