Kolkata listens, it doesn’t just cheer: Armaan Malik

When Armaan Malik performed in Kolkata on February 21, the evening was as much about emotion as it was about music. Having toured across the globe, the singer admits that Kolkata offers a distinctly different experience.

Speaking to us ahead of his performance, he said, “Kolkata listens. That’s the difference. The audience doesn’t just cheer, they absorb. There’s a literary and cultural depth here that makes performing very emotional. You can feel that they value lyrics, melody, poetry. It makes you want to give a little more on stage. I always look forward to the quieter songs in cities like Kolkata. Ballads hit differently here. When the crowd sings along softly, that’s when you feel the magic. Those moments stay with me long after the show ends."

At a time when streaming platforms and social media trends are reshaping the music industry, Armaan remains mindful of not letting algorithms dictate artistry. “I remind myself that music is bigger than algorithms. Hooks are important, yes, but the emotion in the verses and the journey of the song matter just as much. I try to make songs that people can listen to for years, not just scroll past," said the singer.

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