Composer Producer

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: If I were stranded on a desert island and could only take five things, I’d keep it simple: My acoustic guitar—because at the end of the day, everything starts with strings and wood. My laptop—so I can still compose, produce, and maybe even send an SOS track into the world. A solid pair of headphones—because I’d go mad without hearing things in detail. A coffee machine—because inspiration needs fuel. And of course, a solar panel—otherwise, all this gear would just be fancy paperweights. Music, caffeine, and a bit of power—that’s pretty much me in a nutshell.

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I’ve been making music professionally for over 25 years, though in some ways it feels like I’ve been doing it all my life. I actually started out as a child actor in films and television, but music was always calling me. After studying English Literature in Mumbai, I went on to train at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles and later at Berklee College of Music on a scholarship. In the late ’90s, I co-founded Smoke Music Productions, where we created music for hundreds of commercials and films. That experience taught me not just how to write, but how to deliver under pressure and across formats. In 2007, I co-founded blueFrog, which became India’s most iconic live music venue and helped spark the indie revolution. In 2012, I launched Wah Wah Music, which quickly grew into one of India’s leading music production houses, working with brands like Nike, Google, and BBC. Later, I started Wah Wah Records to give independent music a global platform. Alongside that, I’ve kept releasing my own albums—Voyage (2015) and Voyage 2 (2024) among them—and have toured internationally, performing everywhere from SXSW to the Oslo Jazz Festival. So the short answer is: I’ve been at this for a few decades now, and every step of the way has been about growing, experimenting, and finding new ways to connect through music.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: ’d describe my style as eclectic and borderless. I’ve never believed in sticking to a single genre—what excites me is the space where different sounds and cultures collide. Sometimes that means a guitar riff with a rock edge, other times it’s an atmospheric score, or a groove-driven track that borrows from electronica, jazz, or pop. At the heart of it, my style is about blending emotion with craft. I love building songs and scores that feel cinematic, immersive, and textured, but always anchored in melody and soul. If I had to sum it up, I’d say my style is about creating music that’s global in sound, but personal in spirit.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: There are honestly too many to list—the world is full of incredible musicians and artists. My wish list would run off the page. For me, it’s less about a specific name and more about the spirit of collaboration. Anyone who’s willing to get on the ride, walk the tightrope, and melt genres together—I’m game. That’s where the magic happens.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: One of the best lessons I’ve learned is this: don’t fall in love with your first idea. When you’re producing, it’s easy to get attached to the first melody, beat, or sound that comes out. But I’ve found that if you push past that and try at least three or four different variations, you often land on something far more interesting. Having said that , often some of my best work have been songs that I have composed in 1 sitting , often in a couple of hours. Also, trust your ears over your eyes. In today’s world of waveforms and plugins, it’s tempting to mix with your screen. But the magic really happens when you stop looking and just listen. If it feels good, it usually is.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: I usually work on music that lives at the crossroads of genres and cultures. One day it might be a cinematic score for film or a high-energy jingle for a global brand, the next it could be a full-length album or a live show. My personal projects often explore the space where contemporary production meets strong songwriting, drawing from jazz, rock, electronica, and world influences without being bound by any one style. I love creating music that feels fresh, global, and emotionally honest—whether that’s a three-minute pop song, a two-hour stage production, or a piece of music that defines a brand’s identity. The common thread is always this: it has to move people.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill lies at the intersection of technology and musicality. I love being able to move fluidly between the two—understanding the emotional weight of a melody or chord progression, while also knowing how to harness the latest tools, production techniques, and immersive formats to bring that idea to life. For me, technology is never just about gadgets or software—it’s about expanding the canvas of what music can be. Whether it’s building immersive Dolby Atmos mixes, experimenting with new textures, or reimagining how a song can live across platforms, I’m always excited by how technology can push musical storytelling further. At the end of the day, I see myself as a translator—someone who can take a human emotion and use both musicianship and technology to turn it into an experience that truly connects.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: What I bring to a song is a sense of soul and identity. For me, every piece of music has its own heartbeat, and my job is to uncover and amplify it. Sometimes that’s through a melody that feels timeless, other times it’s through rhythm, harmony, or texture that gives the song its character. Because I’ve worked across so many styles—rock, jazz, electronica, film scores, pop—I approach each track with an open palette. I enjoy blending sounds and ideas that might not normally sit together, finding that unexpected chemistry that makes a song unique. Above all, I bring emotion and storytelling. A song should move people—make them feel something, remember something, or see the world a little differently. My aim is always to elevate the music so it doesn’t just sound good, but becomes an experience that stays with you long after it ends.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My work always begins with one simple step: listening. I spend time understanding what the client is really looking for—not just in words, but in intent and emotion. Sometimes it’s a 30-second jingle that needs to leave a lasting impact in the blink of an eye. Other times it’s a full-blown single meant to connect with audiences on streaming platforms. And then there are the projects that are massive in scope, like a two-hour stage musical or an elaborate film score. For me, the scale doesn’t matter—the process is always about uncovering the essence of what needs to be said musically. Once I’ve absorbed the vision, I start to build. This stage is never about imposing my sound on the client—it’s about finding the sweet spot where their story and my craft meet. I love diving into complexity. In fact, I thrive on it. Whether I’m blending Indian folk elements with global sounds, experimenting with immersive Dolby Atmos textures, or sculpting a simple melody that says it all, I treat each project as a unique canvas. Collaboration is at the core of my process. I don’t see it as a client handing me a brief and waiting for a result—I see it as a journey we take together. The conversations, the back-and-forth, the experimentation—these are the moments that often spark something beyond what any of us imagined at the start. Ultimately, my goal is to create work that not only meets expectations but transcends them—music that connects on a deeper level, that lingers long after the final note. That’s the standard I hold myself to, no matter the size or nature of the project.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio is really my playground. It’s built around a Logic Pro workstation, which is where most of my composing, arranging, and production happens. The gear is important and is a hybrid of great analogue and digital tools. Here is the full list of gear : https://wahwahmusic.com/studio-gear/

