Latest news with #TwinStrings
News18
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Twin Strings Deconstruct The Emotive Weight Of ‘Tere Tere': 'It's A Letter That Was...'
Last Updated: Twin Strings talk about the emotional depth of their new single 'Tere Tere,' songwriting as catharsis, and the unseen reality of being indie musicians. There's a reason why some melodies feel like memory. Not because we've heard them before, but because they awaken something we hadn't realized was waiting to be felt. In the case of Twin Strings, the Delhi-based pop-rock outfit known for their tender originals and soulful arrangements, this ability to stir quiet storms has become their signature. With Tere Tere, the first track from their upcoming EP Karwaan, they've taken that one step further — crafting a song that doesn't just play in your ears but lingers in the ache between words left unsaid. Described as a 'letter that was never sent," Tere Tere sits at the intersection of vulnerability and restraint — a slow-burning elegy for the kind of love that never quite found its voice. And perhaps that's what Twin Strings does best. Whether it's the ache of Doorie, the fragile optimism of Tujhse Hoti Hai Subah, or the lullaby-like warmth of Aise Ho Tum, their music doesn't seek to impress. It seeks to accompany — to sit beside you quietly while you wrestle with your own ghosts. Formed by brothers Sagar and Manav Raj Bhatia alongside Mohit and Sahil, Twin Strings has built an ecosystem that's as much about emotion as it is about enterprise. From viral covers born in a home studio to running their own production house, curating intimate Lounge sessions, and navigating the chaos of indie stardom, their journey is stitched together not by spectacle, but by sincerity. But sincerity is not always easy. In a culture where musical perfection often comes with digital polish and algorithmic predictability, Twin Strings has chosen a different path — one that embraces imperfection, foregrounds feeling, and leans into the emotional silences that many shy away from. Their sound — often cinematic, often stripped back — is less about filling space and more about honoring it. The pause before a confession. The breath held between memory and acceptance. The slow realization that some questions will never have answers. In this candid and wide-ranging conversation with News18 Showsha, the band opens up about the invisible labor of being independent artists, the quiet power of love and longing, and the deeply personal, often chaotic process behind crafting songs that feel both universally resonant and achingly intimate. As they prepare to unveil the next chapter of Karwaan, Twin Strings reminds us that music, at its most profound, doesn't always resolve — it reflects. And sometimes, the greatest comfort comes not from closure, but from simply being heard. Here are the excerpts: 'Tere Tere" has been described as a letter that was never sent.' As artists, how do you access and process unsaid emotions to make them musically tangible? Sagar: Sometimes, what's not said carries more weight than what is. Music helps us bring those feelings to life in a way words alone often can't. 'Tere Tere' is a song about all the things left unsaid. It captures that quiet phase in love where you're hurt, but you choose silence. Where memories weigh heavy, but words feel heavier. It's not about moving on, it's about living with the distance, the ache, and the unsaid 'why." Was there a personal experience or memory that triggered the idea behind Tere Tere, or did it emerge from collective observation and empathy? It wasn't one specific incident, but a mix of stories of our own and others around us. Everyone has someone they couldn't say everything to. That space of silence is where the song came from. In terms of soundscape, Tere Tere feels deeply cinematic yet stripped back. How did you approach the arrangement to reflect the emotional restraint of the song? We are trying to approach a new sonicscape for our songs. We wanted the song to not feel sad but at the same time convey the emotional restraint. We're glad we achieved that with some carefully chosen elements in the production while keeping space for the beautiful lyrics to breathe. You often explore romance and longing in your originals. Do you feel love is still the most radical and relatable emotion to write about in today's world? Manav: Yes, love is still the most universal emotion. Especially today, when everyone's so busy, love and longing still make people pause. That's powerful and that's why we keep coming back to it. Your music often feels like it exists at the intersection of intimacy and universality. How do you ensure your songs remain deeply personal yet widely relatable? Sagar: We create music from our experiences. If something feels real to us, chances are it'll feel real to someone else too. It's not about making it relatable it becomes that when it's honest. What does the writing room at Twin Strings really look like chaotic, meditative, or something else entirely? Manav: A mix of both! Some days are filled with jokes and jamming, and other days we sit in silence, just feeling things. The process is never the same, but the energy is always collaborative. How do you decide whether an idea becomes a cover, an original, or something that stays