When we ask singer-songwriter Mohit Mukhi what the best setting is for his new album Running Shoes And A Thousand Dreams , he says he’s not sure, but goes on to say something very specific. “Find a spot by the sea at around 7:30 p.m. where you could be at ease with a pair of ear plugs. That should work.”
Mohit, who graduated from the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, London, has been working on songs for his album since 2011.
He says about two particular early compositions, ‘Those Lights’ and ‘Walk Through the World’ – “They are two of my oldest songs that survived the initial excuse for songs I was writing at that point. I’m glad I wrote those, because I guess subconsciously they made me believe I can do this.” His seven-track album features exactly what you want out of a singer-songwriter – introspective words that have a larger meaning that anyone can relate to.
The album also features a few guests adding hues of jazz and rock. Mohit worked with Mumbai producer Lima Yanger to put all the songs together and shape them. For one, Lima made sure Mohit got over his idea of emulating Liam Gallagher from Brit rock band Oasis.
“It took me a while to realise I wasn’t singing Rock ‘n’ roll music hence that style didn’t work. The nicest and easiest thing about working with Lima is that we were both on the same page from the very beginning. We spent a lot of time hanging out and playing music before we started recording the album. He knew exactly how to treat these songs and not overcook them.”
Lima also got on board Mumbai-based London-bred singer Heather Andrews, to work on ‘Let Me In (September)’, which Mohit calls his favourite song on the album. He adds, “The chorus on ‘Walk Through the World’ where she sings is also one of the highlights of the album.” Mohit, on his part, collaborated with two of his mentors, including veteran jazz guitarist Sanjay Divecha and scene regular Vinay Lobo. “For me the nicest feeling was that these guys actually liked my music and have encouraged me a lot along the way with my song writing.”
With the album out on May 12, Mohit is plotting more shows outside Mumbai to spread the word. He performed a set at secret living room gig series Songs from a Room (Sofar) in Bengaluru on May 21, followed by a show at Mumbai’s blueFROG on May 24. He says about coming to Bengaluru, “It's definitely one of the best (cities for music) in the country. They have a very warm and welcoming audience with a strong listening culture.” And turns out a gig in a living room is not far from the ideal setting Mohit wants as a performer. “I prefer intimate settings especially because I have mostly played solo thus far. So if any of you reading this know of a place where you can put together a gig, call me. You bring the beer, I’ll bring the music!”
