Andrew Sabu: The Warmth of His Music to Comfort You as Storms Keep Passing By
Picture this, it’s easier.
Andrew Sabu, a singer-songwriter based in Mumbai, is an artist on the up and up with his soulful music that doesn’t confine him to the bounds of a genre, hence his influences going beyond the ambit of just indie-folk, moving well into alt-rock, and indie-pop. Andrew, who draws his inspiration from artists like Elliott Smith, Nicholas Drake, and Bon Iver; believes in the untapped power and influence of small spaces and communities, and finds them breeding grounds for real growth, which paved the way for LVNG, a platform co-founded by him for artists to build a community in the comfort of their homes with intimate house gigs.
His self titled EP is something to lend an ear to. With his comforting vocals and an acoustic guitar, his songs take us through the dolorous journey of a man struggling with his mental health, finding comfort in the warmth of his bed. ‘Rest’ revolves around taking small steps and chances for oneself, which comes with the realisation and acceptance of depression. ‘Sheets’ is more despondent, starting off with the lyrics ‘Hopelessly I’ll wait,’ as it delves deeper into the depths of despair of being unable to get out of bed, faced with the perilous task of confronting reality and acceptance of the pit one is in.
‘Find Another Man’ was a result of his beautiful collaboration with Ramya Pothuri, and ‘Processed Cheese and Wine’ is a song that drove its inspiration from wine-drinking during some test-gigs, underappreciated processed cheese and a woman who reminded him of them both.
Oh, the ways inspiration can kick in!
From the very first glance of it, the cover art for the EP feels personal. The pretend nonchalance of a man sitting in his bed with his guitar in the comforts yet the confines of one’s room points to the inner turmoil that is invisible to the naked, unempathetic eye is what encompasses the art for ‘Sheets’. ‘Rest’ is another journey in itself of having made it out of bed, tired still but trying. Not long ago was a music video for ‘Rest’ released; which follows the “slow, balanced life instead of a fast-paced, overwhelming one” of the caretaker of the house; which in all its simplicity is ingenious.
Vidhi Midha: When did you first start writing songs and what drove you to do it? Do you feel like you have evolved since your first song?
Andrew Sabu: My Dad, who is also a musician, got me into music when I was a child. When I was 20 I enrolled in music school, that’s when I first started writing songs. It was the only way I expressed my emotions. And yes, both me and my songwriting has evolved since then. Today, I write with a lot more depth and intensity.
VM: You like to play in a more close, intimate setting than a bustling place. Why would you say that is? Do you feel like it limits your audience, at times? Is it the music that influences the setting, or is it vice-versa?
AS: Intimate settings are the only place where people who have never heard your music actually listen to your songs. I wouldn’t say it is limiting but more of a stepping stone to playing to large crowds at large venues. But playing big shows can only be achieved once you have built a strong fan base and doing more intimate gigs will help build that.
It's both the music and the setting that complement each other. The intimate setting creates a nice listening environment for the music to then come and swoon the audience. And if the music is good, you have made a genuine fan.
VM: Your EP, that actually shares its name with you, addresses mental health. How did you decide to take that course? Was it to propagate the ongoing word about the mental health issues, or was it an expression of something more personal? AS: The EP is self- titled because the songs are a culmination of the person I had developed into because of said experiences. I did not actively decide to build an EP that addressed mental health. I just got sad and penned some songs down.
VM: We’ve seen you collaborate with Ramya Pothuri in the song ‘Find Another Man.’ Which other artist(s) do you think you’d like to collaborate with, and why? AS: Bon Iver. That’s it. That’s my answer.
VM: Your music is an absolute treat to the ears and retreats to the heart. Do you have a favourite song of yourself? AS: Billie Marten - Milk & Honey. I listen to it everyday.
VM: What has been the most unexpected challenge in your journey? Did it ever set you back or was it more of a welcome challenge? AS: When I first started playing shows, mostly free or extremely low budget, I came to the hard realisation that making money would be a serious issue. Overtime, I found ways to find my way around. I think financially sustaining yourself as an independent artist is a constant struggle but it only pushes me more cause at some point, I know everything will pay off.
VM: The creative process for every artist is different. What is it like for you? Do we see some new music coming in the near future?
AS: I’ve never been able to articulate my creative process. Sometimes it's the music that gets made first and then the lyrics, sometimes it’ll be one line or phrase that I’m repeating in my head which I then turn into chords and a melody. It’s all contextual and how I’m feeling in the moment. I am currently working on new music, yesss!! Some single releases and some collabs with friends :)
VM: Where do you think the Indian Indie music scene, with numerous independent artists coming up, stands now? Would you like to share some of your favourite artists with the readers? AS: The scene is ever-growing and will continue to grow. We always need more music!Some of my favs: Lojal, Karshni, Peter Cat, Rounak Maiti, Ramya Pothuri, Gouri & Aksha and sooo many more!
Sabu’s music is available on all major music platforms!