Ishan Krishan: 'It takes time to build a music career, one needs to trust the process'

Ishan Krishan, Shirley Setia and Vaibhav Pani (Pic/Special Arrangements)

For singer-songwriter Ishan Krishan, a career in music has been as much about self-discovery as finding his sound. The young artiste, who has been making steady strides in the independent music space with tracks such as Kol Mere, Magar, Raateen and Faisla, feels that the real test of a song is its capacity to connect with audiences. In his next song, Tera Banke Rehna, he teams up with singer Shirley Setia and producer-composer Vaibhav Pani, allowing him to experiment with a new creative collaboration while staying true to the honest storytelling that defines his music.

The process of making the song was as important to Krishan as the song itself. It was a big chance for him to work with established artistes and watch the creative process firsthand and how the contributions of individuals combine to make a track. "I guess there's something special about every song, especially for the artiste. For Tera Banke Rehna, the special part for me was the process. To be a part of the song-making process with such fine artistes and amazing people around me is something that is going to stay with me," he says.

The collaboration also gave him a front-row view of how a song takes shape musically. He recalls watching Pani build the soundscape from scratch, describing the experience as almost magical. "It was really amazing. I witnessed Vaibhav Pani make the soundscape for the song from scratch right in front of me, and it was truly magical how everything came together. He is undoubtedly a master at his craft," Krishan says. He is equally appreciative of Setia's contribution, pointing to how her voice and performance in the music video added to the song. "Regarding Shirley, I don't know what to say - her voice, her acting in the music video and everything she did added so much to the song!"

Beyond the collaboration, it is the song's emotional honesty that makes it particularly personal for him. Krishan says he connects deeply with its story because it comes from a place of unfiltered thought rather than an attempt to dress up an emotion. "I definitely connect with the story of the song deeply. The song is really close to me because it is based on raw, unfiltered thoughts and just says what it means to say, as it is," he says. That directness is also central to his approach to songwriting, where the emotion behind a track matters as much as the way it is eventually presented to listeners.

His growing recognition, particularly through ‘Kol Mere', has also changed the way he views his work. While the response has not necessarily altered his musical approach, it has made him more conscious of the responsibility and possibility that come with putting a song out into the world. "Not how I approach my music, but probably it changed the seriousness with which I approached it. I witnessed the impact a song can have. I saw people connecting to the song, and for me that became my purpose," he says. For a young artiste still finding his footing, that connection has become a reason to keep writing and releasing music, rather than simply a marker of success.

Krishan's move to Mumbai has been another defining part of that evolution. The city has exposed him to new people, experiences and ways of looking at music, making the transition both challenging and rewarding. "The journey has been challenging, yet rewarding. When I look back, I find myself to be a completely different person, both generally and as a musician, after shifting to Mumbai. Maybe that's what they call the ‘Mumbai' effect!" he says. "I have learnt so much in this city and met so many amazing people who I think I would have never met had I not shifted to Mumbai. I'm enjoying the journey!"

If there is one lesson he has taken away from the experience so far, it is the importance of patience. In an industry where success can feel like it happens overnight Krishan believes that building a sustainable career is all about consistency and trusting the process. "One of my biggest learnings has to be patience. It's not a one-day, one-month or even one-year job. It takes time, and one needs to be patient, trust the process and consistently put one's best work forward," he says.

With more music in the pipeline, Krishan is keen to move beyond the sound listeners have come to associate with him so far. His upcoming releases will explore a different sonic direction, reflecting an artiste who is still experimenting and evolving. "They can expect something different. A new soundscape, distinct from my other works. I have been working on lots of new stuff, and I cannot wait to share new music!" he says.