With an eclectic blend of influences and a penchant for exploring different sonic territories, Khus Fir’s musical journey has been one of self-discovery and experimentation. Recently, we spoke to him about his melodic voyage, inspirations, and his ever-evolving creative process. Khus Fir aka Rishabh Iyer is actually from Gurgaon but found his artistic sanctuary in the bustling lanes of Bangalore. Pursuing film studies at Srishti College of Art and Design, he embarked on a path that would later be enriched by his foray into the realm of music. “I grew up in Gurgaon and came to Bangalore to study film at Srishti College of Art and Design. I’ve been in Bangalore ever since, working as an animator plus writer for kids’ content,” he shares, reflecting on his formative years.
Khus Fir’s journey with music began with an innate fondness for melodies. His initial tryst with Hindustani vocals and tabla lessons during childhood piqued his interest, but it was his later discovery of music on the internet, particularly in the realm of metal, that ignited a fiery passion within him. This led him to embrace the drums fervently, envisioning a future at Berklee. However, his trajectory took an unexpected turn when he realized that he preferred an intuitive and self-guided approach to his musical pursuits. “So I picked up the guitar by ear, instead of lessons and found that it felt a lot more intuitive and enjoyable that way. And sure enough, it’s the one instrument I still love,” he elaborates.
You can’t put Rishabh’s music in a box, with each release representing a departure from the previous one. This exploration of diverse musical styles led to the use of different monikers in the past. “I wanted to dabble in a bit of everything,” he admits. However, as life happened, he consolidated his creative efforts under the banner of Khus Fir, a project that would receive his undivided attention. His single There’s Something There exudes a raw and time-less quality, drawing inspiration from an array of influences. “I was revisiting a lot of grunge, but also acts like Sabrina Malheiros and Bombino,” he notes. The song’s authenticity was pivotal — Khus Fir drew inspiration from fellow artist, Skulk, who conveys her true self through her music.
Rishabh’s artistic journey is not confined to music alone. A visual artist at heart, he finds inspiration in his mother’s illustrations and intricate metal album covers, often allowing the mood of his songs to dictate the accompanying artwork. His visual artistry seamlessly intertwines with his music, creating a multi-sensory experience for his audience.
This is an exclusive excerpt from our September EZ. To read the entire article and more such pieces, follow the link here.
Words Hansika Lohani
Date September, 2023
