The nostalgia in Ahista made it resonate, says Kazinama

I didn’t expect the song to be this big, to be honest. As an artist, you always have some expectation that your work will resonate, but not to this magnitude. I was happy with the appreciation I received when I first released the song seven months ago. But this… I am really grateful and thanks to all my friends, fans, and everybody who resonated with the song.

I think the amalgamation of music and melody, which has been used before in Bollywood, had a subconscious effect on people. It’s sort of nostalgic in a way. But I think the lyrics played a crucial role too. People instantly connected with the lyrics, creating a lot of lyrical-based videos on Instagram. Everything complemented each other—the music, melody, and lyrics all had their own charm.

I started playing guitar, and my elder brother used to play keyboard as a hobby. My family members are mostly into IT, and I did my Masters in Computer Science. I never intended to make music professionally, but I was into guitar and started playing classic rock. I joined bands, started earning, and then began playing sessions with other artists, including Bollywood ones.

This led me to pursue music professionally. I come from a typical Indian family, and they wanted me to complete my graduation and post-graduation, which I did. I even took up a job for a month, but I didn’t like it. So, I quit and focussed on music.

I always wanted to make music, and being a Computer Science student, I knew I could use software to create music. I started composing, arranging, and programming music. Initially, I was shy to put my music out, but I made music for others, including jingles and ghost production.

My YouTube channel was my first venture, which I started just for myself. That’s how I began my journey in music production.

My musical spectrum is quite varied. On the rock side, I am influenced by Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Metallica, and Megadeth, since I started as a classical guitar player. But my soulful side is inspired by The Whisperers, Sledge Sister, Robert Glasper, and FKG. I also enjoy Tom Misch and other new artists. I am a fan of 60s and 70s classic R&B, as well as new soul music—that's my jam. I am trying to create my own sound, blending these influences with a modern Indian twist.

People ask me, ‘What kind of music is this? I have never heard anything like it.’ And I tell them, ‘This is Kazinama.’ I am a free spirit, I don’t confine myself to a particular genre. I create what pleases my ear. My music combines different elements, like pop soul and modern bass. It’s about crafting a story within the song. I think that’s what worked in my favour, blending different styles to create something unique.

I am incredibly grateful to my supporters. I want to say shukriya to all of them from the bottom of my heart. They have been with me since my YouTube days, and I have a special corner in my heart for them. They have supported me unconditionally, even when I didn’t like some of my own songs. They just want me to keep making music because they have faith in me. And because of them, I have made it this far.