Exclusive Interview
Feb 17, 2025
Produced by: Rudy Manager
Edited by: Rudy Manager & Andrej Aroch
Shraban – “My focus is on building a better world for myself and others”
In this exclusive Studio Talks interview with Shraban, the talented music producer, songwriter, and artist, we explore his dynamic journey through the music industry. From his early placements with artists like Gashi to his standout work on "Time Moving Slow" for Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign, Shraban has carved out a unique path in the music world. In this conversation, Shraban discusses his creative evolution, musical roots, recent ventures in the Indian music scene, and shares insights into his creative process. This interview offers an intimate look at the experiences, inspirations, and passion behind the music, as told by Shraban himself. The interview was conducted by Rudy Manager via video call on February 5th, 2025.
How did you first get interested in music?
My mom sang her whole life and played instruments, so music was always around me. When I was six years old, we went to India to visit family, and on the way back, my mom decided to buy me an instrument called the tabla, which is a traditional Indian percussion instrument similar to drums. On the first day of lessons, the teacher suggested a different approach, saying, “Why not teach him to sing and play the harmonium instead?” The harmonium is a type of keyboard used in Indian music. So that's where it all began. I started singing and learning the harmonium every day, and that's how my journey into music started.
Do you remember a specific moment or turning point in your career when you decided to take music to the next level?
I think it was during high school. I was working with a bunch of talented artists from the city. We were all young, just trying to figure things out. One thing led to another, and I started collaborating with more local artists. The first record I worked on was a Kevin Gates record, with an artist named Freeko (called “Who Remember”). I was still in high school, and I remember thinking, "Wow, this is real—maybe this could actually turn into something bigger." That’s how it all started—one step at a time.
Who were your main influences when you were just starting out?
I would say The-Dream, Babyface, Frank Ocean, and Usher. I love R&B. A lot of Indian artists influenced me as well, but R&B definitely shaped my sound, my mindset, and how I approach music.
How does your creative process look in the studio? Do you treat it like a nine-to-five, or do you have a special routine that you always follow?
It really depends. If I’m in control of the whole creative process, I might start by going out to dinner with someone or hanging out with the people involved. We’ll have a good time, and let that naturally lead to something creative. But sometimes, if people are coming in and out of town, there’s a specific boundary or time limit we have to stick to, so the process adjusts based on that.
Nighttime is great for creativity. I used to work only during the day, especially after leaving L.A. and stopping late-night shifts. But now, I’m back to working late nights again. My process usually starts simple. I like to create from the ground up—starting with just keys or maybe a guitar. I prefer keeping it raw and minimal in the beginning. Then, as the artist and I work together, writing and collaborating, we gradually develop the record and build on it. It’s all about starting simple and letting it grow naturally.
Do you have any tips for upcoming producers when working directly with artists in the studio?
First, find what you're best at. Really figure out your strengths, then explore and experiment within that world. Try different things, get creative, and push boundaries, but always build on your natural strengths.
Collaborate with people you vibe with—work with talented musicians, writers, and other creators. Collaboration is key. One thing always leads to another. Keep meeting people, exchanging ideas, and finding ways to bring them together.
In your opinion, what makes a great R&B hook?
A great R&B hook can be created in many ways, but it should always be emotional and very catchy. R&B is such an emotional genre—it often comes from a deeply personal place. The hook should be heartfelt and relatable, something people want to sing back every time. It needs to feel good, connect emotionally with the listener, and be memorable. That’s what makes a hook great, for sure.
I would like to talk about “Time Moving Slow,” for Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign. Can you share the story of how this song came about from your perspective?
This song came together during what I’d call a magical trip. I won’t go into all the details, but I’ll say this: Beam, one of the greatest songwriters and producers in the world, called us up. At the time, he’d been in Texas working with me for a while, but then he went back home to Florida. He hit us up and said, “Hey man, why don’t you come to Miami? Let’s all get together and make some records.”
So, me, my brother Azul, and Nathan Butts flew down to Miami, and we just got to work. We stayed there for about three weeks to a month, working on projects for Justin Bieber, Usher, and others. One night, Nathan, who’s an incredible musician, started playing around with some sounds alongside Azul. They were just doodling, creating some of the textures that eventually became part of the record.
Then Beam started piecing things together, and we jumped on the mic. I started messing around with melodies, singing a part, and Beam was like, “Yo, record that!” We laid it down, and it started to come together. Bezi joined in too, and all of us—Beam, Azul, and me—were writing. At one point, Azul said, “Give me the mic!” He went in, recorded his part, and just killed it.
Beam, who’s a beast on Pro Tools, grabbed that vocal and started piecing it together. By the end of the night, we had a demo. Funny enough, we called it “House Music.”
That same night, Beam—whose real name is Ty (funny coincidence)—called Ty Dolla $ign and said, “Yo, we’ve got this record, and it’s fire.” We sent it to him that night. He took the files and turned them into the song we now know as “Time Moving Slow.” And that’s pretty much how it came about.
