I'm stepping into the English music space as an experiment: Chandan Shetty

For Chandan Shetty, stepping into English music is about both ambition and uncertainty. His first English single, Diana-Myt (pronounced “Dynamite”), marks more than just a shift in language — it’s a conscious move towards a wider, global audience. The track also introduces newcomer Diana, making it both a personal experiment and a collaborative launchpad. Describing this phase as one of independence and exploration, the rapper is now testing whether his sound can travel beyond the familiar terrain of Kannada rap.

‘It feels like I’m starting all over again’

Despite a strong track record, Chandan admits the transition feels like a reset. “I don’t know whether people will accept it or not,” he says, candid about the risks of stepping outside a winning formula. But he says, "Experimentation isn’t optional — it’s essential. Rather than moving away from Kannada, this is an expansion, continuing to create in my home language while exploring new sonic ground."

At the heart of Diana-Myt is Diana, a Mysuru-based model making her foray into music. What began as a casting choice soon evolved into a creative partnership, with Chandan mentoring her in rap and performance. “She had the talent, she just needed a push,” he says, adding that her journey reminded him of his own early days in the industry.

‘You can’t expect every song to be a 100-million hit’

Having delivered viral successes, Chandan approaches numbers with perspective. “Once in a while, a song becomes a huge hit,” he says. Instead of chasing constant virality, he focuses on momentum - experimenting, reading audience response, and building gradually. Working with international collaborators and embracing tools like AI to refine his process, Chandan is adapting to an evolving music landscape. “The English track is ultimately a test — of reach, relevance, and resonance. The outcome may be uncertain, but my approach remains steady: keep creating, keep experimenting,” he adds.


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