23-year old electronic music producer, composer and singer, Ritviz shot to viral fame with release of his hit single Udd Gaye. In a partnership between Bacardi, All India Bakchod & Nucleya - Udd Gaye was handpicked by the best in the business to be the biggest party anthem of the year, released in 2017.

Following this massive hit with a series of sticky numbers through the year, Ritviz has made a name for himself as one of the most widely followed electronic music producers in India, today. His ability to effortlessly merge Hindustani classical elements with electronic beats & breezy vocals has taken Indians all over the world by storm. Having started out at the age of 6, currently he is one of the most streamed artist on Spotify India since the app’s launch in March 2019. Ritviz has performed sold out concerts across India with a highlight show at Bacardi NH7 Weekender Pune in December 2018.

Fresh off his debut octuple track album announcement, one of the country’s most bankable and fastest rising electronic music producers Ritviz Srivastava from Pune has teamed up with his long-time manager and business partner, Rahul Sinha to curate his first ever live IP, adding the entrepreneur mantle to his bag of feats.

Titled Casa Bacardi on Tour presents YUV Fest, the festival will be embellished with real world comedy and music performances. Conceptualised with a vision to give an impetus to the burgeoning independent scene, it will travel to 9 cities across India over the next 3 months starting October 2019.

Ritviz was speaker at the recently concluded India Today Mindrocks 2019. A report on his talk.

The session by Ritviz at India Today Mindrocks 2019 titled ‘What it takes to compose a whole tune’ started by musician commending the vibe of the city, “Delhi has an energy like nowhere else.”

Talking about his musical journey, Ritviz mentioned that his dad played the table and he would wake up every Sunday listening to his mother’s aalaap. This exposure and the fact that he’s always around music, is why it is seemed like a natural transition for him to choose music as a career. He also said that he didn’t enjoy school much and it was important for him to prove that he would be an achiever.  

The artist spoke about his making it in the music industry, and said that it is important to prioritise music over everything; even money. On creating his first successful track, Udd Gaye, Ritviz added that the idea was to keep things simple. He thinks it’s important to make music the centre and focus on it; build everything else around it. Ritviz also said that it is extremely important to either have a support system or have immense faith in one’s talent.

The musician discussed combating a mental block, one that’s normal for creative people. “It’s important to have a block too; only then will there be a flow.” Ritviz added that music is a therapeutic form of art for him, and he deals with tough times through this medium.

A big fan of Lady GaGa, Ritviz said he is inspired by everyone from Nucleya to MIDIval Punditz, and urged people to celebrate those who make original music.

Mentioning that he is releasing his debut album titled ‘Dev’ this month, Ritviz concluded by talking about maintaining a balance between "Ritviz the musician and Ritviz the person". He said, “Artistes don’t have a balanced life, I am still searching for one. As I grow, I learn that it is important to have a personal life, one that stands on its own feet. And your professional life should look at it and be like ‘Oh, we can be friends’.”

Takeaways:

Facing struggles in life: Ritviz said that every artist faces their own set of struggles. He also mentioned that he was privileged to receive support from his parents, which is a trouble for many people. 

How to deal with a mental block while making music: It is important to celebrate what you are creating. Let it take time; it will come to you. You can always practice to perfect your style, but never force it. That’s a more fruitful process. Music is very therapeutic, and every creative person will understand this. It is revealing and also a way to find yourself. It is expression, and expression is everything.

Becoming successful in life: Ritviz mentioned that music should be given utmost priority and as an artiste you mustn’t think about money.  

Pleasing fans: Ritviz mentioned that he makes music because he likes the process and because it makes sense to him. He doesn’t create music to please people, though he definitely values the listener. Making music or creating any art is a reaction to reality; whatever you face in life, you present it in your own way. It is also important to tell people of the power of original music. It is important to celebrate people who make original music.

Being successful:  You either need to find the support system or have immense faith in yourself. Every artiste faces their own set of struggles.

Session: What it takes to compose a whole tune

Speaker: Ritviz, Musician

Curated By Verus Ferreira