Armaan Malik, who sang "Bum Bum Bole" for the 2007 film Taare Zameen Par at the age of 10, has since become a renowned playback singer and independent singer-songwriter. He has collaborated with various artists and recently performed alongside Ed Sheeran and Marshmello during their tours in India. During a recent visit to Bengaluru, Armaan shared his belief that he has turned his dreams into reality. He expressed his journey as a singer, transitioning from a child singer to a teenage pop singer to entering the Bollywood industry. Looking towards the future, Armaan has set lofty goals for himself, including winning a Grammy, performing at Madison Square Garden, and collaborating with artists such as Charlie Puth, Zedd, and Justin Bieber. He emphasized the importance of being prepared for all opportunities as an artist.
Armaan also reflected on the evolution of the music scene, noting that while there is still quality music being produced, there is a concerning trend towards prioritizing viral hits over creating meaningful songs. He stressed that there is no set formula for making a hit song and expressed his concerns about the misuse of technology to manipulate artists' voices. Armaan highlighted the need for laws to protect artists' rights and ensure the authenticity of music is maintained in the digital age.I find it both interesting and concerning that anyone can use my voice and music to create a song. Regulations should be in place to protect artists' rights and prevent technology from diluting the authenticity of music. I strongly believe that traditional elements, such as real instruments and musicians, should always play a significant role in music creation. What is natural should remain so.
Collaborations are a wonderful way to merge different worlds, fan bases, and musical styles. When working with another artist, it is crucial to have a genuine connection and mutual admiration. I have a few favorite artists whom I would like to collaborate with because I admire their music and creativity. Successful collaborations rely on shared enthusiasm and energy.
I have been fortunate to collaborate with many artists I admire, and working with AR Rahman was a dream come true. Manifesting dreams into reality is truly incredible.
The current era provides opportunities for talented individuals, even from remote areas, to showcase their skills online and potentially become stars. Independent music in India is flourishing, offering a platform for diverse talents to shine.
In comparison to playback singing, independent music allows for greater creative freedom. A playback singer often needs to adjust their vocal style to match the on-screen persona of the actor. Singing with Ed Sheeran was an extraordinary experience for me."Sharing the stage with Ed Sheeran was a humbling experience. Despite his worldwide fame, Ed was remarkably humble. It's not often you come across someone with his achievements who stays so down-to-earth. We had wonderful discussions about music, including Indian music, and Ed expressed interest in collaborating with more Indian artists. Our friendship grew strong, and I now see him as a brother. (Armaan Malik recently gave a sold-out performance at Bharatiya City in Bengaluru)."