In today's music industry, silence is often treated like irrelevance. Artists are expected to constantly feed algorithms with singles, snippets, reels, and trends just to remain visible. But SANAM has consciously chosen a slower route. During a conversation with Pune Times, the band reflected on why they've resisted the pressure of constant output and why taking time has become central to their creative process.
Samar Puri on Modern Life's Pace
For guitarist Samar Puri, the pace of modern life itself feels overwhelming. Referencing a song he released during the lockdown titled Slowdown, he explained how the issue extends beyond music. "Everything is moving extremely fast," he said. "Trees are getting cut like crazy, everything is about business and making money. The same thing is happening in music, Instagram, YouTube — all these platforms are being used in that way."
Still, he doesn't view the current phase with bitterness. Instead, he sees it as a transition. "This phase is natural," Samar explained. "Right now, we're working towards something that feels closer to our hearts, something we may have been missing for years."
Sanam Puri on Rediscovery
For lead vocalist Sanam Puri, the slower pace is deeply tied to rediscovery. "This is a phase of understanding who we truly are and what we enjoy," he shared. "That takes time. We want to create from a place of fulfilment, not exhaustion or pressure."
The band's comments stand in contrast to the growing "content machinery" that dominates the digital entertainment ecosystem today. While many artists release music at rapid speed to stay relevant online, SANAM appears more interested in longevity than immediacy.
A Shift Toward Creative Satisfaction
Their approach also reflects a larger shift in perspective within the band. After years of balancing renditions, originals, tours, and online success, the members now seem increasingly focused on creative satisfaction rather than sheer visibility. Even though SANAM built one of India's largest independent music audiences online, they openly acknowledge that the digital ecosystem has changed dramatically. The challenge now is not simply releasing more music — it is discovering how to remain emotionally connected to what they create. And in an era obsessed with speed, SANAM choosing to slow down may itself be their boldest creative decision yet.
About the Author
Toshiro Agarwal is a journalist with Pune Times and writes entertainment and lifestyle features, news and interviews.
