King on Creative Patience: “A Song Finds Its Place When the Time Is Right”
Indian singer-songwriter King, best known for chart-topping tracks like Maan Meri Jaan, Tu Aake Dekhle, and Tu Jaana Na Piya, has opened up about the unpredictable yet rewarding journey of making music that resonates with listeners over time.
In a recent conversation with IANS during the promotions of his new streaming music reality series ‘I-popstar’, where he appears as one of the mentors, King reflected on how artists navigate the waiting period between creating music and seeing it finally find its audience.
“A song travels according to itself”
Recalling the timeline of his hit song Tu Aake Dekhle, King said,
“It’s an open space. Suppose I made a song. Let’s talk about Tu Aake Dekhle. I released it in September—I think around 2021—and after 7–8 months, it became a hit. I didn’t know what was going to happen after those months. So, I just kept working on my music as part of my routine.”
The 26-year-old artist shared that this waiting period is a test of both patience and conviction.
“The navigation is simple — put your head down and keep doing your work. A song finds its place. It chooses its time. You just make it, and it travels according to itself.”
Finding balance between instinct and strategy
King emphasized that while every artist has creative instincts, predicting audience reactions is nearly impossible.
“Yes, you should be smart with your work. No artiste is that stupid. They know what they’re making, but they don’t know what’s going to happen. That’s the honesty of it.”
He explained how his latest project, Shayad Koi Na Sune, represents that honesty.
“I recently dropped one project called Shayad Koi Na Sune. If those songs were released differently—with different packaging—they would’ve worked differently. But my aim was to name an EP that way, and it went like that. The songs are personal, intimate. Sometimes you think, ‘Why isn’t everyone listening to these?’ But it happens when you have different things in different places.”
Longevity over instant success
For King, true artistic satisfaction comes from creating music with a long shelf life rather than chasing short-term trends.
“That’s just a small way for me to show that when you put different things in a different room, no matter how good the thing is, it doesn’t hit the same. The life of those songs is 20 years. I can say this now. I can perform them till old age.”
His philosophy reveals a mature understanding of how the digital age has redefined music discovery. With social media virality now determining success, King believes patience and authenticity are more important than ever.
Mentoring on ‘I-popstar’: Nurturing new voices
Currently streaming on Amazon MX Player, I-popstar marks King’s debut as a mentor on a music reality show. The singer described the experience as both challenging and fulfilling.
“Being a mentor isn’t about imposing your style. It’s about helping young artists find their voice. I want them to understand that making music isn’t about instant validation—it’s about storytelling and self-expression.”
King’s presence on I-popstar adds a contemporary edge to the show, bridging the gap between independent music creators and mainstream audiences. His guidance reflects the changing dynamics of India’s music scene, where streaming platforms, social media, and real-time feedback have revolutionized how artists grow and connect with fans.
King’s evolving sound and philosophy
Known for his blend of emotional lyrics and electronic soundscapes, King has managed to carve a distinct identity in India’s independent music circuit. His songs, often built on personal experiences, have struck a chord with listeners seeking authenticity over formulaic pop.
In recent years, he’s collaborated with global music producers and brands, all while maintaining creative control over his compositions. For King, this balance between art and industry remains crucial.
“I’ve always believed in evolving but staying real. Every artist needs to understand the market, but you can’t lose your essence while doing it,” he said.
The journey from independent artist to mainstream success
King’s rise to fame mirrors the transformation of India’s independent music industry. From releasing songs on YouTube to performing at packed arenas, his trajectory shows that digital platforms have democratized opportunities for talented artists.
He first gained attention through reality shows before emerging as a self-made musician who connects deeply with Gen Z and millennial audiences. Songs like Maan Meri Jaan not only topped charts but also became a part of pop culture, dominating playlists and short-video platforms alike.
However, King insists that fame doesn’t change his creative process.
“I started with zero expectations. That mindset helps me stay grounded. Success is great, but the real joy lies in making something that means something to you.”
Music beyond trends
While trends drive much of today’s pop music, King believes timeless art transcends them. His focus remains on emotional depth, storytelling, and sonic experimentation.
“Trends come and go. But emotions don’t. If your music connects with someone, it’ll live forever—even if it takes time to be discovered.”
This perspective echoes his earlier point about patience — a reminder that true creativity often grows quietly before resonating loudly.
Final Thoughts
King’s reflections serve as a valuable reminder in an age obsessed with instant success. His words capture the essence of an artist who trusts his craft and respects the unpredictable rhythm of creativity.
As he continues mentoring on I-popstar and exploring new musical directions, King embodies the evolving spirit of India’s independent music movement—grounded, experimental, and deeply human.
‘I-popstar’ is currently streaming on Amazon MX Player.