A hotelier by profession turned into a musician. That is the story of musician Vyaasa-M. The Kolkata Mail correspondent Priyanka Dutta caught up with the talented musician in an exclusive chat. Excerpts..

You are an hotelier by qualification. When did the music bug bit you and you decided to pursue music?

Vyaasa-M–Haha. Well, to be very honest I always believed that music chose me and not the other way round. After 12, I wanted to go away from Mumbai and current surroundings due to the academic nature and stress. So a friend suggested me hotel management course and about the all India entrance exam. So I took it up. The three years in college is where I found the music in me during college fests and all. That was for the first time, I felt that I’m good at something. So I decided that after college this is what I want to do.

How supportive has been your parents about this decision?

Vyaasa-M– Obviously very shocking. Initially, they felt I’m kidding, because I come from an orthodox below average middle-class family. Pursuing a passion-based field was not in the cards for sure.

Tell us something about your Indie-single Wajood-e-Sabab.

Vyaasa-M– So Wajood-e-Sabab means reason for existence. Considering my journey and many around me whom I have seen this was one topic I always wanted to definitely speak about. But somehow I didn’t get a start point to it. Last year I had watched an Oprah Winfrey interview about her speaking to university students. And post that interview, something triggered and I decided I want to start working on this topic for sure. And then things started happening gradually.

Tell us about your collaboration with Vivek Hariharan. How was the experience of working with him?

Vyaasa-M– I know him since for 6 years now. We almost started our career together. He has always been like a critic, big brother and a strong support in my musical journey. So when this song happened I was definite that there will be two phases and voices in the songs. One is that of a de-motivated person who is trying to take that one step to find himself and the other who is a more confident side of that same person. So I couldn’t think of someone else apart from Vivek for that second phase and voice. So it happened organically.

There is a revival in the independent music scene in India. Do you think this is the right time to make your debut as an artist?

Vyaasa-M- Yes for sure. Fortunately, due to the boom in digital platforms, the options and opportunities to showcase your talent have doubled. So, gradually more and more artists have started taking a strong step towards putting out their expressions on a non-movie format.

What kind of music do you like personally?

Vyaasa-M– RnB / Soul is my go-to genre. But I’m a curious mind. So I love to listen to mostly every genre I can find. It helps me to grow my musicality.

Who are your inspirations in the world of music?

Vyaasa-M– A lot of them!! To name a few, in the current favourites I like Khalid, John Mayer, The Weeknd, Prateek Kuhad, The Yellow Diary, Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, etc.

What are your next works?

Vyaasa-M– The next single is yet to get released this month. It’s about love and relationship with some complexity on emotions. So I’m excited.

Will you continue with music in future or will you pursue your career in the hospitality industry?

Vyaasa-M– Yes!! Music for life!! Quite weirdly, hospitality industry was that bridge which connected me to myself.

Just like the first line of Wajood-e-Sabab’s chorus goes- “Tu Pehli dafa hai khudse Mila, Ab peeche mudna iss Baar nahi”.

Wishing the talented musician all the best for his future works!!