From Classical Roots to Contemporary Rhythms
Shubham Semwal
Born into a family rich with diverse influences—his mother, a classical musician, and his father, an army officer—Semwal’s musical journey began early. Fascinated by rhythm, he learned the Tabla under his mother’s guidance. However, it was the 2006 movie *Rock On* that ignited his passion for contemporary music, inspiring him to pick up the guitar.
How did you transition into the music industry?
‘I started with classical music, but it wasn’t until later, around 2014, when I got into college, that I realized I could actually make a living from music. That’s when I started doing live shows. My first paid gig was in 2014, and we earned ₹16,000 for our band. At that time, it felt like a huge amount of money, like a salary! That’s when I realized that I didn’t have to follow the traditional career path, even though I was studying tech’
In 2017, after recognizing the need to deepen his craft, Semwal pursued formal training at the Global Music Institute, affiliated with Berklee College of Music. This pivotal decision shaped his evolution into the artist he is today, blending classical roots with modern influences to create a unique musical identity.
You mentioned moving to Chandigarh and getting into music production. How did that move shape your career?
‘Moving to Chandigarh was a turning point.
I saw that the Punjabi music scene was changing, especially with artists like AP Dhillon coming up. I knew it was the right place for me to be, and it turned out to be a smart decision. In Mohali, me and a friend, started our studio, Tweak Tone Studios, and got involved in Punjabi music production. It's been great because now we’re one of the oldest studios in Mohali, and even mainstream labels approach us for work’
Having worked with notable names like Kaka and Karan Aujla, among others, was an eye-opening experience for Semwal, as it highlighted that these accomplished artists are not so different from anyone else; their confidence and belief in their craft is what sets them apart.
This realization taught him an invaluable lesson: overthinking can often be a barrier, and embracing confidence is essential to success.
So, 2023 was a pivotal year for you.
Tell us about your song "Offline."
‘Offline was a culmination of years of hard work and experimenting with my sound. I spent so many years figuring out my style and perfecting my craft. Everything about that song is 100% me—from the lyrics to the production. It felt amazing to finally complete my vision.
Semwal’s journey to creating music was far from smooth. Before taking music seriously, the process felt overwhelming, with the first song taking an astonishing four years to complete. During that period, countless projects were left unreleased as self-doubt crept in—each new creation seemed not good enough. However, persistence became the driving force. Refusing to give up, he kept pushing forward until one day, a song finally clicked. That moment marked a turning point, leading to his debut in 2020.
Speaking of unfinished projects, how do you decide when something is good enough to release?
‘Over the past few years, I’ve learned to stop being overly critical. As creators, we always see imperfections that the audience won’t even notice. I used to spend hours trying to fix tiny details that didn’t matter. For example - My song *Desire* was a turning point. During its creation, I recorded a scratch vocal—a rough first take just to get the vibe down. Later, I recorded the final vocal in a studio, with all the technical aspects polished. But when we compared the two, everyone preferred the raw emotion of the scratch vocal. Initially, I couldn’t understand why. Technically, the studio version was superior. But when I listened with fresh ears, I realized the scratch vocal carried the feeling I wanted to convey.
And that song has been so well-received! It taught me that perfection is subjective and that the audience connects more with emotion than technical precision’
‘For me, the creative process is a disciplined practice rather than a reliance on random inspiration. Viewing creativity as a muscle that needs regular exercise, I prioritize consistent effort, especially during album creation, dedicating daily time to songwriting, composing, or producing. A key part of my process involves consuming a wide range of music across different styles and genres. Occasionally, a particular piece resonates and sparks the idea to create something inspired by it, which I then transform with my unique touch’
Music scene in India, especially in Punjab, has evolved over the years. Do you think there are still gaps or challenges that need addressing?
‘Absolutely. The biggest challenge, in my opinion, is the lack of support for deserving, underrated, independent artists. Big labels and companies hold a lot of power, but they don’t often invest in genuine talent. Instead, they wait for something to blow up on its own before stepping in. Labels used to focus on artist development—that was their primary role. But now, I don’t see any real effort in nurturing or building up new artists’
‘The reality is, artists don’t need labels anymore. Once we all realize that, the industry will shift towards more authentic, artist-driven music’
Do you think the audience plays a role in this dynamic?
