16 Dec GMI Students Speak: Shivash Chagti
The student community at GMI cuts across age groups, musical backgrounds, and interests. The Student Speak Series aims to give a platform to their voices and stories, share what drew them to GMI, how they see their artistry maturing, and their path forward.
Shivash Chagti // Music Production
Delhi // India
Currently enrolled in the Professional Diploma for Music Production, Shivash is a multifaceted musician. Manoeuvring a delicate balancing act, his days are spent engrossed in learning music production, creating his own music, and working for his family’s business. Playing and performing with renowned musical outfits in Delhi- the Anirudh Varma Collective, Submarine in Space, and the Hansraj Projekt, Shivash spent his college years touring and playing nearly 100 shows per year. With the guidance of mentors like Vasundhara Vee, Yeashu Yuvraj, and Bhaskar Gurung, his musicality has been nurtured steadily over the years and the growth is reflected in his recent releases such as Porcelain, and Ho Sake. Inspired by artists like FKJ, Shivash is diving deeper into the world of music production, and hopes to be creating, performing and playing as a one-man band. Below are the excerpts of a conversation exploring his musical origins, aspirations, and inspirations.
When did you become interested in music?
Ever since I can remember. My mother’s a trained Hindustani classical vocalist so I used to sit with her during her classes and Riyaz. All this happened when I was 7-8 years old. I have been a musician since the age of 11. I started singing, got into playing the guitar, and I performed in school choirs, and assemblies. Music has been a healer for me- for a joyful time, a peaceful time, a loving time, a heartbreak. It has been a constant, compassionate friend.
What drew you to study at GMI?
The faculty and the curriculum. Also, I’d been a student here taking private voice lessons so I knew of their quality of delivery and involvement in a student’s personal growth. By studying at GMI I get to keep working, I get to be close to my family, and I get to learn production- so I get the best of both worlds. Because of the way the classes are designed, I get to do Hindustani classical which is really close to my heart. I get to do production, and attend the forums on music marketing and business so it’s a very holistic approach to teaching which I think is so important.
A memorable experience at GMI:
I truly enjoy being in this atmosphere where I’m surrounded by musicians at all times. So everyday is memorable. I have enjoyed meeting people from all different musical backgrounds.
How have you managed to stay creative during the pandemic?
Pandemic has been a blessing for me because it made me super creative as during the pre-pandemic life I was busy with work and other stuff. I have released seven songs starting November 2020 that I worked on during the pandemic.
A fun fact about yourself:
I can talk about the randomest and almost anything under the sun for hours even if I don’t know anything about it
Your favourite food:
Rajma chawal
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be?
I’m currently living a double life working in my family business (logistics and supply chain) and pursuing music. Work is such an integral part of my life that I can’t leave it. I enjoy it.
An artist that currently inspires you:
Bicep
A track that currently inspires you:
Smokin Out the Window
Your musical idol:
Jamie Cullum
Your dream collaboration:
Gregory Porter
How do you spend your free time?
Meditating, reading
A quote that keeps you going / inspires you:
We don’t see the world as it is, we see the world as we are
An instrument you wish you could play / want to learn:
Cajon
Follow Shivash on Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube.
Written by Senjuti Maitra
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