Indo-American singer Mickey Singh, well-known for his hit numbers 'Double Addi', 'Galliyan' and 'Bad Girl', was in the capital recently. Singh, whose genre is American fusion mixed with Punjabi and a pinch of Jazz, is quite popular among the youth.
In an exclusive interview with Vibhuti Jaitly of Zee Media Corp, Mickey Singh talks about his journey from India to America, music trends in Bollywood, connection with the Indian and American music industry, upcoming projects and much more.
Q. How were you introduced to music at an early age?
As a kid I used to sing around in my house. Since I was the 'entertaining factor' in the house, my parents would always ask me to sing. At five, my dad bought me a keyboard and thereon I began experimenting with music and sound.
Q. Any inspiration behind the kind of music you compose?
The inspiration behind my music is the American music (different beats) which I have developed over the years while working with producers in the American studios. Though I like to keep my vocals 'desi' (Indian), I add a blend of American pop sound and R&B in it.
Q. Your genre of music (Urban-Fusion) is contemporary and is quite unique. Tell us about your journey.
At the age of 15, I started working in an American studio. From there I went to school for mixing to learn the art of mastering my genre. I only worked with American producers and learnt how the sound system works. Meanwhile, I continued listening to Bollywood music at home. I felt the urge to connect with both Indian and American genre as I stayed in India during my formative years. I also felt that this type of genre needs to be developed which can cater to wide audience.
Q. What is the major difference between Indian and American music industry?
In America, the independent artist culture is quite huge and is comparatively bigger than India. Indian music industry is still dominated by Bollywood, which is not a bad thing at all. Of late, Bollywood is definitely helping out many independent singers to display their music skills across which is a welcome gesture.
Q. Your music caters to both East and West. How do you bridge a gap between two varied markets and their audiences?
Since I lived for many years in India and then moved to America, it made me learn what I wanted to in both the markets and then blend the music accordingly.
Q. Who is your favourite Indian singer?
Sonu Nigam is my favourite singer as I really love the passion in his voice. As a kid, I always found myself connected with his voice.
Q. Which Indian and International singer do you wish to work with?
There are many artists on the list with whom I would want to work with. I would love to work with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan as his vocal ability is phenomenal. I'd also like to work with Justin Timberlake. Since I listen to a lot of EDM, working with David Guetta and American music producers like Diplo and Skrillex is on my list too.
But it would be really crazy if Sonu Nigam, David Guetta and I do a song together!
Q. Any plans of acting in Punjabi movies?
Well, Punjabi film industry is growing by leaps and bounds in India as well as globally. It has become a big industry in North America. I would love to do a Punjabi movie, if I get the right offer.
Q. If not a singer, what would you have been?
I would have been a pilot as I always wanted to be one. But, if not a pilot then my parents would have dragged me into the medical profession, so I would have been a doctor.
Q. Tell us about your upcoming projects?
I have got a lot of singles in the pipeline and a few movie projects as well. I'm definitely doing something in Bollywood this year and will be doing few projects here in India and America. So stay tuned!