Shalmali Kholgade on her recently-launched girl band and focussing on more than just singing

Pareshaan (Ishaqzaade) singer Shalmali Kholgade recently released a single Spark A Fire with the band of girls — Riya Duggal, Simran Duggal, Pratiksha Kale and Neha Tawde — who perform with her at live shows. 

“I realised they were interested in songwriting and building themselves as complete musicians instead of just singers. So, we began experimenting more with harmonies, blending our voices and wrote Spark A Fire,” the Latt Lag Gayee (Race 2) vocalist says calling the song a new musical journey. “It has opened many new avenues — working on music in totality, including stage presence and dance,” she says, speaking to After Hrs about the new project and other things.

Was Spark A Fire easier to make since you have performed with the band on stage?

I wouldn’t say it was easier or harder. It was just an enjoyable process because writing a song together was a new experience.  

What space is your new music going to be in? 

I consider myself to be in the pop space, though I will try to make music in R&B and soul because that’s the sound I like. It will be in Hindi, so I won’t write songs as much as I will be singing. Of course, I will contribute to songwriting along with composing and I plan to have many collaborations.

What are your upcoming songs?

Well, there are Bollywood songs happening alongside my private music. But, one never knows what songs will eventually release, so I can't talk about them. The focus, in the meantime, will be independent music. I have two numbers that are almost complete and speak my musical language. 

You also sang your first Punjabi song Tumba Wajda Aye...

I have always wanted to work with Harpreet Singh because his compositions are complex and intimidating. I had never sung in Punjabi before, so it made me unsure about how it would go down. But I knew Harpreet would get the best out of me and I'm really proud of that piece of work.