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: I’ve always been inspired by musicians and producers who dared to change the game. Miles Davis for his constant reinvention, The Beatles for rewriting the rules of popular music, and Quincy Jones for his genius at blending genres while keeping it soulful. I grew up in awe of Michael Jackson and Prince—both of them showed me what it means to be fearless, innovative, and completely in command of your sound. On the production side, I love how Pharrell and Timbaland made rhythm and texture the heroes of modern music, pushing pop into fresh, unexpected directions. Closer to home, R.D. Burman was a massive influence—his ability to fuse Indian roots with global sounds is something that still resonates with me. And of course, A.R. Rahman, who built a worldwide language out of Indian music. For me, the common thread is this: all of these artists took risks, broke molds, and made music that still feels timeless. That’s the kind of journey I try to stay on

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I create distinctive, world-class music and sound identities that help brands, filmmakers, and artists tell powerful stories. That takes many forms depending on the client: Advertising / Brands – scoring commercials, creating sonic branding (logos, idents, mnemonics), and producing large-scale campaigns (Nike, Google, Saudi Tourism, BBC One). These usually combine contemporary global production with a uniquely Indian/Asian flavor. Film / OTT – composing and producing original scores and songs that heighten narrative and emotional impact (Bombay Boys,Nishaanchi, Choona, Tehran). Independent Music – writing, producing, and releasing albums that push boundaries (Voyage 2, Mumbai Star), often fusing Indian folk with global sounds. Live Performance – presenting high-energy concerts at international festivals and bespoke shows for cultural/brand events. Creative Strategy – advising on the musical direction of campaigns, helping clients shape how sound drives emotion and recognition. In simple terms: I solve creative problems with music, whether it’s making a brand unforgettable, scoring a film so it resonates globally, or producing genre-bending tracks that showcase India on the world stage.