What first inspired you to start playing guitar and composing music?
When I was in 7th grade, I developed an interest in writing poetry and quotes. Music was just a hobby—I loved listening and enjoying it. But after my 12th grade, I came in contact with some friends while working at a call center. They introduced me to rock music, and I felt a deep connection to their ideas and lyrical representation. That's when I decided to pick up a guitar and start writing more seriously.
Can you describe a pivotal moment in your musical journey that shaped who you are as an artist?
In my early days, I was completely blind and running randomly. Whatever came to my mind, I created, but I had no vision. Then everything changed after 2016 when I became a spiritual practitioner. I started reading deeply from the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavatam Purana. It gave me a blast to my worldly vision. I learned that art is creation, and creation is meant to serve and uplift each other toward divinity. That's when I started taking myself seriously. I saw a new vision and gained deeper insights about myself and my surroundings. I decided to create music on topics like compassion, unconditional love, war, God, karma, hope, relationship cheat, silence, confusion, chaos, and more.
How has your style evolved from when you first started to now?
I have always written and composed sad music, but with a moral behind it. Initially, I played purely unplugged music. But now I love experimenting with different sounds. I've upgraded to an electric guitar, which gives me a vast variety of sounds—acoustic, electric, synth. The guitar is truly the most versatile instrument to play with.
What piece of music or composer has influenced you the most?
When I started, I was inspired by grunge and progressive music, and I'm still into the same kind of playing. Artists like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Pink Floyd, Frank Zappa, and Porcupine Tree have been huge influences. In Indian music, Annapurna Devi inspires me deeply.
Walk us through your favorite original composition—what's the story behind it?
I uploaded two videos. One track is called "Happened Already." I got the inspiration from a life incident in 2014. I came across an elderly beggar woman in Bangalore. She was a beggar, but I didn't feel like she was one. I inquired about her at a nearby shop, and her story made me cry. She belonged to a rich family, but her children abandoned her to beg over a property dispute. I had been hearing similar stories, but this one hit me practically. So I named it "Happened Already." The second song was inspired by women. It's called "Oh Women," and it depicts the daily life of a woman—their struggles, intelligence, and experiences.
What does your guitar or recording setup look like, and what makes it special to you?
It took me four years to build my setup. There was so much investment, hard work, and thought behind it. I faced many losses and frustrations. Most of the gear I had to get from the USA, which wasn't easy. So it's attached to me like an extension of myself.
Tell us about a cover you've arranged in your own style—why that song and what did you change?
This is actually my original melody. History has always been my inspiration, as I've learned a lot from it. Last year, a movie about the great Maratha king Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was released. I don't usually watch movies in theaters—it's been 10 years—but I went to see this one and cried a lot. I was unwell for two days. Then I decided to compose a melody based on that experience. I got the rhythm track from my Boss ME25 processor, and I composed this melody over it, completely lost in the inhuman actions and the firm dedication of King Sambhaji. I feel really proud to be part of India.
Share a memorable story from a recording session or live performance.
Actually, I am a solo artist. It's been three years since I played covers. I enjoy creating and improvising new melodies and songs myself. I've stopped playing covers entirely.
Describe your creative process when composing a new piece.
First, I compose a beat or rhythm using my Digitech Trio Plus stomp box. I connect my guitar and jam with this pedal, which creates multiple drum and bass guitar beats. I choose the best beat and record it with my looper. Once the beats are ready, I design a melody on my electric guitar. That's one way I compose instrumental melodies. Another way is to find free loop tracks on Sample Focus in wave format. I download them and upload them into my Boss RC5 looper. Then I compose a guitar melody by creating a situation in my mind, playing until the idea is complete. It can go on for hours.
What advice would you give to aspiring guitarists and composers?
My first advice is that art is the highest form of service to society. Please cultivate this attitude in your mind. Never treat your art as a means of enjoyment or money-making. I have taught myself to live a simple life, but always use my art to empower and uplift society. My second advice is to find your strengths in playing and composing—what you do best—and then just keep creating. Prioritize your emotions over skills. Music should be felt raw and original.
Contact and Follow
Email: abhi.1994nirvana@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abhi7967?igsh=eDJoZ29ncDJ6bHVm
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theabhijeet1908?si=T8AHbv2qi8WuaRDn
