Calum Scott Embraces India's Chill with Warmth and Excitement
Fresh from his journeys through Egypt and South Africa, acclaimed British singer-songwriter Calum Scott has made his much-anticipated return to India. The artist humorously admits to being slightly unprepared for the climatic conditions, noting with a smile, "Much chillier than I remember it to be, actually." Despite the unexpected cold, Scott is thrilled to be back in Delhi, gearing up for a bustling week that features an intimate performance at The Piano Man and a dynamic festival set at Lollapalooza India.
A Personal Journey with Family and Flavors
This visit holds special significance for Scott, as he has brought his mother along to experience the wonders of India. "This time I've been able to bring my mum with me, so she gets to see the wonders of India," he shares enthusiastically. While time constraints prevented a trip to the iconic Taj Mahal, the duo did manage to explore Akshardham in Delhi, soaking in the cultural richness.
Food remains a cornerstone of Scott's itinerary, with the singer eagerly diving back into Indian cuisine. He fondly recalls a previous pani puri challenge, describing it as "a beautiful thing and an awful thing at the same time." Scott emphasizes the importance of cultural immersion, stating, "Wherever I go in the world, I feel like you owe it to the country to immerse yourself in culture, food, music, tradition." He adds, "Back home, the Brits, we love Indian food, but it's never going to be the same as authentic, home-cooked Indian food. I think it connects you to the country."
Musical Aspirations and Indian Collaborations
Having previously collaborated with Indian singer Armaan Malik on their single Always, Scott expresses a keen interest in further exploring Indian musical elements. "I would love to work with an artist and sing in Punjabi," he reveals. Acknowledging the need for preparation, he mentions, "I need to do way more research and sit with Duolingo or some sort of app that's going to help me along the way." Scott envisions incorporating Indian instruments or singing methods into his music, aiming for a result he describes as "chef's kiss."
Emotional Performances and Personal Growth
Despite a decade in the spotlight since his breakthrough on Britain's Got Talent, Scott confesses that nerves still accompany him. "I've been nervous ever since that stage on the show, all the way through to last year performing with Ed Sheeran in India, to these shows," he admits. His dedication to his audience is unwavering: "The audience have taken their hard-earned money and spent it on a Calum Scott ticket. I've got to make sure that is worth every penny."
When asked what fans can expect from his shows, Scott is candid: "I am still going to make people cry. That's always going to be my objective. I mean, if I'm not making you cry, I'm not doing my job." This emotional depth stems from his personal songwriting, which has evolved over the years. His earlier work often delved into themes of identity, mental health, and heartbreak, serving as a form of therapy.
However, his upcoming album marks a shift towards positivity. "This album follows the same formula, but I felt like I've found contentment in my life," Scott explains. "So, this album is, dare I say, more positive than the last two. Not as much heartbreak, not as much darkness." This newfound happiness is attributed to personal milestones, including finding love in his life—embodied by his four-legged companion, an English bulldog named Elvis—and aspirations of fatherhood.
As Calum Scott reconnects with India through its culture, cuisine, and music, his journey reflects a blend of personal growth and artistic evolution, promising heartfelt performances that resonate deeply with audiences.
