In this interview spotlight, I chat with Pratik Ilag about the latest music, adapting during a pandemic, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
I am completely based in Mumbai, born, lived here and wish to be here forever. This place has got some magic- when one chooses this place, this place makes sure to create a home for them.
I was like every other 90’s kid- listening to Kabhi aisa lagta hai, o sanam, etc . But it was my friend, Pratik Sawai who introduced me to indie music. There was this point in my life where I stopped listening to commercial songs, but indie songs were something different altogether. Ever since then, I have always been in love with Indie.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
So, everything started four years ago with singing cover songs for commercial events; I was completely enjoying the journey as it was also helping me financially. Slowly the need to create something started creeping in me slowly, as if there was something in me wishing to be born out of.
Slowly I started writing, and with time the art of composition and writing started getting better.
The next challenge was to find a way to make sure my song reaches listeners, and the only way I could think of was to do this independently, and streaming platforms were a great option for that.
I never thought in my wildest dream to be part of music-biz, it was my love for music which led me here.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
Yes, Shikayatein Nahi is an indie pop song about a person chasing freedom, wishing to get away from all the chaos; a person who has completely given up on life and wishes to run away from all this chaos and find a secret solace, while Ansuni Baatein is completely experimental;it was a trail to make a song without chorus, with meaningful lyrics, that the listener resonate to.
Name the biggest challenge you have faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
The biggest challenge for me was to collect resources. I was not particularly good at Digital Audio Workstation. I am that person who loves to learn something new, there’s this excitement every time I learn something, but the downside is I am not at all patient. So, the biggest challenge for me was to learn DAW and the second challenge was to give life to that idea in DAW. It becomes difficult especially because I am not patient and lose focus easily.
To answer the second part of the question, I’m quite sensitive and moody. I somehow have this confusing balance of not taking hate comments seriously and accepting healthy criticism, as that motivates me to bring better content every time.
At times, like every other person, I lose that balance and feel disheartened when a person is not showing any interest in what I create. That is when, like every other artist I start to question my worth and if I am doing something wrong. But thankfully I have a support system which I can lean on, and they make sure to be there through all thick and thin.
What was the last song you listened to?
The latest song I was humming to was from Prateek Kuhad’s playlist and Aye hairathe Aashiqui.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
I prefer streaming platforms and CDs.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
My social handles are the place to connect with me.
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Nothing, hope you all like my effort, and I wish to create something that resonates with a larger audience and can be a treat to ears.
Please listen to Ansuni Baatein and make sure to add AB in your playlist, and thank you so much for your continuous support and hope you love this effort.
