Bollywood is infused with a lot of talent and it is not only on the acting front but even in various other avenues. Yes, in the music industry, there has been an influx of talent and also an evident change in music. But what stays the same is the love and adulation that comes their way. Recently, I met a very talented yet very humble artist, Stebin Ben who literally spoke his heart out, and with every word, he said I could feel the passion and love he had for what he does. 2023 is very amazing for Stebin his latest song under the Sa Re Ga Ma label, Tum Mile Dil Khile has been quite loved, and the year ahead holds a lot of Bollywood songs with the most recent one being Selfiee.
Talking about his journey and how he has changed over the years, Stebin shares…
The only difference compared to 2015 is that I am more confident, I think too much before singing a song, I take too much time to sing a song. I take a lot of pressure now, earlier I would sing anything I liked. But today to sing, I need to understand the music and make sure I am not making any mistake. Since people have started knowing me the pressure to perform well has increased.
He even spoke about his latest song Tum Mile Dil Khile and said…
Idea behind Tum Mile Dil Hhile was very simple, it was to give a tribute to the iconic song and its legendary singers. It wasn’t in my head to do a remake or make the song better. No singer can remake a song and make it better. All they can do is give his style of music to it, that’s what I have also tried to do. I wanted to do something different in 2023, and that was too attempt an iconic song.
Recreating a song in this day and age is different, commenting on the same, Stebin opines…
When you are recreating a song, every singer/musician has their own liberties, but I am someone who generally likes to take a lot of pressure. I really fear to do bad and to disappoint people. I don’t want to spoil the soul of any song because I hear a lot about the remakes being made these days. I don’t want to be amongst those music directors who are spoiling the songs. Hence, I don’t change anything about the song, I just have my new voice in it.
He even talks about how the music industry has changed…
It has changed a lot, music changes every two years. When I entered the industry, my only source of interest was film music, I tried very hard to put myself in that space, but it was really difficult. In the lockdown, independent music grew and that’s when I made an entry with my songs. It helped me a lot because there was acceptance for independent music. Indie music from the 90s returned in 2020, became a hit in 2021. My songs also became a superhit because they had the 90s vibe. In 2022 and 2023, songs have become upbeat. Now people want a club vibe, in songs, so beats have changed.
When I asked him if social media or his huge fan base influences his choices, Stebin explained…
I am very scared to sing non-commercial songs. I feel like my fans won’t respond much because sadly people are only accepting commercial music. It is very difficult for non-commercial songs to work these days. It is rare to see a different song work. So thinking about my fans, I have to choose more of commercial music.
On his upcoming projects, Stebin said that there is a lot in store…
You will see a lot of Bollywood songs, because I have a lot of releases. My focus now is to switch to Bollywood, good Bollywood songs are needed for a singer to have the right recognition. I am very proud to have lend my voice for Selfiee in the song Deewane, but there are many big actors I have collaborated this year, so you will see a lot of my music.
Well, the song releases next week on 15th February and I am waiting to see it. And also to see how Stebin rule hearts this year with his music. I liked how candid he was throughout the conversation, I love his songs for sure, but from now onwards I love his honesty too!