in the drafts forever? Mohit: We go by feel. If something moves us deeply, it usually becomes an original. Covers are our way of paying tribute to songs we love. Some ideas just don't feel ready and we're okay letting them wait. What role has vulnerability played in your evolution from making covers in your home studio to now releasing originals that bare your emotional core? Sahil: Vulnerability is everything. Covers gave us a start, but originals pushed us to be real with ourselves and our listeners. That's how we've grown not just as musicians, but as people. How do you balance being musicians and entrepreneurs especially while running a production house, managing a YouTube channel, and curating live performances? Manav: It's tough, but we divide things based on our strengths. Some of us focus more on music, others on visuals or marketing. We're are still learning, and that's what keeps us going. There's a cinematic quality to your arrangements almost like a soundtrack to a moment. Is film score a conscious influence on your sound? Sahil: Yes, we've always loved storytelling through music. Film scores have definitely inspired us. We try to make every song feel like it belongs to a moment or memory. Your music often carries a strong Sufi or indie-pop undercurrent. What are the musical traditions or artists you keep going back to for inspiration? Mohit: We love Sufi music for its depth, and indie music for its honesty. We have grown up listening to A.R. Rahman, Salim Suleman, Coldplay have inspired us in different ways. We try to bring our own flavor to that mix. Aise Ho Tum has a lullaby like tenderness. What emotional space were you in when writing it? Sagar: We remember it was back in 2019 while on a trip to the beautiful town of Bir when Manav felt something so strong about his now fiance that he initiated Aise Ho Tum. We all instantly loved the lullaby like tenderness to the tune. It was a beautiful time. The lyric 'ek pal na laga khud ko khone mein" is hauntingly beautiful. Do you recall how that line came to you? Manav: Often one has a list of things he/she wants in their partner, but then somebody comes into your life and those things go flying out of the window. Before you realise, you have already fallen into this beautiful, unexplainable feeling. That was the thought behind this line. Doorie explores separation and emotional distance. Was the track inspired by personal relationships, or was it a broader commentary on disconnection? Manav: It was inspired by a very personal experience of being in a long distance relationship with your loved one. However with time, different people have gone on to feel the song differently, some feel the separation from their parents or best friend or their pet. But it will always be a very personal song for us. The guitar work in Doorie adds a kind of wandering mood. How important is instrumental storytelling in a song like this? Sahil: Very important. The guitar had to sound like someone walking alone with their thoughts. It wasn't just background, it was part of the emotion. Released during the pandemic, Tujhse Hoti Hai Subah became a comforting song for many. Looking back at the creation of the song, how did you want the listener to feel after hearing it? Mohit: We wanted people to feel a sense of comfort and hope. The song is about that one person who makes everything feel better even in the darkest times. The use of old live footage in the video added a layer of nostalgia. Was that a creative choice or an emotional necessity during lockdown? Sagar: A bit of both. We didn't have many new visuals, but watching those old clips brought back memories and matched the feeling of the song perfectly. Is there a track you feel didn't get the attention it deserved? One that's a hidden gem in your catalogue? Mohit: 'Khabar" It's one of our most layered songs. We poured a lot into it, and we still feel it has more to offer with time. When you look at your body of work, do you see a thematic throughline? What are the emotions or questions you keep returning to? Sahil: We always come back to longing, connection, and memory. Those feelings show up in many forms, but they've always been part of our story. But in the coming singles you'll see a shift in our music overall (Lyrics, production & vibe wise). What do you wish more listeners understood about the 'invisible' aspects of being an indie band beyond the applause and final video? Mohit: There's a lot behind the scenes writing, shooting, editing, managing budgets, promotions etc as an independent artist. We love it, but it's not as effortless as it may seem. Twin Strings Lounge is such an intimate celebration of performance. What's your personal favorite memory from the Lounge sessions one that perhaps didn't make the final edit? Manav: Every shoot of the Lounge Series is different and special it is very hard to name one. But the best part is when the director says Pack-up 🙂 What's next in the pipeline for Twin Strings? Sagar: We have been working on a 'EP' called Karwaan, First song was 'Tere Tere' and the second song is 'Baadal' that's releasing on 1st August (It's a gentle reminder that sometimes peace isn't found in answers, but in the journey itself). Also we have some exciting collaborations and more live shows are coming too we can't wait to meet our listeners again! view comments First Published: August 03, 2025, 17:29 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Twin Strings Unveil ‘Mahi Mere Mahi', an ode to modern love
