Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with IMAAI.
Tell us about your music.
My music is a fusion of indie-folk rock with a raw, emotional edge that’s deeply rooted in storytelling. Inspired by the traditions of Indian folk and modern rock, my sound brings together soulful lyrics and melodies that resonate with listeners on a personal level. Each song is an exploration of themes like love, self-discovery, and resilience, aiming to create an authentic connection through music. Tracks like “Insane X Excuses” have reached a broad audience, gathering millions of streams globally, and reflect my approach of blending relatable stories with captivating musicality. Through projects like my indie label, Groove Globe, I’m also building a platform to amplify independent voices, especially in the Indian hip-hop scene, with a focus on supporting artists with passion and unique perspectives.
When did you start performing?
I started performing back in 2015, though my musical journey began much earlier. Growing up, I was always captivated by the storytelling aspect of music—how a song could take you somewhere entirely new or make you feel deeply understood. I began by performing at local events in Mumbai, often small gigs and intimate venues, which was an incredible experience for honing my craft. Those early performances taught me so much about connecting with an audience and bringing my own stories into the music.
As I gained confidence and experience, I started focusing on building a unique sound that merges indie-folk with rock influences. It’s been a journey of constant growth and collaboration, especially now with my band, Agni The Band, and with the launch of Groove Globe. Each step along the way has shaped my music and my perspective on the industry. Today, I’m thrilled to share my work with a growing audience and support other artists through my label, aiming to create a lasting impact in the indie music space.
What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
My hometown is Mumbai, and it’s had a huge impact on my music. Growing up in a city that’s so alive with diverse cultures, sounds, and stories has definitely shaped my approach to music. Mumbai has this raw energy, and there’s a rhythm to the everyday life here that I find incredibly inspiring.
The city’s blend of traditional and modern influences pushes me to experiment with my own music, combining elements of indie, folk, and rock. Plus, being around Mumbai’s vibrant music scene introduced me early to collaborations and opportunities to perform. My band, Agni—originally known as Madhur The Band—also draws from this blend. We aim to reflect the city’s dynamism, using our music to connect with people from all walks of life, just like Mumbai itself.
What performers have been your inspiration?
My musical inspirations come from a mix of Indian and global artists who are powerful storytellers. I’ve been deeply influenced by Raghu Dixit and Indian Ocean for the way they bring traditional Indian folk into modern sounds, creating a bridge between the old and the new that resonates with listeners on multiple levels. Papon and Ankur Tewari are also huge influences—they have a way of making music feel personal and deeply connected to everyday life, which I aim to bring into my own work.
Internationally, John Legend inspires me for his soulfulness and ability to convey raw emotion through his voice and lyrics. I also admire Swarathma and Coshish for their fearless approach to tackling social themes, which is something I think about when writing with Agni. These artists push boundaries with their music, and they inspire me to create songs that reflect real stories and connect with people on a meaningful level.
What do you base your success on?
For me, success is based on the impact my music has on listeners and the connections I build along the way. The number of streams and downloads matter, but what’s more important is hearing from people who resonate with my songs on a personal level. Knowing that a track like “Insane X Excuses” has reached millions is incredible, but it’s the messages from fans sharing how the music speaks to their own experiences that mean the most.
Success also means staying true to my artistic vision, even when it’s challenging. Building Groove Globe without outside funding and supporting indie artists has been a big part of that journey. Being able to create a sustainable platform for other musicians to grow and reach audiences gives a greater purpose to everything I do in music. So for me, success is not just about individual achievements but contributing to the broader indie music community and helping others succeed.
What was your latest musical release?
My latest releases showcase a mix of original tracks and reimagined versions of classics. Songs like “Ye Dooriyaan” and “Jag Changa” explore themes of introspection and resilience, capturing that feeling of longing and growth that many of us experience. I wanted to create music that speaks to the heart while reflecting universal emotions.
Tracks like “Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein” and “Humari Adhuri Kahani (Unplugged)” are recompositions where I bring my own twist to timeless classics, adding a raw, unplugged feel that lets listeners experience the songs in a new, personal way. With “Insane X Excuses,” I tapped into a deeper, emotionally charged narrative that resonates globally, reaching over 7 million streams—a testament to its connection with listeners.
Each song, whether original or a reimagined classic, is inspired by the stories and experiences we all share. My goal is to create something meaningful, whether through fresh lyrics or a new perspective on beloved melodies.
Do you have any news to share?
Absolutely! One of the biggest updates is the growth of my new venture, Groove Globe. Groove Globe is an independent record label I launched to support emerging indie hip-hop and folk-rock artists. Our goal is to create a supportive platform where artists can thrive, collaborate, and gain access to the resources they need to grow. Unlike traditional labels, Groove Globe emphasizes an artist-first approach and focuses on helping talent connect with audiences in innovative ways.
We’ve already achieved over $3,700 in revenue in our first year, with no external funding—a testament to our self-reliance and strong commitment. This success fuels my vision of building a vibrant community that empowers independent artists to showcase their music on major platforms. As Groove Globe grows, we’re planning to expand our distribution network, enabling artists to reach even more fans across the globe.
For more updates on new artist signings and releases, and to check out our work, you can visit Groove Globe’s website.
How can fans find you?
LinkedIn: Connect with Shashank professionally at LinkedIn, where he shares updates about his career and projects.
Groove Globe Website: Visit Groove Globe to learn more about his record label, music distribution services, and the indie artist community he is building.
Social Media: Keep up with Shashank’s latest news and music releases on his social media channels, including Instagram. Links can typically be found on his official website.
Streaming Platforms: Listen to his music on popular platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Check these platforms for his latest tracks, including the hit single “Insane X Excuses.”
Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
As I reflect on my journey as an artist and entrepreneur, I want to emphasize the importance of authenticity and connection with my audience. My music, which blends indie-folk and hip-hop, is all about telling stories and sharing experiences that resonate with listeners. I invite everyone to not only support my music but also to engage with Groove Globe, my record label, which aims to empower independent artists and foster a thriving music community.
I believe that music is a universal language that brings people together and transcends barriers. It has the power to inspire and connect us all. I encourage everyone to pursue their passions and remain resilient in the face of challenges. Every step forward is a chance to contribute positively to the arts and make a difference.
Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to sharing more music and exciting developments with you in the future!