Shikha Duggal
In the dynamic realm of music, a star is on the rise capturing hearts and minds with his exceptional talent and electrifying performances! Meet Shubham Pal, popularly known by his stage name Spectra, an emerging rapper, hip-hop musician, and stage performer hailing from our country. From the early days of his college life, his passion for rap ignited a fire within him, driving him to showcase his extraordinary skills to the world.
“A song like Tum Nazar Mein was composed during the period of lockdown. This was the time when many of us were infected and confined to quarantine, and some of us were in critical condition. Personally, as I recuperated from it, I found inspiration in the resilience of those who experienced survivor’s guilt. The song delved into the profound impact that pandemic had on our lives, rendering us physically, mentally, and emotionally vulnerable.”
It all began with his humble beginnings on YouTube, where he fearlessly shared his rap compositions with the world. Captivating audiences with his raw talent and lyrical finesse, his music rapidly gained traction, attracting a growing fan base. Through his poignant storytelling and emotive delivery, Spectra connected deeply with listeners, solidifying his
position as a unique voice in the Indian music scene. He continued, “I was born and raised in Noida — right from my early days, the world of theatre had played a significant impact on me, shaping my experiences in school, and college. The influence of theatre is deeply embedded in my songwriting, with many of my compositions drawing inspiration from its picturisation and depiction. Initially, my exposure to music came through commercial rap songs, but it was through my friends that I discovered the widespread popularity of rap as a movement in Western countries. This newfound knowledge led me to explore the works of influential artists such as Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., and Rakim.”
Spectra’s journey took an exhilarating turn in 2022 when he graced the esteemed reality programme, MTV Hustle 2.0. The inaugural episode witnessed his awe-inspiring performance of the song Kaalarism, leaving both the judges and the audience spellbound. With his incredible vocal prowess and impeccable rapping abilities, he left an indelible mark, earning him a well-deserved spot among the finest talents on the show. “Rap, in its essence, is an influential art form that empowers artists to express themselves in a deeply personal and vulnerable manner. It grants them the freedom to explore the intricacies of life, challenge taboos, and defy stereotypes that often go unaddressed in mainstream commercial music. Within the realm of rap, these topics are unabashedly brought to the forefront and even celebrated. The deeply personal nature of rap music makes it remarkably relatable to audiences and endears it to humankind as a whole. It is this unique ability to personalise and connect with listeners on a profound level that sets rap apart and makes it a beloved and cherished genre,” he added.
Spectra has given the world a wide variety of timeless songs during his career. His music connects with listeners, expressing their own joys, challenges, and goals. In addition, Behtareen, which reached number one on the charts thanks to Spectra’s partnership with renowned artist Munawar Farooqi, captured listeners’ attention with its distinctive fusion of musical genres and heartfelt melodies. As part of his ongoing musical experimentation, Spectra recently teamed up with talented singers to create the powerful song Makeover. They included Badshah and Srushti Tawade. This exciting collaboration shows Spectra’s versatility and ability to expertly meld multiple musical genres, giving an unmatched listening experience.
“It was an incredibly generous gesture from Badshah Paaji to fly to Chandigarh and collaborate with us. The experience of working with Srushti Tawde was truly exceptional and filled with excitement. Badshah Paaji, true to his nature, brought his candid and friendly demeanor on the set, infusing enthusiasm and humor that made the entire journey a joyful experience. While collaborating, one valuable lesson I learned from Srushti was the importance of having a hunger for success and the willingness to take risks. She showcased a remarkable dedication to keep striving even after attaining her initial goals. This mindset has left a lasting impression on me, inspiring me to embrace perseverance and continuous growth in my own artistic journey.”
With his magnetic stage presence, profound storytelling, and unparalleled musical talent, Spectra has firmly established himself as a rising star in the Indian music industry. As he continues to evolve, captivating audiences with his infectious energy and innovative musicality, there is no doubt that Spectra is destined for greatness, leaving an indelible mark on the global rap and hip-hop scene.
“My early days comes from theatre and didn’t have a musical background, I always had the knack for writing and picturing a song in mind but wasn’t aware of the basics of recording. It includes mixing, recording procedure, and all that so I had to learn everything from Root Label. I had to acquire knowledge about the art form which was the biggest challenge for me and also the equipment without a godfather. The rap industry, even after gaining significant popularity through movies like Gully Boy but continues to face two major challenges in our country. Firstly, the economic aspect remains a hurdle, as the industry struggles with financial resources and support. Secondly, there is a lack of awareness among the general public about underground rap and the various genres within the realm of rap,” adds Spectra.
With his magnetic stage presence, Spectra has firmly established himself as a rising star in the Indian music industry. “I consider my songs to be as versatile as water, effortlessly adapting to any container they are placed in. Similar to how water takes on different forms, I strive to embrace and explore various genres within the rap industry, evolving with the changing times.
My aim is to create music that resonates across different styles and eras, always adapting and flowing with the current of the rap industry. Like water, I seek to remain fluid and adaptable, allowing my creativity to take shape in different ways while staying true to my artistic vision.”
Taking a contrarian perspective on the matter, he also believes that art, despite its long-standing presence in society, does not play a significant role in driving societal progression. Throughout history, rappers have witnessed the existence of various art forms such as music, literature, dramatics, movies, and paintings, yet wars and geopolitical disputes persist. However, it’s important to note that this viewpoint challenges the conventional notion that art has the power to shape and mold society. While art has the potential to inspire, provoke thought, and foster empathy, it may not directly drive large-scale societal changes.
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey as Spectra’s music resonates deep within your soul, inviting you to immerse yourself in the powerful narratives and vibrant beats of this extraordinary artist!
