Chandan Shetty Embarks on English Music Journey with 'Diana-Myt'
For acclaimed Kannada rapper Chandan Shetty, the launch of his first English single represents a bold fusion of ambition and apprehension. Titled Diana-Myt (pronounced "Dynamite"), this track signifies far more than a mere linguistic shift—it is a strategic pivot toward capturing a broader, international audience. This move underscores Shetty's desire to transcend the familiar confines of regional music and test his artistic mettle on a global stage.
A Personal and Collaborative Experiment
The song also serves as the introduction of newcomer Diana, a model from Mysuru making her musical debut. What originated as a simple casting decision rapidly blossomed into a dynamic creative partnership. Shetty took on a mentoring role, guiding Diana in rap techniques and stage performance, noting that her raw talent merely required encouragement. "She had the talent, she just needed a push," he reflects, drawing parallels to his own early career struggles.
Embracing Uncertainty and Feedback
Despite his established success in the Kannada music scene, Shetty candidly admits that this transition feels like starting anew. "I don't know whether people will accept it or not," he states, acknowledging the risks of deviating from a proven formula. However, he emphasizes that experimentation is not optional but essential for growth. Rather than abandoning his roots, Shetty views this as an expansion—continuing to create in Kannada while exploring fresh sonic territories.
He places significant value on audience feedback, approaching it with an open mind. "Feedback is very important. I trust it a lot, and I don't take it negatively. You can sense the intention behind it. If 90 people like it and 10 don't, that's fine. You can't expect a 100% result," Shetty explains, highlighting his pragmatic outlook on reception and criticism.
Strategic Approach to Virality and Collaboration
Having produced viral hits in the past, Shetty maintains a balanced perspective on commercial success. "You can't expect every song to be a 100-million hit," he remarks, focusing instead on sustained momentum through continuous experimentation and audience engagement. He is actively adapting to the evolving music landscape by collaborating with international artists and utilizing tools like artificial intelligence to refine his creative process.
Shetty champions cross-linguistic collaborations as mutually beneficial, stating, "Collaboration across languages is always a good thing, you gain a new audience and build connections. It brings people together and spreads a good message." This philosophy underpins his partnership with Diana and his broader artistic vision.
Testing Reach and Resonance
Ultimately, Diana-Myt serves as a critical test of Shetty's global appeal, relevance, and artistic resonance. While the outcome remains uncertain, his approach is steadfast: to persist in creation and innovation. "The English track is ultimately a test — of reach, relevance, and resonance. The outcome may be uncertain, but my approach remains steady: keep creating, keep experimenting," he concludes, embodying a blend of cautious optimism and relentless drive.
