Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Darielle Britto
Bombay-based musician, Arrows, talked to NYOTA about his song “To Your World” and being influenced by the music scene in India.
When did you start to become passionate about creating music?
I recall being enrolled in guitar lessons when I was about 10 years old. However, it wasn’t until my teenage years when I began discovering bands and really getting into every detail about them that I think my passion for music as a whole began. In terms of creating music, I’d say it was very early on around 12 or 13 years, but at that point it was mainly just me still figuring out this whole “music thing.” Since then, I went on to be in bands of my own so that’s when I was fully invested in creating music. Basically since 2011 or so – a decade ago now.
Tell our readers about your song “To Your World.” What inspired the lyrics?
Through the verses of “To Your World” I talk about wanting to shut the past down, while the chorus is me telling myself that there are more possibilities and new adventures to be had with life. The song is inspired by past relationships not working out but trying to stay optimistic and knowing that new doors will open.
What is your collaborative process like with Yohanan D’Souza?
Working with Yohanan was a lot of fun. I’ve known him since our time in college together and he’s a fantastic musician and producer. We did the whole song at this home studio here in Bombay, India and the process was fun, simple and a great learning experience for me too.
Being based in Bombay, are you often influenced and inspired by the art and music scene there?
We have a fantastic independent music scene here in Bombay and India overall. There are some immensely talented folks putting out some stellar music. I’m always inspired by the artists around here and how hard they work as most of us are indie artists and do everything from bookings to recordings on our own. So yes I’m often influenced not just from a creative standpoint but also from a work ethic standpoint.
Outside of creating music you also write for Rolling Stone India and have a podcast called ‘My First Record’ which can be found here. Has having open discussions with other musicians taught you things you didn’t know about the industry and music-making process?
Oh yes most definitely. It’s always great to talk to artists about their processes and each artist has their own way of doing things, so it’s fantastic to learn about how they go about their business. With Rolling Stone, I try to tell a story the best I can with regard to artists I interview. When it comes to the podcast, that’s where I sort of get a chance to talk to some of my favorite artists about their first releases, it’s always so amazing to see how far they’ve come not just as artists but as people from where they started to where they are at currently.
What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?
Believe in yourself, keep working hard and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.