Hello Chauhan how are you?
Hello! Thanks for having me; I’m doing great and I hope you are doing well. There’s been a lot of energy and excitement around this release, so I’m thrilled.
Congratulations on the release of ‘Arbi Beat’ how does it feel?
Thank you so much! The response to ‘Arbi Beat’ has been incredible, and I’m honestly just so grateful. It feels surreal to see something I put my heart and soul into resonate with so many people. This song represents my journey and my roots, and seeing it connect with listeners around the world is an amazing feeling.
What’s the story behind the song?
The story behind “Arbi Beat” is deeply rooted in my personal journey and experiences.”Arbi Beat” is a celebration of my roots, capturing the essence of local slang and the rhythm of life in my hometown while infusing it with the energy of hip-hop and trap. It tells a story of ambition, resilience, and the bold choices I’ve made on my path towards success, from Noida to London. The lyrics draw inspiration from my life experiences, illustrating the contrasts and connections between my origins and my current journey.
Ultimately, the song serves as an anthem for anyone navigating their own unique path, and I hope it resonates with listeners from diverse backgrounds, inviting them to find their own stories within the music.
What was the biggest challenge in recording it and the easiest part?
The biggest challenge we faced while recording the music video was working within a tight timeframe. We had only limited days to complete the shoot, covering five different locations. Despite the limited time, we managed to pull it off with impressive results. Adding to the challenge was London’s unpredictable weather and a very small crew – just two of us handled the entire shoot.
The easiest part, however, was my effortless performance. I brought such natural energy and style to every shot, making the process not only smooth but incredibly rewarding. The ease in front of the camera really helped bring the video to life.
You’re an artist originally from Noida in India now living in London, how did it all begin for you?
My journey as an artist began with a blend of cultural influences and personal evolution. Interestingly, my parents initially named me Vibhu, but that changed to Vaibhav Chauhan as I grew up. This transition symbolizes my transformation as an individual, much like my musical journey. “Arbi Beat” is a Hindi song that infuses the unique slang and flavor from my hometown in the NCR region. I aimed for it to feel fresh and original, reflecting my roots while appealing to a global audience. This blend of influences not only showcases my identity but also positions me uniquely within the music landscape, and I’m excited to share that with listeners around the world.
What did you listen to growing up?
Growing up, I was heavily inspired by American old-school hip-hop and UK garage. From a young age, I was drawn to the raw energy and storytelling of artists like Tupac, Nas, and Biggie, along with the distinct rhythms of UK garage. Those genres shaped my musical taste and taught me the power of lyrical expression and rhythm, which I now try to incorporate into my own music.
Your sound has a combination of eastern and western influences how does a typical writing session begin for you?
I’ve always been inspired by artists like Sidhu Moosewala, especially in how he created unique flows and made Punjabi music sound fresh over hip-hop beats. For me, a typical writing session starts with a similar goal: blending my Indian roots with Western music styles. I love the energy of Western beats, and I’m passionate about crafting Hindi lyrics that feel powerful and authentic over those sounds. My dream is to show the world how Indian lyrics can bring fire to Western music, creating something new that represents both sides of my identity. I’m not alone in this—many Indian artists are making waves globally, and it’s exciting to be part of that movement.”
The video is pretty epic, having amassed 128,000 views who came up with the concept?
As a film school graduate and filmmaker, I always aim to create something unique and eye-catching that resonates with viewers. I want people to see one of my videos and instantly recognize it as a ‘Chauhan’ production. The concept for the ‘Arbi Beat’ video was a collaboration between me and Shreyas Pandit Bhatia. I took on the role of creative director, while Shreyas directed the video. Together, we crafted a visual style that complements the song’s energy, and it’s incredible to see it connect with so many people.
What was your favourite memory of recording it?
I know it might sound funny, but my favorite memory of creating this song happened in my bathroom! My producer had just sent me the beat, and I was brushing my teeth when inspiration struck. Within 20 minutes, I had written the first verse and the chorus right there. There’s a big mirror in my bathroom, so I was looking at myself while writing, getting into the vibe. It’s a bit unconventional, but that moment felt real and spontaneous, and it set the tone for the whole track.
You’re from Noida, a small village in India what are your three favourite things about your village?
I’m from Sadarpur, a small village in Noida, India, and there are three things I love most about it. First, it’s the people—they’re my foundation, and their warmth and support mean everything to me. Second, the small roads where I grew up, where I used to ride my cycle; those streets hold so many memories and have a unique charm and character that people rarely talk about. And third, the culture of my village—the way everyone greets and connects with each other. There’s a strong sense of community that I carry with me no matter where I go.
What are you listening to at the moment?
My music choices vary depending on my mood, as I love exploring different genres. Lately, I’ve been delving into Sufi music, which resonates deeply with my roots. The profound themes of love and spirituality in Sufi songs inspire me greatly, especially when I’m working on love ballads or more emotive tracks.
Additionally, since moving to London, I’ve been immersing myself in the UK rap scene. Growing up, I was primarily influenced by American artists, but now I’m excited to discover the unique sounds and styles coming out of the UK. This exploration allows me to broaden my musical palette and infuse fresh elements into my work, ultimately helping me connect more authentically with both my Indian heritage and my current environment.
What are you looking forward to doing next?
I’m really focused on creating remarkable music that transcends language barriers. My goal is to produce tracks that not only resonate with Hindi speakers but also connect with non-Hindi speakers. I want to craft soundscapes that everyone can vibe with, regardless of their linguistic background. It’s all about making music that feels universal, tapping into emotions and experiences that we all share. I believe that music has the power to unite people, and I’m excited to explore innovative ways to reach a broader audience while staying true to my roots.
