Page 20 - Masala Lite Issue 166 October 2024

20 IN FOCUS
The

SOUND

of

Setting the tone
with promising young @aryantheartist13
musician,
Aryan Singh Thakral. Aryan The Artist

BY GRACE CLARKE

assing moments, celebrations, gatherings, and even intimate moments by
yourself, all share one subtle thread: they are woven together by a bed of sound.
Whether it’s the soft hum of a quiet room, the crescendo of laughter in a crowd,
or a song that lingers long after the credits roll, music grounds each experience,
deepening our connection to the present. It colours the air around us, giving texture
and emotion to the simplest or grandest of moments. Because music is so intimately
intertwined with our experiences, it fosters a profound, artful relationship between
people and the craft of those who create it. This symbiosis allows musicians to channel
the collective pulse of our shared moments into art, making music a powerful vehicle
for emotion and storytelling.
To gain a deeper appreciation of this nuanced relationship and its complexities, Masala
spoke to 16-year-old Aryan Singh Thakral, a budding musician from the Thai-Indian
community. Having started playing the guitar nine years ago, then the piano and
saxophone soon after, Aryan meticulously crafts memorable moments through his
art, note by note. Through our conversation, we explore Aryan’s personal journey
with his craft and examine how the sonic landscape has influenced his development

and artistic expression.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in the vibrant city of Bangkok, and I’m currently in my junior year
of high school. Throughout my life, I’ve been surrounded by a loving and supportive
family, and travelling has played a big role in shaping who I am. Thanks to my family,
I’ve had the opportunity to explore the world, bringing my instrument everywhere
and creating epic music videos. My education began at Australian International
School of Bangkok (AISB), where I studied until third grade, before moving to
International School Bangkok (ISB), where I discovered my passion for sports and What does your preparation for a performance entail?
music. I have become actively involved in both, and now I proudly run for the ISB Once my performance is scheduled, I practise relentlessly at every opportunity to make
Cross Country Team. sure each detail is flawless. I usually record myself, play for my family members, and

focus on improving each time. I’ll admit, right before a big performance, I usually get

How did you first get involved with music, and how long have you been practising?

butterflies! But once it begins, those nerves fade away, especially with the audience’s

I first got involved with music when I was seven years old. I vividly remember seeing great support.
my dad strumming his acoustic guitar, and something about that moment sparked
something inside of me. That was when my music journey truly began. Soon after, I On average, how many hours a week do you dedicate to practice?

decided to pick up other instruments along the way. I have now been playing music It fluctuates from week to week. I generally play the saxophone for around 6-8 hours
for nearly a decade and enjoy every second of it! a week, but this can vary. As for the piano, it’s like meditation to me. It’s my own
personal form of relaxation, and ever since I learned how to pick up songs by ear, I
How would you describe your connection to music?
grew an even deeper appreciation for it.
For me, music is more than just a collection of sounds, it is an inseparable part of

life. The rhythm of songs connects directly to your heartbeat, creating a powerful Who are your biggest musical influences?

link between music and emotion. It feels as though each beat mirrors the pulse of One of my biggest musical influences would be Ed Sheeran as I love how he performs
life, resonating within me and guiding my emotions. Music isn’t just an art form; like a one-man-band. One day, I hope to make music videos where I play all three of

it’s a way of being, capable of influencing emotions, inspiring action, and bringing my instruments in a song. Another key music influence of mine is Kenny G. I love his
people together. music videos and the way he plays the saxophone. I’ve covered many of his songs,
and my first music video was actually a cover of his hit, “The Moment.”

You play the guitar, piano, and saxophone - what has your experience been like
with each instrument? Where do you see your career heading in five years?

Each instrument brings a unique experience. The guitar has been my outlet for creative In the next five years, I aspire to keep playing all my instruments and creating music

exploration, evolving through various genres like classical, rock, and pop. The piano videos around the world. I want to continue performing and sharing my music with

instilled in me a sense of discipline and persistence, which has been incredibly fulfilling. more people. I’m also interested in composing my own songs and possibly getting
Playing the saxophone introduced me to structure and teamwork, allowing me to grow into songwriting. Exploring that side of music will allow me to express my creativity
as part of an ensemble and improve my skills year after year. My passion for these in new ways and connect more deeply with audiences.
instruments shifts frequently, depending on what resonates with me at the moment.
What advice would you give to youngsters in the VIEW VIDEO
You’ve also performed professionally, including at the Masala Wedding Fair, community who are interested in following their own
which we all enjoyed. How has your professional journey been so far? creative passions?
While I don’t consider myself a professional musician just yet, I’ve been fortunate to I would give them the same advice my parents always gave
perform at several esteemed events. For example, I had the honour of being invited me: “do what you love,” and, “be happy.” It’s something
by H.E. Suchitra Durai, the former Indian Ambassador to Thailand, to play the I’ve lived by, and it’s helped me stay focused on what truly
saxophone for the 75th anniversary celebration of India’s Independence at the Embassy matters. I also believe in “kal ho naa ho,” which means,
of India in Bangkok. Additionally, I was invited by the president of the India-Thai “tomorrow may never come.” This reminds me that life
Chamber of Commerce (ITCC) to open a Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce is short, so you should always follow your passions.
in Thailand (JFCCT) event with a saxophone performance. I am deeply grateful for There’s no better time than the present, because doing
these opportunities and will always cherish them as I continue on my musical journey. what you love is what makes life most fulfilling.

MASAL A LITE ISSUE 166 - OCTOBER 2024