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Mangal Suvarnan is chasing Destiny

UAE-based artist Mangal Suvarnan is finally bracing himself for stardom after spending years working on his music and attempting to get it recognised. Suvarnan will launch his four-track extended play (EP) Winds of Destiny on dance music's sought-after label Armada Captivating (Armada Music) at ON42, Media One Hotel on Friday, September 22, in partnership with DanceFM 97.8 and Hustle Entertainment.
Suvarnan's EP features four high-energy tracks, Winds of Destiny, Stallion, Checkmate and Insanity, which features vocals from Eshani S. Speaking about what inspired the music, he tells City Times, "All four tracks have their own identity and their own journey. I decided to name the EP after one track, since it was the only 'happy' track. It's an emotion that drives me on a daily basis, and it includes a very prominent flute lead, which is something that I do on most of my tracks. Each track was made at a different point in my life, some dating back to 2013. They've obviously been technically reworked and polished, but the melodic integrity of each track still remains the same. All of them are high energy tracks, driven by emotion. They should be out on all platforms on Friday, September 22 - Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Deezer etc."
How did it feel to be signed by Armada, a powerful label that is co-owned by Armin Van Buuren?
"Well, there's been A LOT of back and forth with the guys at Armada, actually. I remember initially making my first connection with the A&R in 2013, when I went down to Amsterdam for a family holiday. I used Google street view to locate the main office. I came across two people right outside the office. I asked them if this was the Armada office. They said yes, this is, and how can they help. I asked them if I could hand over my demo, but they politely refused mentioning that they don't accept demos this way. I thanked them for their time and told them that I'm coming from Dubai. When they heard that, their faces immediately changed. They asked me to come up to the office! And that's when I met the A&R and the who's who of Armada music. They graciously accepted my demo, and I left with my head held high. They obviously replied, saying that they liked my music but it wasn't good enough for them to sign. But I didn't give up, I kept in touch with them, and I constantly sent them new music since 2013. And finally in 2016, they accepted the track Winds Of Destiny. I kept pushing out more music, and they accepted the other three tracks as well! So if you ask me how it feels to finally get signed.. I felt all that effort was worth it. I'm just glad I never gave up along the way. So many things happened, you know.. I met so many beautiful people on the way, and I hope this is just a milestone in a much larger journey."
He chatted about his musical influences. "There are so many, I can't keep count. But I'll try to keep this brief: Fink, Andy Mckee, Laidback Luke, Bonobo, Gustavo Santaolalla, Thomas Newman, Above and Beyond, Deadmau5, Audien, Arty, Guns n Roses, Metallica and Afrojack!"
Suvarnan says growing up in the UAE meant there was constant musical exposure, and this shaped his growth as an artist. "There's obviously great music around me at all times. When I was in school, listening to the radio was a constant. Cartoons and video games had a very powerful influence in my music. But what influenced me the most is whenever I woke up for school, mum and dad used to always play music on our old cassette player very loudly. That really tuned my ears to accepting and understanding melodies unconsciously. Then came the hand-me-down acoustic guitar from my elder brother. And that... that changed everything. I still use that guitar religiously, for my recordings especially."
What advice would he give struggling musicians/artists? "There's a lot of obstacles you face on your journey, real life issues, and even issues in music itself. But the biggest struggle I fought was trusting myself, and my instinct. Although it's gotten way better of late, I still do struggle to believe in myself. The only advice I can give up and coming musicians and artists is to trust yourself, and focus on your art. Make it as 'you' as possible, and everything else will come."
Quick 5
Favourite track of all time
I cannot do justice to this question, but as of right now, I'm really feeling Fink's Nothing is Ever Finished.
Most overrated track of all time
What's all the Hipsters hating on right now? Despacito?
If you weren't a musician you'd be...
Software developer/ entrepreneur. If it were completely up to me, probably something that feeds my curiosity.
Best thing about growing up in the UAE...
The winters. I remember coming home from school, there used to be a heavily overcast sky, a clear sign to finish lunch ASAP and rush downstairs to play street cricket/ football with the boys, and top it off with Counterstrike with the same crew.
If you could go back in time you would...
I would push my younger self to keep messing with FL studio instead of getting on MSN messenger.
BE THERE!
Head down to ON42 on Friday, September 22, for the launch of Mangal Suvarnan's EP Winds of Destiny. The artist line-up for the event includes DJ Danny Cee and Joe Mango. Time: 10pm-3am. Free Entry, 21+event. For info and reservations: 04 427 1000.
enid@khaleejtimes.com