Armaan Malik, who sang “Bum Bum Bole” for the 2007 film Taare Zameen Par at the age of 10, has since established himself as a versatile singer. He has ventured into playback singing, independent music, and collaborations with various artists. Notably, he has shared the stage with Ed Sheeran and Marshmello on their India tours. During a recent trip to Bengaluru, Armaan shared his belief in turning dreams into reality. He reflected on his journey and aspirations, including winning a Grammy, performing at Madison Square Garden, and collaborating with artists like Charlie Puth, Zedd, and Justin Bieber.
Armaan also discussed the changing landscape of the music industry, noting a shift towards creating viral hits over quality music. He emphasized the importance of protecting artists' rights in the face of technological advancements like AI, which can potentially compromise the authenticity of music. Armaan expressed concern over the misuse of his voice in manipulated songs, highlighting the need for safeguards to maintain the integrity of musical creations.I find it both entertaining and concerning that anyone can use my voice and materials to create a song, emphasizing the importance of setting regulations. While AI has its benefits, there should be laws in place to safeguard the rights of artists and maintain the genuine essence of music. I believe that traditional elements like real instruments and musicians should always play a vital role in the music-making process. What is natural should remain unaltered.
Collaborations offer a wonderful opportunity to merge different worlds, fan bases, and styles. It's exciting to work with another artist, but the key is to genuinely appreciate and be drawn to their art. Successful collaborations are driven by mutual admiration and enthusiasm. I've been fortunate to collaborate with many of my favorite artists, including the dream experience of working with AR Rahman sir.
Today, the rise of independent music in India means that talented individuals from remote areas can showcase their skills online and find an audience. It's a fantastic era for aspiring musicians. Playbacks singers, like chameleons, must adapt their vocal styles to suit the on-screen persona of actors when providing vocals for films. The opportunity for creative freedom is greater in independent music compared to playback singing.Armaan Malik shared that performing with Ed Sheeran was a humbling experience. Despite Ed Sheeran's worldwide fame, he exhibited remarkable humility. It is uncommon to come across someone with such high levels of success who stays so connected to reality. Armaan and Ed had engaging discussions about music, including Indian music, and Ed expressed his desire to work with more Indian artists. Their bond grew stronger, leading to a close friendship where Armaan now sees Ed as a brother. Recently, Armaan Malik performed to a sold-out crowd at Bharatiya City in Bengaluru.