Crew composer duo Akshay-IP on remixes and social media followers: ‘At the end of the day, content is the king’
PTC News Desk: In the 2024 film Crew starring Diljit Dosanjh, Tabu, Kareena Kapoor, and Kriti Sanon, composer team Akshay Raheja and IP Singh made their Bollywood debut. In a special interview with Hindustan Times, Akshay and IP discuss independent musicians, the importance of music in raising social consciousness in the modern world, and a revisit of Choli Ke Peechche. Excerpts from the interview.
IP Singh and Akshay Raheja praise Rhea Kapoor
When challenged about keeping authenticity and originality while writing upbeat, party songs, Akshay responds, “As musicians, our main goal is to advance the movie’s plot through our music.” Serving the story has always been more important to us than focusing on a certain audience.
We think it’s vital that the music work well with the film. Rather of being simple lip-sync songs, the majority of the songs in the movie advance the plot. We found this to be advantageous, particularly when recreating well-known songs like Sona Kitna Sona Hai and Choli Ke Peechhe Kya Hai. Even though these songs have been captivating listeners for years, it might be difficult to give them right. We appreciate the chance to work with the director and producers.
IP said, “I had the same feelings. We were very excited about the plot of the film and the amazing folks we were working with. The movie itself has a vibrant and striking aesthetic. As the producer, Rhea (Kapoor) always pushed us to experiment with the music. Her encouragement gave us the courage to try something we had never done before. It used to irritate Rhea when someone asked her for a reference, which was useful for the song Choli Ke Peechche.
We went so far as to incorporate Punjabi rap into the music as there was no reference. Inevitably, at this point in our lives, we have assembled an incredible team. Our creativity consequently organically blossomed. When everything aligns, it exerts pressure.
According to Akshay Raheja, indie music is at its peak right now
When asked if there are more prospects for indie music now than there were in the past, Akshay responds, “I think this is the best time for independent music.” From the comforts of home, you may write, produce, and release your own music. You can independently release your music and have it appear on all platforms, so you don’t have to depend on a major label.
Independent musicians now days have opportunities thanks to young composers. It used to be necessary to stand in line outside the studios, but these days, entry is much easier thanks to Instagram and YouTube. This entails being able to communicate with listeners as well as having access to record labels and producers.
IP Singh believes that classics’ legacies shouldn’t be altered
When questioned about the concerns associated with listening to old music again, IP notes, “There’s always the chance that some people will like a song that others won’t.” It’s hard to tell whether we didn’t do it correctly. Making a remix of a song is perfectly acceptable in my view. I used to listen to a lot of remixes when I was younger, and those songs introduced me to other sounds and styles. When writing music, we should take the song’s legacy into account rather than feeling under pressure since it is so iconic. What is dear to people’s hearts is the song’s legacy.
Consequently, we ought to make an effort to stay true to that emotion. It is possible to hear the voices of Asha (Bhosle) Ji and Ila (Arun) Ji when you listen to the songs of the Crew. Since it might have ruined the song, we didn’t want to replicate those sections.
Additionally, IP discusses his friendship with Ricky Kej, referring to him as his “elder brother” and “good friend.” He tells us that because Ricky writes songs for the environment, he views it as a contribution to a worthy cause.
According to IP Singh, music has the power to inspire
When asked if music can help raise consciousness in society, IP responds, “Yes, definitely. Even if you are not involved in any social causes, people can still be inspired by your excellent music. It touches people’s hearts and has the power to transform them. Giving your all to any work you perform is the first thing you can do for the planet. Through your music, you can strive to make others happy, spread a message, and ease their suffering. We will eventually write songs with deeper meanings as well.
As a Sikh, I can affirm that our Gurus have given us instructions in Gurbaani regarding which Raags to sing. We use the music of artists like Sant Kabir and Bulle Shah to reflect and grow as people. Through our music, we will always try to spread the words of love, brotherhood, harmony, and empathy.
Trends in Social Media by Akshay Raheja
When questioned if young musicians’ creativity might be impacted by peer pressure about social media followers and trends in the digital age, Akshay says, “If you stay true to your art, you will stay on the right path.” We come from a time before social media, so it’s easy for us to say. We’ve observed the shift.
The urge to obtain followers and mobile phones have grown along with today’s age. But when we go to a label or producer now, it’s still all about the quality of our work. Follower growth in any art form ought to be determined by merit. Since it’s not a simple job, we should also pay recognition to influencers who make music and follow trends.Making a daily post has its drawbacks. Ultimately, content reigns supreme.”
“People are on social media because it is a part of our lives,” IP says in closing. As long as it is a part of our societal framework, it will be relevant.