‘Udd Gaye’ singer Ritviz on importance of live concerts, composing for Bollywood, and why he finds it hard to describe his music

Best known for songs like ‘Liggi’, ‘Udd Gaye’, and ‘Sage’, Ritviz Srivastava feels extremely lucky and blessed to have the journey he has had. But he admits that, as a child, he had no idea that music would be his calling. Now, after so many concerts, popular tracks, and a hit first album under his belt, the artist feels content with all that he has achieved and looks forward to continuing to do what he loves doing the most. But despite tasting success with his unique compositions, the artist finds it extremely hard to describe his music: “This is the hardest thing to answer,” he tells us.

In an exclusive email interview, Srivastava also talks about being an independent musician in India, the associated challenges, the importance of live performances, and what we can expect from him in 2024. Read the edited excerpts below:

1. From ‘Udd Gaye’, your first song, to Mimmi, your first album — how has your journey been?

Srivastava: My journey feels surreal. It feels unreal to look back at everything that has happened and how things fell into place. I am extremely grateful to the people who have enabled this journey, and the support that the audience showed to the music. This is my evolution as a human, and all of the music that we’re hearing is a reflection of that. I’m thankful that the people have enjoyed the journey and I hope they continue to do so.

2. But when did you realise that music is what you wanted to pursue?

Srivastava: Honestly, I did not know that music would take centre stage. In school, I was a very creative child. I used to think I would be a writer because back then I was writing and painting. While I was also making music, I didn’t know what domain I would follow. Only after 10th grade did music start taking more time in my life. However, I am still involved in the other aspects of music, like artwork and lyric writing. So, in a way, all three domains – writing, painting, and making music – are getting satisfied.

3. What would you rate as the most challenging thing about being an independent musician in India?

Srivastava: I count myself very lucky to have had the journey I have had because the challenge usually begins at home. I am blessed to have such supportive parents and the trust and faith that they reposed in me to pursue and express freely without worrying about anything – so that my musician self could be itself. Once these challenges were taken care of, the sky was the limit. However, I want to mention that since most independent musicians have no labels backing them, it’s a very tough journey. But I feel my challenges are more internal (within the music and how I deal with them).

4. How was your performance at Zomaland Hyderabad?

Srivastava: Hyderabad is one of my favourite cities to perform in the country. The energy is always very high, and I remember that my first few gigs in Hyderabad were very exciting. Even today, the progression has been lovely to see and I’m really glad that people are still inviting me to the city. I will not forget to mention the feast that we look forward to in the city. So, everything excites me: the energy, people, the music, and Zomaland feels like home.

 

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5. How would you describe your style of music?

Srivastava: This is the hardest thing to answer. While it’s reached a point with the popularity, still I never really know what box to put it in. However, considering where it is right now, Indian pop is my best bet. I always like to jump out of boxes that way, and the fact that there is no identity (genre) yet keeps me excited about the mystery that my music can be.

6. ‘Udd Gaye’ is completely different from the songs in Mimmi. Did you fear losing out on your audience (who liked you for a particular type of music)?

Srivastava: From day one, I have been clear about what I do and why I want to do it. It all began from the kind of music I like, which inspires what I make. I am so grateful that people joined and enjoyed it. In a way, my listeners and I are both fans of my music. But, as I evolve as a person, I think changing the music will also change that way I think. There is a possibility that people who like my initial music might not like the new stuff. But it could also be that there is a new crowd who likes the new stuff – after all, we are all evolving at our own pace. The idea is to always continue being yourself and hope that the right sort of people will come join you.

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7. With success comes pressure to meet audience expectations. How do you deal with it?

Srivastava: Honestly, I wasn’t even expecting there would be an audience in the beginning. It was very overwhelming to see the response; and then obviously expectations are set. But I think reminders from the people who have been with me and are my closest, and being clear about what I do and why I do it help. Since it anyway began not with an audience in my mind but because I liked the kind of sound that I was making, the process was really exciting.

8. How important are live concerts for independent artists, and why?

Srivastava: They are very important primarily because independent artists often lack label backing. This makes live performances a significant revenue source. Even if their music gains popularity, streaming alone might not be enough as a primary revenue source. Furthermore, live concerts offer discoverability, although this factor has become secondary with the advent of the internet.

 

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9. Is composing for Bollywood on the cards?

Srivastava: For me it has always been on the cards. I have also had the opportunity to work with some fun people and there are also some projects in the works. I don’t view it as a separate domain; as long as there are like-minded individuals, the project takes centre stage, and anything is possible.

10. What can we expect from you in 2024?

Srivastava: Currently, my sophomore album is in the works. While I cannot predict if it will be completed in 2024, there will certainly be new singles, more shows, and celebrations.

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