‘Staying original is the only way to last’

Singer-songwriter Abir has been making waves in the indie music scene, blending contemporary and soulful influences to create deeply resonant tracks. His breakout hit, Walk Away, went viral, establishing him as a rising force in independent music. Now, with his latest collaboration, Jaane Jaana alongside Shreya Jain, he explores the themes of heartbreak and nostalgia, delivering yet another emotionally charged performance.
For him, Walk Away wasn’t just a song—it was a defining moment in his career. Before its viral success, he was making music purely out of passion. “When it went viral, I realised how much people connected with it,” he shared. The overwhelming response gave him newfound confidence in his sound and reinforced the importance of consistency in the indie space.
“One big lesson I carried forward was to stay authentic—people resonate with honesty in music,” he said. This realisation continues to shape his approach to songwriting and production.
As an independent artist, standing out in a rapidly growing music scene came with its own challenges. “The biggest challenge was making sure my music stood out while staying true to my artistic vision,” Abir explained.
With constant pressure to follow trends, he had to make a conscious decision to stay original. “I learned that longevity comes from staying personal and relatable. So, instead of chasing trends, I focus on crafting a sound that feels authentic to me.”
His music carries a distinct blend of indie and contemporary influences, shaped by some of his biggest inspirations. “I’ve always been inspired by artists who bring emotion into their music—people like Harry Styles, Shawn Mendes, Asim Azhar, Falak Shabir, and Giveon,” he shared. Their ability to create melodies that linger and evoke deep emotions is something he aims to infuse into his own work.
Growing up in India also played a significant role in his musical evolution. “I was surrounded by diverse music, and that naturally shaped my style,” he said, emphasising how his background contributes to his unique sound.
His collaboration with Shreya on Jaane Jaana was a natural fit. “I always liked her vocals and music, and when I created Jaane Jaana, she was my only preference,” he revealed. Wanting her voice to bring the song to life, he asked his team to connect with her and that’s how the collaboration came to be.
The song captures a mix of longing and warmth, emotions Abir deeply connected with during the recording process. “For me, it felt like revisiting an old memory—the kind that makes you smile but also makes your heart ache a little. That feeling of wanting to hold onto a moment but knowing it’s slipping away, that’s what I connected with the most while singing it.”