On the eve of his sold-out show at The Agenda for Winter Music Fest on November 25th, Magzoid sat down with the Prince of Pop, Armaan Malik, on a breezy afternoon. With the beautiful scenery of Dubai’s Al Seef creek behind, and the soft sun rays peaking out of the clouds, the heartthrob sat in his comfy casual wear with a Dior mini saddle bag hanging to his left shoulder. Although on a rigorous schedule from his Next 2 You India Tour, the ‘You’ singer seemed cheery as usual.
Was there any moment when you felt like this was what you were meant to do? Did you always think that you were capable of everything you accomplished?
I always felt that I was capable of doing it. Everything happened at an age when I probably thought it wouldn’t occur. I always knew this was what I was meant to do. But I didn’t expect it to transpire so quickly and early in my career. I always pray that I am prepared for everything coming my way.
You are trained in classical Indian music, and you also produce your music. So when you go through the process, does this impact or have a huge influence? Do you impart elements of it to your production?
Not necessarily. For me, Indian classical music is the base of singing. The vocal training that I have is in classical music, but I only use it in my songs if I see the need for it. However, while singing, the training that I have done in Indian classical has always helped me become a better singer.
It’s evident you have a crazy schedule, so what inspires you to keep grinding?
It is the love of my fans, the Armaanians, and my love for music that keeps me going. Otherwise, I don’t think I could make it every day. Every day is super tiring and exhausting. When I have music in my life and the people I love around me, especially my fans-Armaanians whom I keep meeting either online or offline, it gives me so much hope for life, enthusiasm, and encouragement to keep going on.
What is the craziest moment you have experienced as an Artist?
I think the craziest experience or the most life-changing experience that I had was the moment a few months ago when I met Ed Sheeran at a concert backstage in Copenhagen. We had also collaborated on a song called ‘2 step’. To meet him in person and to be able to have a conversation with him was most definitely a dream come true moment for me as an artist.
You won MTV Europe Music Awards for the second time in a row, a fantastic moment for you and your fellow citizens. Do you believe Indian Music is gaining more global recognition? Are you consciously putting effort into getting Indian music out there?
Since I was a kid, I have always dreamed of taking Indian artists and Indian music globally. Such wins as the MTV EMA awards for my songs ‘Control’ and ‘You’ give me more and more hope. It instills in me the faith that this is achievable. Since people are positively responding to my music and me as a singer outside of India, it could mean that there is a potential for Indian artists to break through globally and become household names outside of India and outside of the Indian diaspora. So, yes, it is something I am conscious of, and it is a dream of mine to see more and more Indian artists gain exposure on a global scale.
Art, no matter its medium, helps unlock emotions and alter one’s mood, trigger memories, and act as a source of comfort and inspiration. What kind of an Artist would you like to be known as in the future?
I would love to be remembered as someone who spreads love, happiness, and positivity. As an artist, defining my artistry is going to be very difficult for me because I sing in so many different languages, many different emotions, and genres. Therefore, defining my art would truly feel unfair to my heart because it is not definable. It is something that is an intangible emotion, something that makes people think something without actually knowing what it is.
We have a fun question for you, what was your last google search?
It was Germany versus Japan, as I’m a big German football fan. I mean, it’s impressive to see all the underdogs killing it right now, but I was a little sad to see Germany lose because it’s such a strong team otherwise.
What quote resonates with you the most?
I write a lot of my quotes. There was this one quote I’d written when I was bullied in school, “yes, you did beat me in school but I beat you in life.”
Lastly, what would you like to tell our readers, your fans- to anyone who aspires to be an artist?
I want to tell all my Armaanians and all the upcoming artists who aspire to be musicians, artists, and singers, please work on your art with all that you have. Give your 100% at anything you desire to do. Make sure if you aspire to be a singer, then learn singing, practice, and become nearly perfect. While no one can become perfect, be the closest you can get to perfection. Make sure you do your absolute best when you’re asked to sing and create. Obviously, it is vital to put your art out there, put yourself out there by posting videos to promote yourself. There is nothing wrong with doing that, and it’s imperative in today’s time. Nevertheless, the core aspect is to work on your craft and art and hone it to perfection because there’s no place for mediocrity in this world.