Suryakant Sawhney aka Lifafa aka Miya, talks about his ever-evolving musical journey and the intriguing parts of his creative world. A decade-long exploration has led him to a constant state of reinvention and in this conversation with Platform, Suryakant shares the evolution of his music, the awakening behind his album Jaago, the challenge he posed to listeners with Superpower 2020 and the future of music as he envisions it. Before closing the talk, he switched gears and talked about his creative process as Miya for his production house, Miya Biwi Films, that he runs with his wife.
Known for his distinctive musical style, Suryakant Sawhney, often recognised as the driving force behind Peter Cat Recording Co., has become a prominent figure in India’sindie music scene. His music is an eclectic blend of genres, incorporating elements of jazz, psychedelic rock, pop and a generous sprinkle of his unique storytelling. This hasgarnered him a dedicated following both in India and internationally.
Suryakant’s upcoming tour with Peter Cat Recording Co. promises to be a significant milestone in their musical journey. The tour aims to introduce European audiences to the band’s latest masterpiece, Bismillah, in its current form. This tour not only signifies a chance to share their music with a global audience but also marks a moment of closure for a chapter that has been long-awaited.
As a Miya, he is going to be offshore, for all of next year, taking classes with his wife, who has been selected as a Neimann follower at Havard. Excerpts from our conversation below.
Your musical journey seems to be a continuous exploration. How has your music evolved since you started a decade ago and what drives this constant evolution?
I still feel as if I know nothing and every time I embark on a new song or album, I begin right from the start. I suppose, in its current form, I’m starting to see certain motifs Ienjoy more often, like maximal soundscapes, sounds of nature or reality thrown in, a certain romantic mood. Over time, these have become more refined but never quite there.Hence the machine continues.
Jaago marked an important turning point in your musical journey. Could you delve into how this album signifies an awakening beyond attachment, as its title suggests?
I guess in a way the title was a message to myself to get my life together as I had just crossed being thirty and still felt like I had been unable to make any progress or achieve anything I had hoped to in my field. Note - still feels the same. For me to start the engine, I needed to take a chance and venture into a new place, which is what Jaago allowed me to do.
And then with your record Superpower 2020, you challenged the listener to re-exam- ine their relationship with your music. That album was fun and loud. What informed that decision?
It was just an extension of ideas, I still ponder about, regarding where to take Indian music stylistically. I’m eager to find a musical form or language which just naturally comes out of this place, as opposed to re-doing a popular style to suit Indian tastes.
What does this upcoming tour mean to Peter Cat Recording Co.?
It will mark some closure as we hadn’t had the chance to perform Bismillah in its current form to European audiences. It’s exciting to see that the tickets are selling well.
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Words Hansika Lohani
Date 09.12.2023