A Chat with The Violet Whispers (14.12.2020)
The brainchild of Nikhil Murthy, The Violet Whispers is following their explosive previous releases with the intimate and delicate ‘Floating’. Steeping in honesty and carrying a vulnerability in the soundscape, the single acts as a story of Murthy’s life. Using subtle electronic tones and tranquil piano lines, the single showcases what they have to offer. We sat down with Nikhil Murthy to talk about the single, changes in pace, creative processes and much more!
OSR: What was it that first drew you to making music?
Murthy: I always loved music from an early age and later on was lucky enough to start writing music and progressively thought that what I was writing was rad enough or had a distinctive point of view enough to record.
OSR: Why did you choose to release your music under the name The Violet Whispers?
Murthy: There is no big story to it. I just thought was a really cool name and it just stuck. I think what I like about it is that it’s not overtly easy to categorize the music I would make. Which is great because I make/will be making an eclectic amount of music.
OSR: What first drew you to your preferred genre of music?
Murthy: One of the things I love about The Violet Whispers is that I can express anything I want. I am not bound by genre at all. This song is a neo-soul/indie pop. The next song ‘Blue Skies of An Idealist’ is a house, disco, electronica song with gospel vocals and the next song (Red Flowers) is my “punk, metal-inspired” epic of a song.
OSR: Is there a backstory or theme to your latest single ‘Floating’?
Murthy: I wanted to showcase a vulnerable and nakedly honest side of myself. Both lyrically and musically. So that was my aim. I find it to be quite alarming to listen back because it really documents all the fears I have had that held me back and trying to get to the other side of it.
OSR: ‘Floating’ has a different pace to your last two releases. Did you find this swing difficult to achieve?
Murthy: Yeah, It was actually. Especially with the vocals. I really had to learn to sing in a completely different manner for this one. The great part of it is that the tools and vocal ability I discovered during the making of ‘Floating’ are something I will definitely carry forward. I feel like I literally found my voice on ‘Floating’.
OSR: What was your creative process for the single? Did you start with the lyrics or the melody?
Murthy: Melody and lyrics are always after actually creating the song itself. I have a weird process because it’s kind of like gathering bits and pieces over time and then getting in the studio to assemble them. So like, the acoustic was figured out in the studio but the trumpet solo section has been in my head for years but finally found a home. So it’s not a linear process.
OSR: This single is quite personal, did you find it challenging translating what you felt into music and lyrics?
Murthy: It actually wasn’t. It was written quite quickly as I had been thinking about the content for a while. It’s more the melody and singing of the lyrics that takes time.
OSR: If people could feel only one emotion while listening to the single, what would you like that to be and why?
Murthy: I hope people feel comforted and peaceful after listening to the single. Also, I hope people take the message of the song and basically be kinder to themselves. It’s about accepting where you are at and realizing that you are doing pretty great. As simple as that sounds.
OSR: What is the strangest question you have ever been asked about your music?
Murthy: I haven’t had any weird ones actually. But one blog (who didn’t like it) thought it was a vicious and unkind song which was really shocking. I don’t know what they listened to actually. (laughs)
OSR: What can we expect from you in the next 12 months?
Murthy: Lots. Two new singles will be released. Newer music will be made that will end up being the debut album. The biggest thing is that I will be starting to perform this music live. So watch out for that!
Thanks to Nikhil Murthy for chatting with us! You can find more about The Violet Whispers on their website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
