Some guys have all the luck….. is the title of a 80s pop song by pop legend Rod Stewart. Even before he could make a mark on the scene with his debut album, Armaan Malik has already created a storm in his own way. We can certainly say that this holds true for a select few who try to make a mark in the ever competitive world of music and by that we mean Bollywood music.

We wouldn’t deny it, but music certainly runs in his genes as Armaan is the grandson of yester-year music composer Sardar Malik, son to singer and music director Daboo Malik and nephew of famous music director Anu Malik. Not new to the music scene himself, Armaan has been singing since an early age, and has lent his voice to over a 100 commercials and about 15 Bollywood films including Bhootnath, Rakta Charitra, Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii, Taare Zameen Par and Chillar Party to name a few. Armaan was also among the top eight in the hit singing reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa `L'il Champs'.

More recently the 19-year-old singer voiced three songs for Salman Khan in the film Jai Ho, ‘Tumko Toh Aana Hi Tha’, ‘Love You Till The End (House Mix) and the title track’ for the movie. Apart from singing, Armaan and his music composer brother Amal Malik also featured in the beginning of Jai Ho in the song Love You Till the End.

So it was no surprise that the iconic star was present to launch Armaan’s debut album Armaan recently. The launch saw the crème de la crème of the music industry attending the launch, the likes of Alka Yagnik, Aditi Singh Sharma, Suchitra Krishnamoorthy and film star Poonam Dhillon. Is it just because his father and uncle are famous that so many celebs are promoting his album or does he really have some potential? A short chat with the singer and we found that he does have immense potential and is a star in the making, minus of course the backing he has from his father and uncle. Also he has the support of his elder brother Amal Malik who has produced the album, some family affair this.

The singer released his album on Universal Music India, and the first single Krazy Konnection, features Salim Merchant of Salim-Sulaiman. The song is an up-tempo pop / dance track that also has Merchant making an appearance in the video. He also released his first ever music video Krazy Konnection featuring Salim Merchant.

At the launch Armaan commented. "I'm very excited. It's a dream come true as I await the release of my debut single Krazy Konnection with Salim Merchant and then my debut album! Music has always been a large part of my life and I'm very fortunate to be able to start a career doing something I love."

Armaan also sang some songs from the album. He sounded really brilliant, and at once you knew he is an artist to watch out for and hopefully an artist of the future. You have to know the guy really well to gauge what lies in store for him. But for the moment we have his album that is special to his heart and though there might be many singers who launch their music album or now launch it online, the songs by Armaan are targeted at the youth.

We listened to the album and we kind of liked what we heard. The album  comprises seven original tracks along with one remix version. The genre of the album is contemporary pop and it encompasses EDM, R&B and Rock all in one.

In an exclusive chat with Verus Ferreira, Armaan pours out his heart on what the journey has been for him so far and what the future holds for him.

How did you get interested in music…. anyone in your family who loves music?

My entire family is into music. Be it my dad, my brother, my uncle, granddad. So it was but natural for me to find my calling in music. I started singing from the age of 6. 

Can you tell us something about your background, school and college….?

I completed my high school and 12th grade from Jamnabai Narsee School. I went to Usha Pravin Gandhi College of Management for a brief period to study BMM (Bachelor of Mass Media). But eventually I had to leave college due to work commitments. So now I'm completing my graduation privately and balancing my music side by side.

What role did you play in the making of this album?

I played various roles in the album ranging from a singer, songwriter, composer and music producer in this album. The entire albums been produced by my brother Amal Mallik, but I dabbled my hands into the production of one song in the album. 

How was it working with Salim Merchant?

It was really awesome to have done collaboration with Salim sir on Krazy Konnection. He's an amazing person and a great musician who I look up to. So it was a dream come true to finally having worked with him on something like this. 

What aspect / what did you learn from him?

He's a very genuine person and he really tells things like it is. Be it musically or otherwise. That's his characteristic trait and the one thing that I've learned from him is to "never settle for something or do something ordinary. Go out there and prove to the world the extraordinary talent you have hidden in you". 

What is the album all about and who is your target?

My debut album Armaan is all about emotions. My emotions and feelings being a young adult or a teenager. Be it fun, partying, love, heartbreak. I have written songs that represent the feelings and emotions of this generation. Yet, at the same time I feel that this album will connect to adults because they must have already gone through such emotions and felt such feelings. It would kinda take them back to that time. 

What according to you is the selling point of the album?

All the songs are written and composed with certain simplicity and freshness which I think will be the most appealing point of this album. 

From the album which are your favorite tracks?

It’s really hard to choose coz I loved making all of them but My favorite tracks are Leja Zakhm Tere, Kyon, What Love Is. 

Who are your musical inspirations?

Sonu Nigam, Michael Bublé, John Mayer, Chris Brown, Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson are my musical inspirations. 

What music do you listen to when you are free?

I listen to a lot of EDM and R n B music in my free time. 

Who are your role model / anyone you look up to?

I don't think one should ever have a role model. You should always be inspired but never model your life around someone. That's what I believe. 

Do you play any musical instrument?

I play the guitar and the piano. 

Have you ever taken any help from your uncle Anu Malik when it comes to your music career?

Whatever I've achieved till now... everything is solely based on my talent and hard work. I just take advice from my parents and my brother. 

You have already made one music video, are you planning anymore?

I'm planning three more videos throughout this whole year. 

Are you also trying to get into Bollywood film music as a playback singer?

I have already sung for about 25 films as a playback singer recently being Salman Khan’s Jai ho.  I look forward to singing more songs as a Bollywood playback singer. 

What are you hobbies/favorite movies / Bollywood stars – male and female?

I like playing football, the play station, I love producing and arranging music I really admire Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh among the Bollywood actors. Deepika Padukone, Kangana Ranaut and Chintrangada Singh among the actresses. 

What’s your date of birth, zodiac sign?

22nd of July. I'm a cusp of Cancer and Leo 

What are your future plans?

I plan on doing more and more independent music and sing for more exciting film projects that come my way. Already have sung for a couple of upcoming releases this year. 

What is your message to your fans?

I am humbled to have received so much love and affection from my fans. As they proudly call themselves "Armaanians" I would like to tell all the Armaanians out here to keep their love and faith in me and I will never ever let them down. I will keep making more awesome music for you all. Much love. 

Armaan is one the most enthusiastic young singers to be launched and with the support of many around him, he is sure to strike the right chord and make it big in the music industry. This album is what Armaan is, his world, and what he believes in. We wish the lad the very best.

Interviewed by Verus Ferreira