'Remixes are regressive in nature'

After spending more than two decades in the Indian music industry, 46-years-old Shaan still charms everyone with his mellifluous voice. Being the fourth generation singer of his family, Shaan decided to step in the industry when he was just 17.

He believes, singing is something that came to him naturally. He tried different professions – to create an identity for himself, and achieve everything that he wished for. But ultimately found singing most approachable. Moreover, appreciation and love from people for his singing made him sure about his decision and helped him reach where he is today.

After spending half his life in this industry, 'Wo pehli baar' singer feels that there have been many changes in terms of technique, mindset, and taste of audience. Also, he condemns the involvement of director, producer and even the lead actors in the music production of the films.

"The lead heroes of the film also have a big role in the composition of music, which is surprising and unfortunate."

It is said that after a time the stardom fades and artists count themselves out of the game but Shaan, on the other hand, remains quite assertive in what he is. Talking about his favourite singer of today's generation he said: "Well as a voice that is young, and has the versatility to fit into different formats and styles of singing, the first name that comes in my mind is Shaan."

Being from the generation of composers who belived in creating originals, the singer revealed his views about innumerable remixes of the old songs gaining popularity.

He believes that composers are remaking the old songs knowing that the songs are tried and tested, and would do well among the audience. So, rather than making a new song, they just pick the old one and modify it.

"I don't know what their reason is but I believe that it is not a good thing for music in the whole spectrum for the young composers."

The songs which were so calm and peaceful to hear in the 80s or 90s, now have become the coolest club numbers – for the urban audience to groove. Shaan feels that making remix songs is not progressive, rather it's more regressive in nature for the music industry. Expressing his views on social media apps like TikTok gaining momentum, the singer commented that such apps are a lot of fun and are indeed creating mini stars out of common people. "It is fun, but I would advise youngsters who are trying to gain popularity through these apps to take it as a fun part and don't indulge in the seriousness of its game. If today you are popular and you think you are the star, tomorrow someone else might be."

Coming from a time when singers recorded their songs and auditioned for the upcoming films' songs, Shaan accepts that YouTube has been a lot of help to a few artists, and serves as a great platform for the emerging/ aspiring talents too.

He also feels bad about not having a platform like YouTube when he started his career. "I had to impress the music companies, go through certain filtration processes when my career started. I believe, an opportunily like this (YouTube) where one video that brings out your spark is enough, would have turned the entire game for me as well," he asserted.