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. On a recent visit to Bengaluru, Armaan expressed his belief in manifesting dreams into reality. He reflected on his journey as a singer, transitioning from a child singer to a teenage pop artist to a Bollywood singer. Looking ahead, he has set ambitious goals such as winning a Grammy, performing at Madison Square Garden, and collaborating with artists like Charlie Puth, Zedd, and Justin Bieber.
Discussing the evolving music landscape, Armaan noted a shift towards creating viral hits rather than focusing on quality music. He emphasized the importance of authenticity in music creation, expressing concerns about the potential misuse of technology that could compromise artists' rights. Armaan highlighted the need for safeguards to preserve the integrity of musicians' work and prevent unauthorized manipulation of their voices.I find it both amusing and concerning that anyone could manipulate my voice and texture to create a song. This highlights the need for regulations to safeguard artists' rights and preserve the authenticity of music in the face of advancing technology. While AI can offer advantages, it's crucial to have laws in place to ensure that traditional elements like real instruments and musicians remain integral to the music creation process. I strongly believe that what is organic should always stay organic. Collaborations are a fantastic way to merge diverse worlds, fan bases, and styles. Engaging in a collaboration with another artist is thrilling, but what truly matters is a genuine admiration for that artist. Selecting collaborators based on mutual enthusiasm and respect is key for a successful partnership. I have a list of favorite artists whom I'd love to work with due to my admiration for their music and the desire to create together. I am fortunate to have collaborated with many of them, including the wonderful experience of working with AR Rahman. Manifestation can truly turn dreams into reality. In today's digital age, talented individuals from remote locations have the opportunity to showcase their skills and gain stardom through the internet. This era presents a wonderful time for independent music in India. Transitioning from independent music to playback singing, I find that independent music allows for more creative freedom compared to conforming to an actor's persona as a playback singer. As a playback singer, it's essential to adjust your vocal style to complement the on-screen character of the actor. Singing with Ed was a dream come true for me, underlining the versatility required in being a playback singer.Armaan Malik expressed that performing alongside Ed Sheeran was a humbling experience. Despite Ed's worldwide fame, he remained remarkably humble. It's uncommon to encounter someone of his success level who stays so modest. They had engaging discussions about music, including Indian music, and Ed expressed a desire to collaborate with more Indian artists. Their bond grew into a close friendship, and Armaan now regards Ed as a brother. (Armaan Malik recently performed to a sold-out crowd at Bharatiya City in Bengaluru)