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SINGER-SONGWRITER ARNAV MAGGO IS EXPLORING DIFFERENT MUSICAL IDEAS AND STYLES

Arnav Maggo is a singer-songwriter based in Delhi. Having studied at New York University and spent some time working in finance in the US, he moved back to pursue music. He has released his Hindi single ‘Aa Chalein Hum Kahin’ after ‘It’s Hard Staying Apart’, which received appreciation from his current audience and received praise […]

Arnav Maggo is a singer-songwriter based in Delhi. Having studied at New York University and spent some time working in finance in the US, he moved back to pursue music. He has released his Hindi single ‘Aa Chalein Hum Kahin’ after ‘It’s Hard Staying Apart’, which received appreciation from his current audience and received praise in India as well as internationally. He tells us about this his journey so far. 

Q. How did you get involved in making music?

I have been passionate about music for a very long time- I started to get into it heavily when I was introduced to bands like Pink Floyd, Queen and The Beatles by my father at around age 13. I used to listen to the albums and be particularly mesmerised by the guitarwork (something that happens to this day). Shortly after, I picked up the guitar and began to cultivate my musical understanding by digging into multiple genres (like rock, blues, soul and R&B) and discographies with it. During my time in New York, I began to find my voice and perspective as an artist while studying Economics and subsequently working in Finance.

Q. How did your time in New York and the US change you?

I spent my formative years in New York and it was where I came out of the comfortable college lifestyle and entered the “real world”, which changed my perspective drastically and was a major turning point. That phase gave me a lot of things to think about and express. I would also go to a lot of concerts and musicals both big and small, got to see a lot of acts I grew up listening to which got me closer to the art form.

Q. How did you switch from finance to music?

Having landed up a finance job with the world’s largest asset management company, it seemed I had achieved an ideal position in the proverbial land of opportunity that is America. However, music had transitioned from a passion to a dream career in the meanwhile. Even when I was working it was quite an important part of my life and I dedicated a lot of time and energy to it. I would collaborate with many local musicians and was part of bands ranging from folk to heavy metal. However, I found my solo work to be quite fulfilling. Over time my inclination towards it grew and I decided to move back and do it more seriously.

Q. How has the transition been so far?

It has been quite liberating and exciting so far. I had a great time writing and recording songs and they have been getting a good response. I am exploring different musical ideas and styles and planning future projects, so there are a lot of things to look forward to. My last song ‘It’s Hard Staying Apart’ was about wanting to get out of a rut-like situation. I have found that people of all ages relate to it in their own ways.

Q. How did you learn music?

I am mostly self-taught, picked up the guitar by watching a lot of videos and playing songs. I do love reading a lot about the theory and culture surrounding music. I think the best way to learn is by listening to a lot of music, I have always been heavily into music which has shaped my musical compass and taste.

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