Learn the DNA of music: Salim Merchant

Salim Merchant is a busy, busy man. And we say this in a good way. One half of the fabled Salim-Sulaiman composer duo, he’s now a judge on &TV’s The Voice India Season 2. And there’s not a hint of fatigue in his voice as we connect over the phone, just ahead of a recording he’s due to get into. A self-confessed lover of the show and its format, he takes his job seriously, but finds enough time to have fun doing it with his fellow judges. Keenly aware and good-humoured, he makes for engaging conversation. Read on...

You’re doing a lot of work internationally — we’ve heard of your collaborations with musicians and the international films you and Sulaiman are working on. How do you find time for a show like The Voice India Season 2?

(Laughs) I’ve been in love with the format since its earliest days. I’ve watched the US, UK and the Australian versions, too (the last one, because Seal, my fav singer, was on the show). I’ve always been attracted to the vibe of the show. I remember there was talk of the show coming to India a few years ago, but nothing happened. When it finally did on &TV, I was doing another reality show when Season 1 aired. Unfortunately, both shows were telecast in the same time slot. Nevertheless, I’d miss my show and catch Voice India. I was very happy when they approached me for this season and because I know the format really well. From whatever we’ve shot, I can tell you it’s been a great journey so far.

Why are blind auditions better?

Like it or not, you do get influenced. You do have a preset idea before you judge, which is absolutely eliminated here. In a blind audition, you’re just listening to and not looking at. Only the best voices can make you turn your chair.

We believe you guy are done with a few of the auditions. First impressions?

Unbelievable! I know how it sounds, but it really is a fact.We have singers from small towns singing jazz and blues, which isn’t what you expect. The general perception is that they are classically trained — which they well may be — but some even sang Western interpretations of old Bollywood songs. If you haven’t seen the promos yet, do give it a look. Some of the talent is unbelievable. Also, this season, the show has amazing coaches in Neeti Mohan, Shaan and Benny Dayal. You should see us — how we break into song sponteaneously and are always willing to sing a line or shake a leg. There’s a lot of young energy...

How’s your rapport with the other judges?

(Sighs) They’ve all started their careers with me. I don’t mean to sound old or whatever, but Neeti, if you remember, was part of Aasma, a band we mentored and I’ve seen her in her every early years. Benny ke baare mein kya boloon. AR Rahman had suggested he come meet me. The day we first met, I made him sing Pocket Mein Rocket for Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year. That was his first Bollywood song outside of Rahman’s camp. Ever since, he has never looked back. I was the reason why he stayed back in Mumbai and moved from Chennai. You can ask him that! We did two or three songs together for Band Bajaa Baaraat and it went on and on from there. What do I say about Shaan? He and I go back 25 years. Back to the time when I started doing jingles. We’re pretty much the same age.

Fancy yourself as the Blake Shelton of India, Voice-wise?

I think Pharrell is most like me. He’s a music producer. Everyone wants to be in his team.

What kind of voices are you looking for?

Believe it or not, I’ve got the best team so far. Don’t mean to blow my horn or anything, but what I believe is that every singer looks to team up with a composer, because they believe they will get an opportunity to work with the composer — and I have given opportunities to deserving singers. And I believe it has happened here. When all four judges turn, like it or not, the singer has come to my team, knowing there’s a future there.

What kind of future do you think singers on such shows can expect?

The world watches them. Aur aisa nahi hai ki chance nahi milta. Playback singing is just one avenue (and I know it’s a big one), but there’s also live concerts, festivals, advertising as well. All this talent gets watched and loved. The media doesn’t grab that because ultimately we don’t have a music industry, we have a film industry.

What advice would you give aspiring singers?

Learn an instrument. Learn the DNA of music. And not just what’s Western or Indian classical music. There’s so much more. Take Arijit Singh, for example. He is a fantastic singer, who once stopped singing and started arranging and producing. That’s where he became so good. He drowned himself in the ocean of music. That’s what’s so important. a lot of singers feel there’s a shortcut to success. Sing a song, get your glory, do your concerts then tu kaun, main kaun. What I’d like to say is that music is a crazy ocean. Drown in it; you can’t just swim in it. Only when you drown, you find your craft.

The Voice India Season 2 starts tonight and airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm on &TV.