They were the most popular composers of 2007 with the Dard-e-disco track ruling all music charts. Vishal and Shekhar speak to Rachana Dubey on their music agenda.
What prompted this label?
Vishal: Last year, Raghu came to us with his music. He played for us, we were floored. So we have launched, Counter Culture Records, with him.
Shekhar: Raghu's music is very honest, it took us back to the point we started.
How come Sanjay Dutt's launching the label and the album?
Shekhar: Dutt saab is a die-hard rock fan.. with the finest collection of rock music at his home. Starting a label is a huge monetary investment, right?
Shekhar: Our label not business for us. It stands for the music we believe in.
Vishal: We're not into a money making racket. There's a clearly etched out royalty system for the artiste. He or she will own their music.
What about competition from the existing labels?
Vishal: Sa Re Ga Ma and T-series are helping us with their distribution networks.
Shekhar: Priyanka Chopra, Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan and Farah Khan have been supportive.
If I had 35 hit tracks to my name in America, I'd be driving around in a Bentley. We're underpaid here, and all of us are making an effort to change that-VishalHow many artistes do you'll intend to launch a year?
Vishal: There are no plans for any specific number yet. We're in no hurry.
Aren't music composers overpricing themselves today for movie scores? Nearly a crore per film?
Vishal: That's a hugely understated figure. If I had 35 hit tracks to my name in America, I'd be driving around in a Bentley. We're underpaid here, and all of us are making an effort to change that..
Shekhar: Things have become more corporate now.
Vishal: Really, how long could the baniya shop attitude last?
Most composers are associated with a certain label.
Vishal: Maybe, but labels don't have any loyalty.
Shekhar: We have nothing to do with a label.. we deal with the producer.. he signs our paycheck. The loyalty has to be two-ways.
Despite your music's popularity, you haven't been on the receiving end of awards.
Vishal: We've been in the studios all the time. We're aware now that we were nominated for awards. But we don't know what happened there.
In an interview, Vishal you've been quoted as, ‘In Tashan, there's some electronica-inflected, melody-rich soundtrack.' What on earth does that mean?
Vishal: Oh please, I think I was hugely misquoted there. I had said that Tashan has little electronica but great earthy folk Indian sound..
You're pretty hot in the Yash Raj camp..right?
Vishal: I believe Rabne Bana di Jodi will be their biggest project till date. From what I know, Salim Sulieman will compose its music. As for being associated with them, it can't get better because they have a refined sense of music. Banners like Yashraj and Dharma allow us be to be creative as it gets.