The music band Faridkot, which proudly wears the tag of 'Confused Pop', confidently leads this self-created genre in today's diverse musical landscape. In a recent conversation following their performance at a university in Chandigarh, the lead members, IP Singh and Rajarshi Sanyal, the minds behind hits like 'Laila' and 'Nasha', shared insights into their philosophy, long-lasting partnership, and views on the current music scene.
The Freedom of Being 'Confused'
At a time when musical genres strictly defined artists, Faridkot's adoption of the term 'Confused Pop' was a deliberate act of liberation. Rajarshi Sanyal (Raj) explained that the idea was to break free from restrictive labels. The duo are fans of an incredibly wide spectrum of music, from legends like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Mohammed Rafi, and R.D. Burman to global acts like Tinariwen and The Chemical Brothers.
IP Singh added that this self-bestowed confusion gave them the artistic freedom to adapt and remain perpetually excited. They feel vindicated seeing the contemporary music world become increasingly genre-agnostic, a fluidity that keeps the entire landscape fresh and dynamic.
This freedom is reflected in their output, including a recently released EP. They credit their label for providing a 'laboratory' where they can play 'mad scientists,' even creating tracks seven to eight minutes long—a rarity in today's commercial climate.
The Unpredictable Journey of Hits and Live Music's Raw Power
Their journey underscores the unpredictable nature of success in the digital age. Their last major hit, 'Nasha' (released in 2019), remained largely undiscovered for three years before blowing up in 2022. Similarly, 'Laila' was first sung on a TV channel in 2009 and officially released in 2011, providing them with constant gratification.
Commenting on the massive boom in live concerts, especially for Indian and Punjabi acts going global, IP Singh emphasized India's rich live heritage, tracing it back to legends like Tansen. He described every second of a live show as raw and real. Rajarshi highlighted the irreplaceable, moment-by-moment connection with an audience where there are no retakes. For Punjabi music specifically, this boom is also fueled by a deep sense of pride in one's roots, allowing audiences to connect instantly when they see themselves represented on stage.
Surviving 17 Years in a Crowded Industry
In an era where over 1 million songs are released annually just in India, Faridkot considers it a blessing to have a few tracks that truly stick with people. They attribute the explosion of independent music in India to democratization; today, anyone with talent can create and release music from home, a far cry from the past which required significant resources.
On surviving 17 years together, IP Singh joked that nobody else likes them. Seriously, however, they made an early resolve to always put the music first. Creative differences are sorted through discussion, and when that fails, they humorously resort to a pair of boxing gloves at the studio to 'fight it out,' with the winner taking the creative decision.
When asked about his distinctive personal style—turban, kurta, dhoti pants—IP Singh clarified it's simply who he is. He has always worn 'weird' clothes, doesn't own jeans, and believes India invented pajamas for a reason. While his wife has helped refine his look post-marriage, pairing the turban with contemporary outfits remains his way of honouring his roots.
