In the music industry, it is often the singers who have captured the hearts of the audience. People focus on the singer and the song. However, it is indeed music that has no boundaries and guitarist and composer Sutej Singh is proving it time and again. He creates magic with his guitar, taking the audience to another world with his compositions.

In an exclusive interview with India Today Digital, Sutej Singh talks about the challenges of being an instrumental musician in a predominantly vocal-driven industry, creating imagination through music and the growing indie scene in the country. He also shared that he will incorporate singing in some of his future compositions and looks forward to collaborating with artists.

Singh is all set to entertain the audience in Bandland 2.0Which will take place in Bengaluru on 23rd and 24th November. It is produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live.

Excerpts from the interview…

Your music is known for its deep emotional resonance. How do you incorporate personal experiences and emotions into instrumental compositions?

For me, composing music is more of a technical and creative exercise than an emotional process. I focus on structure, dynamics and interplay between different instruments. It’s like solving a puzzle—how do I create layers, create tension, and resolve it in an engaging way? I’m always thinking about how to make each note, phrase, and section complement the whole piece. It’s about creating a sound that is interesting and complex.

But sometimes, it can be a reflection of what I feel at a particular moment. I let the guitar speak for those moments when words fail to capture the depth of emotion. This is when I often find great tunes.

How do you create vivid imagery through sound alone? How do you ensure that your creations effectively convey a story or emotion to your audience?

Instrumental music can be incredibly powerful in expressing imagination because it leaves room for the listener’s imagination. Being a guitar player, I never wanted my music to sound like I was randomly noodling on a chord progression. To ensure that my compositions tell a story, I focus on the structure and progression of the composition. I think of each section as a scene or chapter that builds on the last. Soundscapes, layers of instruments, and even the use of silence are important tools. It’s like painting with sound, where you guide the listener through emotional peaks and valleys, keeping the narrative strong without the need for words.

Being an instrumental artiste in a predominantly vocal-driven industry, what challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge is that the industry is largely oriented towards vocal-driven music. Instrumental music requires listeners to engage differently, and sometimes it can feel like you’re not reaching as wide an audience. But I have learned to embrace the niche. Building a strong relationship with a dedicated fanbase that truly appreciates the nuances of instrumental music has been important.

However, I am trying to include some songs with vocals in my future releases. I would love to collaborate with different artistes from different genres and it would be a completely new experience for both me and my audience.

Your debut album, The Emerging, was praised for its complex sonic landscapes. What was the creative process behind it and how did you select the themes for the album?

When I was working on The Emerging, I wanted to create something that felt like a journey, both sonically and thematically. The process involved a lot of introspection. I spent time recording rough ideas, reworking them, and expanding on themes that resonated with me. The album title reflects growth and change in both my music and personal life. At that time, I was very inspired by bands like Dream Theatre, Procupine Tree, Opeth etc. and a lot of western classical music. All these influences came together. I wanted to write music that I would enjoy listening to.

Your home state Himachal Pradesh is known for its serene landscape. Has this influenced your music?

To be honest, the hills haven’t played as direct a role in shaping my music as people might think. This is a cliché. Like most musicians, I was making music in my room, focusing on the craft itself. Sure, the landscape was a nice break when I needed to get away and clear my head, but the music was more about experimenting and creating in personal space rather than taking direct inspiration from the environment.

What is your approach to blending different styles and genres in your creations, and how do you maintain a unique identity in such a mix?

Blending genres is something that excites me, but I always keep my core—my guitar and emotional storytelling—at the center. For me, the sound of heavily distorted guitars mixed with the orchestra was something that really stuck with me. I sometimes experiment with symphonic elements, electronic textures and even traditional Indian elements (in future releases). The main thing is to make sure that each new layer enhances the overall composition without suppressing the emotions at its heart. It’s about serving the song, not mixing genres just for the sake of it.

What is your view on the growing indie music scene in India, especially for instrumental and experimental musicians?

The indie scene in India continues to grow, and it’s an exciting time to be a part of it. More people are open to experimental and instrumental music, which is great. While vocal music still dominates, I think space is being made for instrumental artists as well, especially with platforms that allow musicians to reach a global audience. It’s important for indie musicians to stay authentic and keep pushing boundaries, especially in a market that is evolving so rapidly.

As someone who has made his mark with instrumental compositions, what advice would you give to young musicians who want to explore this genre?

My advice is to stick to your voice, even if the path seems unconventional. Instrumental music offers freedom – you’re not bound by words, and that’s a powerful thing. Focus on honing your craft and let your equipment speak for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and build a strong narrative with your creations. Also, connect with your audience on a personal level. Authenticity resonates deeply, no matter the genre.