All four members of Twin Strings are engineers — a default dream and requirement for every Indian. Twins Sagar and Sahil realised their musical calling early but dutifully completed their degrees before diving in. Their cousin, Mohit Deen, was always part of the plan. When they contacted Manav, another engineering graduate, he thought he was joining as their keyboardist. Instead, they handed him the mic. And just like that, Twin Strings was born. In a music industry that thrives on strategy, structure, and sonic branding, Twin Strings is refreshingly spontaneous. They call themselves 'an accidental band.' Their journey began with late-night jam sessions and collaborative instincts that evolved into something much bigger than any of them had anticipated. Joining over a video call, the members of Twin Strings exude camaraderie and warmth as they talk about their latest single, 'Mahi Mere Mahi', reflect on their journey so far, and share what's next on the horizon. 'We never planned to form a band,' says Sahil. 'We were just making music together — me, Sagar, and our cousin Mohit. Through collaborations, we met Manav, our star guy.' Each member of Twin Strings brings a distinct strength to the table. Manav is now the band's lead vocalist and co-producer. Sahil handles music arrangements and is the creative brain behind their signature mashups, while also playing the keyboard live. Sagar is the visual storyteller — directing, filming, and editing all their videos, in addition to playing the guitar on stage. Mohit is the tech wizard, managing sound engineering, mixing, and mastering, while also serving as the band's percussionist. Song from the heart Their latest track, 'Mahi Mere Mahi', is fast becoming the wedding anthem of the season. But its origins are personal. 'I got married three months back,' shares Sagar. 'I wanted to do something special, and we thought, why not make a song for my wedding?' Written by lyricist Aditya Sharma, who previously penned hits like 'Heeriye', the song was shaped through many conversations. 'They asked me how I met my partner and what our love story was like. And ours was a story without grand gestures — just something that flowed naturally,' says Sagar. 'That's what the song reflects. When I played it for my wife, she was in tears. Watching her made me emotional.' Sahil recalls the emotional impact vividly. 'We were driving back after the vidai, and the song was playing in the car. Everyone was emotional, especially during the final alaap section. It is special for all of us.' Given the song's deep emotional and social resonance, would the band consider creating an entire album, themed around weddings? 'We perform at a lot of weddings,' says Manav. 'And 'Mahi Mere Mahi' fits perfectly for those moments. The response has been incredibly heartwarming, and it has inspired us to explore more songs for special occasions.' Sagar adds, 'We are already hearing from couples planning weddings in 2025 and 2026, telling us they want this song to be part of their big day.' 'Our earlier track, 'Barish Ka Asar', was also a popular choice,' Mohit notes. 'It was used by many couples, including celebrities. So 'Mahi Mere Mahi' might just be the next big one.' Despite the success of their romantic tracks, the band insists there is no fixed formula. 'We have never really worked with a plan,' says Manav. 'Everything has been organic. But yes, people do know us for our mellow, soothing, romantic sound. That said, we are also exploring more upbeat, feel-good music now, like something you would enjoy on a road trip.' Lounge music The band's popular YouTube series Twin Strings Lounge was born out of admiration for Coke Studio. 'We have been fans of Coke Studio for a long time,' says Sagar. 'Then we thought, why not do something of our own? We wanted to reinterpret the songs we love, add our texture, and give them our vibe.' The series began with Sufiyana Sham and has featured collaborations with artistes like Aparshakti Khurana, Sukriti and Prakriti Kakar, and others. 'People loved it so much that they asked us to make it a series. It all happened organically,' Sagar adds. Will the Twin Strings Lounge soon feature original tracks? 'Okay, now you are just revealing our plans!' laughs Sahil. 'We are planning to present original compositions in the Lounge format.' When it comes to choosing covers, the band follows a simple rule: they pick what they love. 'For the longest time, we just covered the songs we liked,' says Manav. 'Maybe just one or two were based on what was trending. Otherwise, it's always been from the heart.' As Twin Strings continues to evolve, the band remains proudly genre-fluid. 'We are in a phase of experimenting with sounds — from mellow acoustic to '80s synth, funk, and even electronic dance music,' says Sahil. For Manav, it is about embracing the full spectrum of their production skills without being boxed into a single category. And while collaborations and additional musicians are always welcome, Sagar assures that the core quartet remains 'self-contained' — a tight-knit unit with the freedom to explore, innovate, and keep delivering music that resonates.
