We live in times where the quality of music is often determined by its virality. With Saansein, Aditya Narayan’s newest album, he is offering music as “it should be”. “Over the last few years, as I became a father, a husband, and more grounded than ever, I felt a deep urge to return to music. Saansein was born from that place,” says the singer and songwriter.
Last week, the musician released the album’s first track Bana le tera. He describes the romantic ballad as almost autobiographical. “It comes from that all-consuming space where you’re not just in love with someone, but willing to be theirs in every sense.”
A still from the single, Bana le tera
In an age of hook lines, viral numbers, and songs with a shockingly short shelf life, Narayan has decided to release one song every month from Saansein. The decision comes from a desire to let each track breathe, he tells us. “These songs aren’t meant to be consumed quickly and forgotten. They deserve time, space, and maybe even a quiet room. I want listeners to live with each one, feel it in their own stories, before moving on to the next.” In August, he will release the track, Gehraiyaan, followed by Mizaaj and Tere bina over September and October.
Over the years, he has worn many hats — singer, performer, TV show host — but this album marks a return to his roots as a musician. After years of being on stage and television, he was yearning for stillness. “Music has always been my first love. Now, as a man in my 30s, with more clarity, more scars, and hopefully more wisdom, I feel ready to share my truth.” Ask the TV show host how he had the time to create something while juggling shoots, and he says, “Even on the busiest days, there’s always a late night or an early morning where I sit with my thoughts, my mic, and my melodies.”