The boy next door with the sweetest smile, ruffled hair, an acoustic guitar and a melodic voice is quite the romcom standard order, but Nikhil D’Souza has a voice that would effortlessly bring the image of the same to our minds. Voicing songs that have been favourites at warm and fuzzy bonfires, to comfortable house parties and have made us want to smile like a fool and fall in love, Nikhil D’Souza continues to serenade with his recognisably buttery voice and melodic compositions. Before performing to a packed floor at the Shisha — Bar Stock Exchange last month, in a candid conversation with The Telegraph, he talked about his strongest influences, shuttling between indie and Bollywood numbers and much more.
How does it feel to perform in Kolkata?
It has been a long time actually. More than a year and a half, which is unusual, because we are here every few months. Always exciting to play here, because Kolkata always has a very receptive crowd. And an interesting and tricky bit about the crowd here is that, many are ardent music lovers and there are people who want the indie numbers and others, looking forward to Bolly numbers. But it is always wonderful to play live gigs here.
How do you think the way people perceive live shows and concerts has changed over the pandemic?
Everyone was indoors watching concerts and you could just be anywhere without caring a lot about whatever was on the screen. But when it comes to live shows, finding the groove, the energy is certainly unmatched. People were a bit sceptical about returning to these venues, and being in a crowd after two years of the pandemic, but I think live music is almost coming back with a vengeance and there is a sort of rediscovery which has occurred.
Nikhil in performance
How do you personally strike a balance between indie music and Bollywood music?
Most of my Bollywood work happened between 2010 and 2015, after which the situation kind of changed in Bollywood. The pecking orders were kind of different and that was the time I went to London and signed with a record label, releasing songs out there. There wasn’t any conscious decision which I had to take when it came to balancing both, but I had to decide on the indie numbers I’d be willing to sing which were not my compositions. I often have more conviction when it’s something I’m composing myself. The entire landscape has changed. I would certainly love to work on Bollywood numbers again if they want me to. Over time, I have refused a couple because it did not fit into the grand scheme of things of my sound, as an artiste.
When Shaam dropped, it was probably that one song which was on every playlist across the country, and continues to remain a favourite till date. How did Shaam happen?
That question would be best answered by Amit Trivedi who composed the song but yeah certainly, for me, prior to that one song, I never wanted to sing for Bollywood. I had always aspired to do independent music, but then Amit called me to sing this number because he wanted a different, fresh voice and I’m really glad that my introduction to Bollywood music was with this song, which was as good an introduction as it could get. If I had the chance to go back and do it again, I certainly would.
Which is that one song of yours that you keep going back to?
It would probably be a number called Love is a Liar. It is not a very known song and was released in London. We usually perform this track at venues with a really indie temper. It’s a song about how every time you get out of a toxic relationship, and you promise never to do all of it again, love soon finds you. The more you push it away, the harder it comes for you. It is a really dynamic song and the band loves playing it.
Nikhil D’Souza with his band
Who have been your greatest musical inspirations?
I grew up being obsessed with Sting and The Police and was also in a Police tribute band in my early 20s. In my late twenties, Jeff Buckley became my guiding light. There is always a limit we think of, when it comes to music. I think his album Grace broke that limit. Other artistes, like Damien Rice, Simon and Garfunkel and Eric Clapton, have also been my favourites.
When you are writing a song, what do you think is the bit which you have to get absolutely right?
I think, when you write a line and sing it to yourself, it has to ring a bell in you. If you sing it to yourself a number of times, and you do not feel it, it’s probably going to be the same when you perform it live. It has to have that touch, and I really try to explore the entire process while I am composing something.
Who is that one music director you would like to work with?
I have worked few amazing music directors but have never had the pleasure of working with A.R. Rahman. Hope at some point, he feels that my raw, unfiltered, organic voice is something he needs for his songs.
Shisha’s packed floor grooved and sung along to the soulful melodies
What do you love the most about Kolkata?
The thing that I love the most about Kolkata is how the place has a certain sense of quaintness and does not pretend to be something it is not. The old buildings and people are in a calmer frame of mind, where they would feel my music. I obviously love the food as well — the biryani, most certainly, and a cuisine that heroes mutton and fish has to be one of my favourites.
Pictures: Rashbehari Das
“At Shisha we have always tried to cater to all kinds of audiences here. And Nikhil’s songs appeal to all age groups. We complete 20 years this year and just thought of getting the party going with something grand and big,”said Nikhil Bhambani, owner, Shisha