Arnab Chatterjee hails from Kolkata, India where he’s been honing his skills as a singer since childhood. A born dancer, Arnab competed in various competitions before he found his voice, or rather, before his 7th grade teacher saw his potential and placed him in the school choir. It wasn’t long before young Arnab struck out on his own and began singing solo, starting with a school performance in which he sang ‘Summer of 69’ to a packed auditorium. His first single, which he recorded through the course of one night, is a cover of a song he had heard on a bus while traveling with his sister to their hometown of Kolkata India. Eschewing slick production for simple voice and piano arrangements, Arnab has achieved a level of honesty and sincereity through his music and is rare. With determination and a voice like butter, this classically trained Bengali singer is poised to do exciting things, and fans are listening. Independent reporter Lauren Thompson recently caught up with the 3rd year Mechanical Engineering student and singer to learn more about Arnab Chatterjee and his plans for the future.

LAUREN: When When did you first discover your love of music?
ARNAB: For most of my early school days I was a dancer and danced in various competitions. It wasn’t until I reached the 7th grade that my music teacher Ambalika Mam saw potential in me and placed me in the school choir. From there I went on to compete at many school and state level competitions, being in the group really helped me to improve as a singer.

LAUREN: Your cover song 'Don't You Worry Child' is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
ARNAB: On the first day a friend and I spent 4-5 hours on our laptops waiting to hear the song, but I had my exams that week so I had to study. It was around 7 pm that my sister heard it and we all went running to her room, it felt surreal. It was hard to believe that the day had come, it was an absolutely amazing experience.

LAUREN: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
ARNAB: Well, my sister and I were travelling to our home from Kolkata on a bus and we were listening to the original version of the song. We thought it would be nice if I made a soft cover of the song and so the next day at 3 am I recorded it, I posted it at 4 am.

LAUREN: Would you say that the mood of your other songs is in the same vein as your debut radio single?
ARNAB: No, absolutely not. I don't prefer any particular kind of music, mood or tone. If the music is good, I sing the song. I either like a song the moment I hear it or I don’t.

LAUREN: How would you characterize yourself as an artist?
ARNAB: A fun loving perfectionist. Sometimes it’s difficult for me to be impressed with myself, I need someone to come and tell me that it's all right, that I can go ahead with it.

LAUREN: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other artists in your family?
ARNAB: Yes, my mom used to sing. When we were very little we used to sit around her and listen. My two sisters are also trained in Indian classical music, I come from a Bengali family where singing is a big part of our culture.

LAUREN: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
ARNAB: The freedom to express my emotions and thoughts is the most rewarding aspect. The most challenging is to perform at the same level every time no matter what, whether you're feeling low or having a throat infection. I hate to give excuses and at times put myself under a lot of pressure which becomes an emotionally draining experience.

LAUREN: Who are your role models in music?
ARNAB: I just realized that I never had one. I definitely love many artists including Adele, Enrique, Adam Levine and Taylor Swift, but I've never seen them as role models. I try to take the best things from each and try to imbibe them.

LAUREN: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
ARNAB: It would be my performance of ‘Summer of 69’ in high school. It was the first time I performed solo in front of a big crowd. I'm sure many memorable performances are due this year, and the years lying ahead.

LAUREN: Do you have a music video for your hit single? If so, what can you tell us about it?
ARNAB: No, not yet, I'm developing my videography skills at the moment.

LAUREN: I look forward to hearing it, Arnab. Thanks for taking time out to share your story with me. I wish you good luck and continued success!

http://www.reverbnation.com/arnabchatterjee


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