‘I don’t get self-indulgent’: Singer ShaanJan 28 (AZINS) Tell Shaan that he’s belying his age in the video of his latest single, It’s Natural, and the singer has a hearty laugh. “Well, I’ve sung, danced and even gone bare-bodied. It’s quite an all-round performance I think,” says the 46-year-old. But the one thing he can’t get himself to do well, he admits, is the swagger. “I’m happy just staying natural and smiling my way through rather than trying to do that. Attitude mujhse nahin hota, yaar!” he laughs. The ever-smiling singer shares his thoughts on the single and staying relevant...

What was the thought behind doing It’s Natural?

I was ready with it last month, but I was trying to keep the party spirit going. No time is a bad time to celebrate, I think. Also, I’ve been putting out songs on my channel, but they have mostly been romantic. At the same time, I didn’t want to come out with yet another predictable, club number. I wanted to infuse some energy and create a party track. I realised that though internationally, Latin pop space is popular, not much has happened in that format in Bollywood or the indie-pop world. So, I decided to try the genre of music that doesn’t feel like a club track only but makes for nice chilled-out listening, too. Then came the phrase — it’s natural. I’d love to say I worked really hard at it, but I think I made it within 15-20 minutes. It just fell into place. Then, I played it for some friends and they said it’s a fun track, so I put it out.

You have been releasing singles on your YouTube channel since 2017. How’s your experience been with the digital platform?

I’m happy that though the response has been slow, it’s been steady and positive. I have no complaints. It’s been a good journey so far and a great way to connect with listeners directly. I’m also publishing my songs myself; so, while I understand that having support from a big music label is a great help, in the long run, going solo may work better. I don’t plan to do just one or two songs. This is something I want to stick to — a single every other month maybe. I had some teething issues, but I feel I’m in a great place and have everything sorted. So from here on, there should be no looking back. I’ve got a few more singles lined up for the coming months.

Do you think artistes need to adapt to the changing technology and trends to stay relevant?

Absolutely. You do that or you become dated. That’s the reason I don’t get very self-indulgent with what I do. If you’re in the entertainment space, it’s really important to stay relevant. The artiste that has been able to break that barrier has lasted the test of time. And I surely want to be that. I don’t think I’m over yet. It’s just the beginning. I feel I’m in the best shape physically and vocally. I have managed to keep away from a lot of unnecessary baggage that artistes put on themselves. I have never demanded respect. I want to have fun and enjoy myself. I believe that if you do that, then the person witnessing it will also have fun. If you come on to people heavily, they will say, ‘Yeh bahut badi badi chhod raha hai’ (laughs). Also, you have to respect what the current trends are and take the positive aspects from them.