02 March,2022 04:37 PM IST | Mumbai | BrandMedia
Mihir & Jay
There are several inspiring stories around music, and how several spent their lives in its passion and pursuit. One such story belongs to Mihir Soni and Jay Hingu. They shared their love for music and started their own band, taking cues from legendary musicians like Kalyanji-Anandji, Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Salim-Sulaiman. Their inspirations also came from RD Burman & A R Rahman.
Their instinct to create music brought them together, and they now present different genres of music in their own unique way. Since childhood, both perhaps got signs that this would be their calling. While Mihir grew up listening to retro, classical, Indi-pop and traditional folk music, Jay would enjoy ghazals and thumris. Perhaps this was one of the reasons both of them chose the path they are on right now. Making Vibgyor Live had to happen during their childhood.
However, their journeys were quite different. One would think that this was something that must have been ideated way back when they met, but their backgrounds were quite different. Mihir, for one, started learning music at very young age from his dad who is dholak player. "This culminated into my love for drums. I learnt how to play drums from Manoj Dawre Sir, and advance western drumming from the maestro Pankaj Sharma. I even played with different bands in school and college festivals," shares Mihir, who actually met Jay when they were parts of rival bands in college. They somehow took their love for music ahead and began composing and even producing their own music.
For Jay, however, things were different. His family did not have the same kind of musical background as Mihir did. Jay started learning music at the age of 12 - vocals, guitar and the works. Mihir & Jay own Recording Boxx Studio where they have composed music for several OTT web series, shows, and movies. Jay has also sung for many private albums and web series.
The duo has faced several challenges so far, "the biggest one being making people believe what we can do. We can stand out in the crowd in an industry where everyone thinks it is a rat race. It has taken years of hard work and determination to get where the both of us are today," shares Jay.
The duo seems to be each other's pillars of strength and rays of hope as they recall the first time they performed together. It was without any rehearsal, and an impromptu show that audience enjoyed and even gifted them a standing ovation. "It was moment of pride and beginning of our magical journey and after that it became a ritual of performing shows without any rehearsal," reveals Jay.
This year, Mihir and Jay are composing music for two films and one web series and some other original releases. However, they think that their best is yet to come. Their opinion on the renditions and remixes of old songs is also a strong one. They believe that the originality of music is decreasing day by day. "Some of the classics are poorly remixed. On our part, we always like to create and promote original music," says Mihir.
As they shared before, that their best is yet to come ahead, they do have a mantra of success that they have followed to be here. In a world full of glamour and creativity, the duo says that âit is important that you don't lose the spark that makes you, YOU!'
Mihir and Jay are one of the most favourite duos that perform live in sangeet and in weddings with a team of musicians to serenade couples. Not just that but they can also liven up the dance floor with their musical performance in house parties. With more than 20 live shows each month that entertain and enchant the audiences. Not just Mumbai but their performances outside the city have also impressed listeners.
Mihir and Jay are coming up with several compositions in the near future, some originals that the audience will get to hear soon. Until then one can enjoy their music and anticipate their upcoming releases on Vibgyor Live's social media https://www.instagram.com/mihirjaylive
