Ritviz Srivastava: Make music that moves him to do better

After releasing his single Udd Gaye, which went on to become a smashing hit, Ritviz Srivastava (aka RITVIZ) dropped Jeet and Barso off his upcoming debut album, VED, which establish his expertise as a classical vocalist as well as dance music producer. Also a DJ, the artiste from Pune talks about the record and more.

Jeet and Barso are as cool as Udd Gaye. Tell us more about the album... 

For me, Jeet was the perfect follow up to Udd Gaye to give the audience one more sublime moment to immerse themselves in the experience, but this is just to get the ball rolling. From here on, it gets even more interesting. I really look forward to the next two songs because these are my most favourite ones from the entire album.

VED comes after EPs Vizdumb and Yuv. How have you kept things different this time?

This is the first time ever that I’m using my vocals so extensively, which is unlike any of my earlier work. It’s a huge dream come true for me since my introduction to music was through classical singing.

What have been the highlights this year other than winning Bacardi House Party Sessions? 

It’s been an exciting journey. From headlining the YouTube Fan Fest to being part of NH7 Weekender, things moved pretty fast. We did close to 30 shows in a span of three months and by the end of it, we decided to take a break to finish the rest of the album before going back on the road again. That paid off. All in all, I’ve learnt that if you solely and wholeheartedly work towards what moves you and defines you, there is no stopping you from achieving it.

Any interesting collaborations coming up?

The idea was to make VED a solo effort, and sing as well as to produce the entire album. But in the process, I ended up collaborating with really cool artistes, resulting in the creation of some of the grooviest tracks. I’m hoping that the audience will enjoy listening to it as much as we did while composing.

What does the next year look like?

The plan is to release the entire album soon and then go on a massive tour spanning two to three months.

What’s your ultimate goal as a musician?

There is nothing more rewarding for me than being able to produce music that identifies with my personality, moves me every single day to be better, and in the end getting it to be heard. 

What does your mum think of your music since she’s a music teacher and has taught you?

Ma is the best. There is nobody that understands my music and me the way she does. Though she comes from a classical background, she has supported and encouraged me at every stage to expand my horizons. I often wonder how I would have been able to do any of this without her guidance and support.