Hanumankind Navigates Experimental Phase Through Strategic Brand Collaborations
Renowned rapper Hanumankind is currently immersed in an experimental creative phase, actively exploring new avenues while maintaining his artistic core. A key component of this exploration involves strategic brand collaborations, which he views as opportunities to expand his horizons without compromising his identity.
Stepping Into New Rooms with Thums Up Anthem
Fresh from recording the latest Thums Up music anthem alongside legendary composer Vishal Dadlani, Hanumankind reveals that the collaboration represented a deliberate move to venture into unfamiliar creative spaces. "I was in the space. Me and the boys were in the space to try out new things, to experiment and try and work with other parties," he explains. "When they reached out to us, they were like, 'hey, this might be the space to do that.' We attempted that and we were able to work with legends like Vishal."
The artist emphasizes that the primary objective was to step into new rooms creatively while steadfastly preserving his fundamental artistic essence and authenticity.
The Power of Selective Yes and No in the Industry
Hanumankind reflects on the challenging journey to his current position, noting that every affirmative decision in the music industry is typically preceded by numerous rejections. "When we were making music with nothing to our names, there were a lot of things we had to say thumbs down to and thumbs up to," he recalls. "We fought to get to this point where we can try these things and still retain integrity."
He underscores the critical importance of discernment, stating that being able to say yes also means being proficient at saying no to opportunities that could negatively impact one's artistic vision. Acknowledging that the path is not always smooth, he mentions, "It's not always perfect. There are speed bumps and blocks. That headspace is key."
Perspective on Arijit Singh's Bollywood Decision
When asked about fellow musician Arijit Singh's recent decision to step back from Bollywood engagements, Hanumankind adopts a personal rather than political stance. "He comes from a different space. The man made the decision for himself. You got to respect that because there's weight he carries with his work and he's the only one that carries that," he remarks. "Whatever happens to the industry after that is secondary to the man."
Addressing Burnout and the Creative Grind
On the topic of burnout, Hanumankind dismisses any romanticization of relentless hard work. He offers pragmatic advice to fellow artists: "Don't focus on the music too long. You put too much fire, it burns. Take a step back. Too much of a good thing can become a bad thing."
He advocates for self-awareness and proactive management of creative energy, urging individuals to learn to recognize signs of overload and develop strategies to release pressure. "If you don't have space, try and find it. Don't blame people for crashing out and burning. Life is stressful. Sometimes it feels like everybody's out to get you," he concludes, highlighting the universal challenges faced in high-pressure creative industries.
