From Playback to Pop: Uncovering Armaan Malik's Journey in the Music Industry

Finding His Musical Flair

Armaan Malik, a young sensation from a family deep-rooted in music, journeyed from reality TV to becoming an acclaimed playback and pop singer:

• At the tender age of five, Malik entered the world of classical music, which he initially struggled with due to its complexity. He went to his first guru, asking for a switch to more palatable semi-classical training—this early exposure laid the foundation of his singing career.
• Despite being from a musical family, Malik faced some resistance from his parents who had seen the struggles of a career in the music industry. Regardless, his consistent victories at singing competitions made his parents recognize his potential and support his dreams.
• Malik auditioned for the reality show 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' under just his first name to avoid any bias due to his family background. Despite experiencing rejection and the harsh realities of judgement in the public eye, he learned about his shortcomings as a singer and committed to refining his craft.

Becoming a Brand: Malik's Stage Persona

Understanding his audience and connecting with them individually has been a key aspect of Malik's journey:

• His observational skills helped him understand the cultural nuances of different regions he performed in, allowing him to connect with diverse audiences more deeply.
• Malik has confidence in his craft, but he remains open to criticism and analysis, which pushes him to strive for perfection in every performance.
• Concert performances require emotional awareness and understanding—the emotions evoked by the singer should sync with the feelings of the audience. Hence, Malik puts significant emphasis on the art of crowd control, which he believes musicians excel at, to provide an immersive, memorable experience.

Pivoting from Playback to Independent Music

Singing for Bollywood did not satiate Malik's need for artistic fulfilment, leading to his shift towards independent music:

• Having faced multiple instances of being replaced in songs due to industry politics, Malik faced a significant blow to his confidence. However, instead of wavering, he chose to revisit his passion outside the confines of the playback singing industry.
• Despite the potential disappointment of his fans, Malik prioritized his happiness and fulfilment as an artist. His shift from Bollywood to independent music was not a sudden decision but a strategic move fostered over a period.
• Indie music provided Malik with an avenue to create music that reflected his vision and creativity, without any external influences or restrictions. This control over his craft and his ability to connect directly with his audience was a significant factor in his shift to independent music.

Aligning with Brands

Malik has created a profound brand of himself:

• His brand aligns with the extensive fan following, particularly from the female demographic. Quite innovatively, he associates with brands that resonate with his personal brand attributes such as love, softness, calmness, and positive energy.
• This strategic branding allows him to associate with brands that fit his brand persona, enabling successful partnerships. Such an approach enhances his image and adds to his repertoire as an artist.

The Future in Sight

As a part of his future journey, Malik envisions empowering other budding artists:

• He has launched his music label, which is presently releasing his independent music. However, in the future, he aims to onboard musicians who can represent the face of Indian music globally.
• His goal is to share his learnings with these artists, enabling a smoother entry into the music industry and eliminating the struggles he encountered during his journey.

Despite the struggles, rejections, and criticism, Armaan Malik's resilience and passion for music have shaped his successful journey in the music industry. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring musicians and stands testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief.