In this interview spotlight, I chat with Chambalguy about the latest release (Sun Is Gonna Shine), adapting during worldwide lock downs, 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 was born and brought up in a small town Gwalior located in the North of Central India. The primary language used here is Hindi. The style of my music is indie and soft acoustic. Songwriting with simple words, compositions and arrangements with minimum instruments. I believe that music without silence is empty, my end goal is to inspire the listeners.

How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?

I have been influenced by a lot of western indie folk music and Britpop. Artists and Bands like The Avett Brothers, Noah and The Whale, Mumford and the Sons, David Gray, U2, Bruce Springsteen and Jack Savoretti. Never thought of earning any money through music as I have other passions to follow. I am also into Tech & Product Management working in the Market Research industry full time. I pursue music because it calms my soul, brings happiness and I believe that it allows me to make a difference in the lives of people listening to my music.

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?

I am a bi-lingual songwriter. Usually writing songs in Hindi & English. Sun Is Gonna Shine (Acoustic) was inspired by my friend Parth Walunjkar who is a singer-songwriter based out of Pune, India. I was touring his city in November 2021 while going through a rough personal patch in my life. I was about to meet Parth after almost 3 years, so we decided to sit down and jam a little, becoming nostalgic about the times we jammed together. Out of the blue, Parth suggested that I should record an acoustic version of Sun Is Gonna Shine, which is soothing, simple yet inspiring. He agreed to lend his guitars and backing. The next day we were recording the song at a local studio (Gray Spark Audio, Pune) that too in a live arrangement. If I compare to my previous releases, I never recorded any song in a live arrangement. The whole style of music is something that I had never done before. The whole journey was exciting and full of new learnings as an independent singer-songwriter. You can read more about the journey of writing this track in my medium post here.

Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?

These are some of the most challenging times we are in. I lost friends, colleagues and many near and dear ones. As a songwriter, the biggest challenge I faced was not able to finish projects I had planned earlier due to a lack of resources including pieces of recording gear I had to leave behind in another city. Also, the live events industry crumbled. Slowly, with times and as the vaccines arrived I was able to come back to the track. However, had certain personal traumatic events that changed my life upside down completely. Writing new songs, guitar and piano kept me sane during these times.

What was the last song you listened to?

Cannonball by Damien Rice from his Album “O”. The whole album is beyond amazing.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?

With changing times I prefer streaming platforms because they are easily accessible. However, music should win no matter the medium or where you are listening to and the environment around you.

Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?

You can follow my work on Instagram(@chambalguy) / Spotify(@chambalguy) or my website chambalguy.com . You can also write to me at chambalguy@gmail.com I would love to hear feedback and suggestions.

I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?

I really appreciate the work IMD is doing in the music industry and enabling musicians to reach a wider fanbase.