‘Definitely. The audience influences what becomes popular, and unfortunately, the majority isn’t very discerning. Take *Spotify Weekly Charts,* for instance, there’s a huge gap between independent and mainstream listeners. Songs like ‘Tum Se Hi’ from the movie, Jab We Met, still have millions of listeners. The audience still prefers to listen to the music they are familiar with. It’s rare to see such support sustained for newer acts. But we also need to educate the audience to appreciate fresh, experimental work. It’s challenging because it takes time, effort, and resources—things big companies are unwilling to invest in’
How does social media play a role in this shift?
'Social media has had a huge impact. It’s decentralized the industry to some extent. On one hand, it’s a great tool for artists because it gives them direct access to audiences. On the other hand, it exposes how little effort these big labels actually put into the art itself.
They’re more focused on profit than creativity.
Social media has shown us that we don’t really need labels as much as we used to. But many artists still fall for the allure of big money from labels. It’s like getting into bed with the aggressor.
Personally, I’m very anti-label’
‘I’m not just an artist;
I understand data, strategy, and the business side of things. That makes me a difficult artist to work with because I know what I’m talking about. But it also helps me stay independent and stick to my principles’
What has been your most memorable live show so far?
‘My first ticketed show happened in December 2021, at Upstairs Club. It was a milestone for me, and I remember getting emotional on stage. Singing my own song and seeing the audience connect with it was overwhelming.
But after the first ticketed show, I faced a tough phase in 2022. I was juggling multiple things—work, personal struggles, and trying to figure out my sound. My mental health took a hit, and I realized I needed a break. Going back from it wasn’t easy. But I knew I couldn’t live in that anxious state forever. I fixed my lifestyle—my sleep, diet, and fitness. I started going to the gym, meditating, and practicing yoga. It was tough, but I refused to depend on pills for my mental health. That phase made me stronger and more introspective.
It was a transformative period for me. I became more spiritual and introspective. That tough phase shaped who I am today. I wouldn’t trade it for anything because both the good and bad experiences are equally important’
How do you generally connect with your audience, both during live performances and on social media platforms?
‘After going through a tough anxiety phase, I stepped away from social media for a while. Eventually, I pushed myself to return, release music, and explore different sounds. Initially, I was figuring things out—experimenting with English, Hindi, and Punjabi pop music.
I’ve started seeing Social media not as a source of negativity but as a beautiful tool to connect with millions of people. For instance, I went live for the first time in over a year a few days back. Initially, I thought I’d pop in, promote my song, and log off quickly. But as I interacted with my audience, it felt meaningful. By the end of the session, I realised that people crave genuine connection.
Social media is a platform that facilitates this if approached with the right mindset’
What advice would you give to someone just starting in the music industry?
‘My first piece of advice is to focus on your craft. Be so good at what you do that you don’t doubt yourself, even if someone from a label or industry questions your abilities. Confidence in your skills is essential.
The second piece of advice is to take social media seriously. It’s not just about building an audience but fostering a community of people who love your music and resonate with you as a person. This is the same advice I’m applying to myself right now—creating meaningful connections and engaging authentically’
How do you see your music and yourself evolving in the next few years?
‘I see myself growing not just as an artist but as someone who can inspire and empower others in the industry. I’m on a mission to make things better for the music scene as a whole and to leave a mark as someone who did it all independently.
Creatively, I have big plans. Once I wrap up my current album, I want to work on a short movie inspired by artists like Michael Jackson. It would be a unique fusion of visuals and music, something not commonly seen in India. I’m also excited to experiment more with my sound. While I’m currently focusing on mainstream pop for its mass appeal, I see myself delving into more eccentric, experimental styles as I grow’
Lastly, what does success mean to you?
‘For me, success isn’t defined by numbers or fame. It’s about living the life of your dreams, independently and on your own terms. I already feel successful because I’m doing exactly that—making music, running my studio, and living my passion. I make it a point to practice gratitude. Fame and numbers may come and go, but the independence and fulfillment I have are what truly matter to me’
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