For years, SANAM has occupied a distinctive niche within India's music industry, celebrated equally for reimagining beloved classics and crafting original compositions. While many artists treat covers and originals as separate creative disciplines, the band does not adhere to such a rigid division. In a recent conversation with Pune Times, bassist Venky elaborated on SANAM's approach to music creation, emphasizing why the emotional resonance of a song takes precedence over whether it is technically 'original.'
Blurring the Lines Between Covers and Originals
When asked if the band currently feels a stronger inclination toward producing original music, Venky responded, 'Not necessarily. I don't differentiate much between originals and renditions. Ultimately, you're expressing something real either way.' This perspective underscores the band's belief that authenticity is paramount, regardless of a song's provenance.
Music as an Evolutionary Art Form
Venky highlighted that music has always evolved through reinterpretation, influence, and shared motifs. 'There are only so many notes,' he explained. 'Even globally, music builds on existing ideas — like sampling in hip-hop.' For SANAM, creating a rendition is not about imitation but about uncovering new emotional layers within familiar melodies. He described how nostalgic elements and recurring musical ideas serve as tools for expression rather than constraints. 'Using these motifs and things that feel nostalgic creates a kind of musical expression that resonates with what people want to explore emotionally,' he shared.
Challenging Conventional Notions of Originality
The band's viewpoint challenges the long-standing belief that originality exists only when something is created entirely from scratch. Simultaneously, SANAM continues to develop its own original catalog, but without viewing the two forms as opposing creative identities. For them, authenticity matters more than categorization. Whether performing a classic melody from decades ago or a song written entirely by the band, the goal remains consistent: to create something emotionally honest.
About the Author: Toshiro Agarwal is a journalist with Pune Times, covering entertainment and lifestyle features, news, and interviews.
