I love Kolkata’s vibe and of course, the food: Ritviz

Fresh off the heels of a super successful year, EDM sensation Ritviz has jumped into the tour life with a multi-city album launch tour across India, and an Australia and New Zealand tour scheduled for the second half of February. The producer, singer and songwriter, whose full name is Ritviz Srivastava, shot to fame with songs like Udd gaye and Liggi and recently played a sold-out show in the City of Joy.
His songs Sage and Thandi Hawa were featured on the superhero show last year; Ritviz was also tasked with writing a brand new song (Aavegi) for the show which earned global recognition. During his pitstop in Kolkata, CT caught up with the artiste to talk about his music, his classical foundation and his biggest muse — his mum. Excerpts from the conversation:
Your mother is a singer and your father is a tabla player. Did they influence your love for music?
I’ve been around music from a very young age. On Sunday mornings, I would wake up to maa’s riyaaz and dad’s tabla, ever since I was three or four. My interest grew quite organically and the healthy environment around me inspired me to take up music.

You have dedicated an entire album to your mother. What kind of relationship do you share with your parents and your mother particularly?
I share a transparent relationship with them. I tend to always forget that they are my parents (chuckles)! They are my friends first. Ever since I was a kid I was allowed to share anything and everything with them. So, today I don’t feel like I am on this journey alone, they are with me. We are together in this.

The hit superhero show Ms Marvel featured three of your songs. How did that feel?
It has been overwhelming. The entire process was a beautiful one and it came out of the blue. I didn’t expect that a new set of audiences would get introduced to my music. The entire Ms Marvel journey — from the way Sana (Amanat, co-creator) reached out and the way we worked on this with the kind of creative freedom that I was offered when I wrote Aavegi — is what really made me happy about the project.
How has your classical music training helped your career in electronic music?
It helped me build a strong base. The way I look at notes, the way I compose melodies and the way I sing, some of the rules have really seeped in and they have helped me create my music. So, it is a very subconscious thing, and I cannot explain how it has influenced me but it has influenced my music a lot.
How important is it to stick to one single genre to make a mark in music?
I never stuck to any one genre. I just let the music flow, organically. I was never planning out my music. Electronic music just happened to be the music I was consuming, but I had a classical foundation and together, it made for a format that was subconsciously created. It’s important to be honest with yourself and do what feels right and do it with 100% dedication. What matters is the honesty that speaks to people.
How many times have you been to Kolkata?
I have been to Kolkata a couple of times now. It is a beautiful city. I love the people, the vibe, the energy and of course, the food.
Do you have a pre-performance ritual?
I call my mom before every show. It is a sort of ritual for me...
When do you plan to make your Bollywood debut?
Let’s see, 2023 maybe? (smiles)
Tell us the kind of music you’re planning next
I don’t have an answer to this. I have never planned my music. I just hope to be true to myself. I’ll try to be as honest as I can be. That’s what really matters.
What is your idea of love?
I am still learning about love. Even in my recent album, my conversations with my mom are about understanding what love is. One of the things that I have learnt is that love should not feel like too much effort.