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 playback singer, independent singer-songwriter, and has collaborated with various artists. Recently, he performed with Ed Sheeran and Marshmello during their tours in India. Reflecting on his journey in a recent visit to Bengaluru, Armaan shared his belief in manifesting dreams into reality. He expressed his evolution as a singer through different phases and his aspirations for the future, including winning a Grammy and collaborating with artists like Charlie Puth, Zedd, and Justin Bieber. Armaan emphasized the importance of being prepared for various opportunities as an artist.
He also discussed the music industry's shift towards creating viral hits rather than focusing on quality songs, emphasizing that a good song cannot be formulated and should not be reduced to just aiming for commercial success. Armaan raised concerns about the misuse of technology, including artificial intelligence, to manipulate voices, stressing the need for laws to protect artists' rights and preserve the authenticity of music.I find it both entertaining and concerning that anyone can use my voice and texture to create a song, emphasizing the importance of having regulations in place. While AI can be beneficial, it is crucial to have laws that protect the rights of artists and ensure that technology does not compromise the authenticity of music. I strongly believe that elements like real instruments and musicians should always play a key role in the music creation process. What is natural should remain unaltered.
Collaborations offer a wonderful opportunity to bring together different worlds, fans, and styles. It is incredibly exciting to collaborate with another artist, with the most essential aspect being a genuine admiration for the other artist. The success of a collaboration depends on mutual respect and enthusiasm. It is vital to feel connected and energized by the partnership to create something exceptional. I have been fortunate to work with many of my favorite artists, and collaborating with AR Rahman was a dream come true.
Independent music allows for a lot of creative freedom compared to playback singing. As a playback singer, it is necessary to adjust your vocal style to suit the on-screen persona of the actor you are singing for. The ability to adapt your tone to match the charisma and persona of the actor is crucial in playback singing. I enjoy the flexibility of being able to transform vocally like a chameleon.
It is an exciting time for music in India, where talent from even the most remote areas can find an audience and become a star through the power of the internet. Independent musicians have a great opportunity to showcase their talent and gain recognition.Armaan Malik described performing alongside Ed Sheeran as a humbling experience. Despite Ed Sheeran's immense fame, Armaan found him to be remarkably humble and grounded. They had enriching discussions about music, particularly Indian music, and Ed expressed a desire to work with more Indian artists. Their bond grew into a close friendship, and Armaan now regards Ed as a brother. Most recently, Armaan Malik delivered a sold-out performance at Bharatiya City in Bengaluru.