What's your opinion on AI in music production?
I think anything that helps you get the job done is a good thing. However, when it comes to AI in music and songwriting, I feel it may lack emotional depth. It may have creative applications, but it doesn’t come from a real, personal place. I can definitely see AI being useful as a tool on the post-production side, maybe for generating sounds or helping with certain tasks. But when it comes to writing and producing an entire record, I just can’t see it. The most powerful part of music is the real story behind it, and with AI, you don’t get that.
Recently, you've been working a lot in the Indian music industry. Can you talk about that and how it came about?
I grew up in a family with my father from Bangladesh and my mother from India, so I was surrounded by Indian music my entire life. I was also trained in Indian classical music. From a young age, I knew I wanted to work in Indian music. Even as I started producing and writing, it was always something I had in mind.
Living in America and Canada, I didn’t have access to the Indian music scene. As I got deeper into the industry, I met amazing artists, and started working with Punjabi and Indian musicians. The more I connected with them, the more I found other talented artists to collaborate with. Now, I’m working with incredible Indian artists who are already doing amazing things. I want to help elevate their work and take it to the next level. I’ve always wanted to work in Indian music, and now I finally get to do it.
Can you share some artists you are currently working with?
Right now, I’m working with Harnoor, who’s like a brother to me. I’m executive producing all of his music. I’ve also recently started working with my brother Mickey Singh. I’ve been listening to his music for over 12 years. It’s funny because when I first started making music, the first original song I wrote—when I was around 15 or 16—was on a beat that Mickey had sung on. I got the beat online, and we recorded my song to it. That’s how my career began. To now have his trust, work on his sound, and collaborate with him—it’s such a blessing.
Is there a particular song that’s close to your heart for any reason—a track you produced or a project you’ve been a part of?
One project that really stands out to me is “Just Called to Say” by an artist named Dee Gatti. This project was significant because it marked my transition from being an artist and figuring out the next steps in my career. I was in a tough spot—not necessarily a “bad situation,” but circumstances led me there, and I wasn’t able to release my own music at the time.
A friend of mine came to me and said, “Hey, why don’t you take your music and give it to other people? Write and produce for others instead of being on standby.” So, I worked on that project with Dee Gatti, and it was the first time I really believed in someone else and helped shape their sound. I gave a piece of myself to them, and we created something special that I still love dearly.
Also, of course, working with Azul on “Time Moving Slow” and all the stuff we did with Gashi—it’s been an amazing journey. There have been so many special records that I’ve been part of. Each one was created in the moment, with genuine energy and from the heart. I made them with incredibly talented people—great minds who bring something special to the table. That’s why we were able to create such great records.
What advice would you give to upcoming artists, songwriters, and producers who are trying to build their brands and work with established artists?
My advice would be, and I think many would agree, to create with your own people. Find a community of like-minded individuals—whether from high school, your local community, or online. Surround yourself with talented people who share your vision and start creating together.
Don’t feel like you need to chase big artists or focus on working with them right away. If it happens naturally, it will come. The most important thing is to build your own sound first. Once you do that, people will follow your lead, and it will feel more rewarding.
Do you approach your own music differently than you approach other people’s projects?
Definitely, every project is different. When working with others, especially when writing for another artist, I have to step into their world and understand what they’re feeling or going through at that moment. I put myself in their shoes, so the writing process shifts. Production, mixing, and the overall sound adjust to fit their style and vision.
But with my own music, I don’t overthink it. It comes naturally. The melodies, how I sing, and the way I play the keys or drums—all feel different because it’s my personal experience. I’m talking about my day-to-day life. When working for someone else, I fit into their world, but with my own music, it’s about expressing my own story.
Can fans expect more music from you as an artist?
Absolutely! I’m working on a ton of stuff right now, especially in the Punjabi and Indian music scene. I have a lot of exciting projects coming up that I’m really proud of. I’m collaborating with incredibly talented people on some cool projects. I don’t want to say too much yet and jinx it, but I’m excited for the world to hear what’s coming in the next few months.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time? You can share both your music goals and personal goals.
In five years, I just want to be a good colleague, a good son, and a good person to everyone I have genuine relationships with. Nothing happens fast. You have to build your world, create structure, and foster good relationships. It’s hard to find good people, and growing up, you make mistakes—but you learn to move forward with grace.
My focus is on building a better world for myself and others. I want to make sure I can help people get where they need to go while also doing my own work and supporting my family and friends. Ultimately, I just want to be the best at what I do. Beyond that, I trust wherever God takes me.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’d just say to anyone with a dream—whatever it may be—if you believe in it, love it, and focus on it, go for it. If times get tough and you feel like quitting, know that’s often when things are about to change. As corny as it might sound, don’t stop. If you believe in it and love it, keep going.
Follow Shraban on Instagram: @1shraban
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