EXCLUSIVE: Arjun talks about his new release, ‘Zara Zara’

British-Asian singer Arjun has most recently seen huge success with his R&B remixes of ‘Why This Kolaveri Di’ and ‘Chammak Challo’. The talented singer-songwriter-producer saw the release of his latest on 3 April which is a remix of ‘Zara Zara’ from the 2001 film, ‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’. This newest offering is definitely one with a difference.��Arjun exclusively spoke to BizAsia about ‘Zara��Zara’, read on to find out more…

What is your inspiration for the remixing of well-known tracks?

It’s funny because most artists start out doing covers and remixes of other artists’ songs and then release their own material. I did the opposite. I released several original songs and have only more recently been inspired to remix songs that I love. The stimulus to do this came last year when I was in talks with an Indian label about doing a Hindi-English fusion album. As an experiment I fused the chorus of ‘Kabhi Kabhi’ with an English song that I had already written. The result was very successful and the video has received almost 1.5 million views on YouTube in 6 months. The next remix I did of ‘Why This Kolaveri Di’ has had nearly 6 million views.

How would you describe your signature style and the stamp you leave in your remixes?

I would say the instrument that characterizes my music is the guitar. My core sound is derived from the guitar, and my music is therefore usually organic. Having said that, I like to experiment with all kinds of different genres. For instance, the more synthesized sounds in my ‘Zara Zara’ remix.

What made you try something different in ‘Zara Zara’ with the influence of Dubstep and Electronica?

I love all genres of music and I think it’s important to experiment as much as you can while you are at a growing stage. I love producing music, and as a producer I would like to be able to produce beats for any artist, whether they be rappers, Bhangra singers or R&B artists. I love Dubstep and Electronica and thought it would be good to try something outside of my comfort zone. There is also the danger of becoming too predictable if you always stick to the same formula.

Do you have input on the way your videos are made/directed?

Yes I tend to have input into all of my videos. I am a bit of a control freak when it comes to my music, so I like to be involved in everything from the creation of the song to the graphic design to the video direction etc. Of late I have regularly worked with a talented director called Hasinth Pathirana, who shot ‘Zara Zara’.

How do you feel the video of ‘Zara Zara’ compliments not just the original song but also your spin on it?

For the ‘Zara Zara’ video I wanted to have a striking red and black colour scheme because I felt it would compliment the dramatic lyrics: my version of the song tells the story of a guy who is begging a girl to see that she is meant to be with him; but she keeps going back to another guy who is treating her badly! I also wanted to use the contrasting dance patterns of a Kathak dancer and Street dancer to reflect the fact that it is a current version of a classic song, with an urban edge.

Can you give us a sneek peak into any future remixes or collaborations you have happening in the future?

I will continue to release a few more remixes, with a view to releasing a compilation of them (possibly an EP) in the near future. My priority now though is to finish my UK album, comprising of��my original songs, which will have a predominantly R&B/Pop sound, with a bit of Asian influence.I am hoping to release this at the end of summer this year.

We believe that this new track will be another notch on��Arjun’s already well-dressed belt. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the video of ‘Zara Zara’ below.