‘Shiraz’ by Sanket Jayn is an Groovy Pop Debut that Captures Sensual Allure (Interview)

‘Shiraz’ by Sanket Jayn is an alluring pop debut infused with deep rhythms that feel dark, slow and sensual. The lyrics, when translated, delve deep into a lover’s psyche, channeling those initial intense moments of deep longing one feels when they’re falling for someone.

The song sounds like this perfect melding of this quantiscential pop groove that meets the vulnerable of ache of an RnB tune or a sensual Bollywood ballad. It’s mood is consistent in vulnerable sensuality while its Hindi lyrics feel rooted in that tinge of desperate longing that floods a lover who’s grappling with all consuming attraction for their love.

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‘Shiraz’: Dark-Groove

‘Shiraz’ sharp guitars and dark yet groovy synths that add to the song’s vibe, diving deep into moody longing. Every groove feels visceral, while each melody seems to hold on as tight as possible to feelings that feel like they might slip through our narrator’s fingers.

This song is about someone our narrator thinks about everyday, all the time, almost desperately. Wanting to be with them all the time, something that feels characteristic of an initial, desperate burst of attraction. The slow, sensuousness of the song’s groove adds to that mood, highlighting it while we delve deeper into it.

‘Shiraz’ by Sanket Jayn is a pretty, vulnerable and visceral sensual track that captures longing desperation when one’s first attracted to someone. The song feels like it threads this thin line between expressing attraction and burning with obsession, holding onto this feeling extremely tight.

The dark-groove that permeates the track makes it a chill listen.

You’ll find my correspondence with the artist below, where he talks about ‘Shiraz’, his journey as an artist, influences & more!

On ‘Shiraz’

‘Shiraz’

1. Congratulations on the release of ‘Shiraz’, how does it feel now that your debut single is out?

Thank you so much! I’m incredibly grateful for all the support and love Shiraz has been receiving—it truly means a lot. Personally, though, it feels like nothing drastic has changed. It’s just one box ticked on a much bigger checklist I’ve planned for the next two years. The real shift has been in what I’m learning after the release. Planning how to promote and market the song felt straightforward before, but now that I’m actually putting those plans into action, I’m realizing how much there is to learn about making it all work practically. It’s been a humbling and exciting process so far.

Process & Inspiration

2. Could you walk us through the making of the track? Tell us a bit about your process and inspiration(s).

The journey of creating Shiraz started back in 2022 when I began working on my album. At the time, the song was originally written in English, as was the rest of the album, but I later decided to rewrite everything in Hindi to give the tracks a more grounded and authentic feel. One of my main goals with Shiraz was to focus on a very specific moment in a relationship rather than exploring the broader themes of love or heartbreak. I wanted to tell the story of being someone’s rebound from the perspective of the person being used—a narrative I’ve never personally experienced, which made it even more exciting to write. For me, the challenge was to step into a situation I hadn’t lived and craft a song that could convince the listener of its authenticity. The process began with brainstorming the emotions and dynamics of such a relationship. I broke the idea down into fragments: the initial attraction, the realization of being used, the conflict between longing and self-worth. Once the narrative was clear, I focused on the sound. I wanted a genre that could match the tension and energy of the story, so power-pop with touches of electro-pop felt like the right choice. It wasn’t smooth sailing, though. I ended up working with three different producers to get the sound right. Each iteration involved reworking sections, rewriting lyrics, and experimenting with different grooves until the track captured the mood I envisioned. I relied heavily on collaboration throughout the process. Viraj Joshi brought in the guitar parts that added depth and movement, Gaurav built the synth layers that elevated the track’s emotional intensity, and Mridul crafted the rhythm section, which gave it its driving heartbeat. Finally, the mixing and mastering process was handled at Gray Spark Studio, where Ajay Majethia played a critical role in shaping the final sound. Ajay was incredibly patient and meticulous, and his input helped polish the track into its finished form.

“Contrast”

3. Shiraz’ feels like a dark-groove deep-dive into a lover’s psyche. What are the parts of the song that have resonated with you as you’ve worked on the track?

“Contrast” was my go to theme for this song. What resonates with me the most about Shiraz is its emotional duality—the interplay between desire and self-worth. The protagonist is trapped in a space where they are wanted, but only as a temporary escape for someone else. There’s a subtle heartbreak in knowing you’re not loved for who you are but for the comfort you provide. That bittersweet contradiction is something that stayed with me throughout the making of the track. That said, since I haven’t personally experienced a situation like this, the initial writing relied heavily on imagination. At first, it felt forced – like I was piecing together emotions that weren’t mine. But once the process began and the track started taking shape, the words began to flow more naturally. It was as if the story found its own voice as I worked on it.

About Sanket Jayn: Musical Journey, Influences & Artistic Journey

Bollywood & Michael Jackson

4. You’ve talked about how your music and your musical journey has been influenced by Michael Jackson. Could you tell us a bit more about that connection?

I spent my early childhood in a remote village where music meant classic Bollywood. My introduction to English language music came much later, and it started with Michael Jackson. Even in the most remote places, his name was everywhere – it didn’t matter what language you spoke, everyone knew Michael Jackson. He was my gateway into pop music and eventually into exploring other genres. What inspired me most about Michael Jackson was his ability to create music that was simple yet powerful. Writing simple music that connects universally is probably the hardest thing to do, and he made it look effortless. It wasn’t just about the music, though—it was the way he told stories, both through his lyrics and his performances. Songs like Billie Jean/Thriller/Dangerous didn’t just have a great groove; they pulled you into a specific moment, creating a whole world in just a few minutes. His attention to detail, his ability to make music emotional yet accessible, and his fearless experimentation taught me a lot about what it means to be an artist. Michael Jackson’s work made me realize the importance of connecting with listeners emotionally, even in the smallest details. That influence is something I try to bring into my own music, whether it’s through storytelling, layering emotions in the sound, or simply aiming to make each song feel genuine and human.

Other Artistic Influences

5. Are there other artists that have influenced your sound and music journey?

There are a lot of artists, and everyday I keep discovering more. Coldplay has to be the most important one alongside MJ. Again, every artist who is able to make simple music inspires me a lot. Coldplay is probably the only band that sounds entirely different in every album of theirs. They have truly mastered evolution and changed the meaning of live concerts entirely. If I were to name some artists then – Jacob Collier, Charlie Puth, Pritam, Poets of the Fall and the list can go on.

Journey as an Artist

6. Could you tell us about your journey as an artist in your own words?

“Late” is the one word I’d associate with myself. I’m someone who started late—not just in terms of music but in finding a direction that felt right. I didn’t grow up surrounded by instruments or dreaming of being a musician. My earliest memories of music are tied to my grandparents and the timeless Bollywood classics they loved. While the Michael Jackson impact stayed somewhere. Yet, music never felt like something I could pursue—it was more like a distant admiration. My aspirations of becoming a vocalist didn’t come from a single turning point. It was something that built up gradually over time. I started going to karaoke nights around Pune – rain or shine, I’d show up almost every day. I’d sing the same songs over and over, even when there was no crowd. Sometimes I’d go early just to practice, using the empty space to work on my voice. I didn’t know what was pulling me toward it, but I kept going. Slowly, consistently, those nights became the foundation of the larger end goal. The Covid lockdown, though, was what turned me into a musician. When The Weeknd released After Hours, it changed the way I saw modern-day sounds. It was new and retro at the same time. I have always had weird connection towards things or creative works that have dual nature. But the most integral part of my journey is what I’ve learned from meeting the people along the way – especially my bandmates and co-producers, who educated me technically and continue to teach me even now. Working on this album has been a journey of constant discovery. Nothing I’ve made so far feels like a creation; it feels more like a byproduct of everything I’ve absorbed, the people I’ve met, and the experiences I’ve had. It’s been a slow, ongoing process, but it’s one that I’m incredibly grateful for.

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Message for Listeners & Aspiring Artists

To The Listeners

7. Do you have a message for your listeners?

Thank you for listening to Shiraz. Cliched as it sounds but it’s true, this is just the beginning. Whether Shiraz made you feel understood, gave you something to think about, or was just a good soundtrack to your day, I’m grateful for that moment we shared. There are many more moments like this coming your way. Every upcoming song has something hidden within it – Easter eggs that carry pieces of my story, my experiences, or sometimes even emotions and moments I’ve never lived myself. On some days, I’ll write from a place of memory, sharing what I’ve felt and lived. On other days, I’ll explore a story I’ve never experienced, hoping that someone out there will find their truth in it. But either way, I will keep on writing and making more music.

For Aspiring Artists

8. Lastly, do you have a message for any aspiring artists who are on a similar journey as you?

In the short time I’ve spent in this field, one thing has become clear: we are part of a profession where our creations take on a life of their own. They’re like living beings, and if preserved, they have the potential to exist long after we’re gone. So first, be grateful that this profession chose you. Your art will outlive you, and that’s a privilege not many can claim. Plan as much as you can, but reality will always have its own path. And embrace self-doubt. It’s essential to your growth. Having no self-doubt is like trying to lift heavy-weights in zero gravity – you need resistance to push against to become stronger. Self-doubt is not your enemy; it’s the catalyst that makes you better. Don’t chase universal stories or try to create the “popular sound,” and at the same time, don’t force yourself to be unique. Instead, find a balance. The truth is, nothing in this world is truly novel – everything we create is an iteration, an improvisation, or a reinterpretation of what came before. It may sound unique at first, but dissect it properly and you will find traces of creations that came way before. What matters is making it yours. Stay grounded, stay curious, and above all, stay connected to the reason you create.

Listen to ‘Shiraz’ by Sanket Jayn: