Exclusive Interview With Makh

Makh is an artist who has been gaining momentum in the music scene with his unique blend of hip-hop, reggaeton, soul, rock, and South Asian instrumentation. His latest single, “Closer,” has already captured the attention of fans and critics alike.

“Closer” combines elements of hip-hop and R&B and immediately draws you in on first listen with captivating vocals before the rousing beat kicks in. The song is elevated further by its infectious hook, which will no doubt have everyone singing along, and Makh’s candid lyricism about being scared to fall in love. 

In this interview, we had the opportunity to speak with Makh about his music, influences, his latest single and future plans.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how it has influenced your music?

I have always had a huge passion for music and performing starting from a very young age. I learnt to play the piano as a child and was involved in singing and loved the thrill of performing. Coming from a family with a multi-ethnic background I was exposed and found an appreciation and love for a huge range of musical genres and they have all influenced me in different ways. Hip-hop and R&B was the genre I followed most closely and I started rapping and producing beats in high school and the journey has continued ever since.

Your new single, “Closer,” combines elements of hip-hop and R&B with South Asian instrumentation. Can you describe your creative process for blending these different genres?

When I’m producing I’m always looking to blend different elements of my influences into what I’m creating – but without it becoming cliché or forcing to it. With ‘Closer’ the elements of South Asian instrumentation added to the live music feel of what I wanted to create. My style is to blend electronic elements with real live music and for this track in particular the instrumentation added the feel I wanted and made the track more earthy and real.

“Closer” is your second single. How has your music evolved since your debut release, “You What,” in summer 2021?

My music is constantly evolving, as mentioned I’ve come from a background of being passionate about a variety of genres and so my music is continually changing and using more of those influences in different ways. I really don’t want to be put into a box, or for people to expect only one type of music from me. So the evolution will continue and so will the variety!

The lyrics of “Closer” deal with being scared to fall in love again after being hurt. How do you hope your music resonates with listeners who may have had similar experiences?

I think we have all experienced romantic heartbreak at some point in our lives…and maybe even multiple times. And it’s so hard to put your heart on the line again, be vulnerable and open up once that’s happened. And that time we start to fall in love again all the barriers, fears and doubts can start creeping in. And that’s what this song is about, and I hope people can connect with those emotions and feelings in the track.

You’re also a presenter for the BBC Asian Network. How does your work in radio inform your approach to creating and performing music?

Being a presenter for the BBC Asian Network was a real privilege, and it allowed me to keep immersed into what music is trending and hot right now. The most important thing to me is to expose myself to as much music as possible and Asian Network allowed me to hear more South Asian music, which is not something I usually listen to. I would say though, for me as an artist making music I am passionate about and that I love is most important. I don’t want to make music that isn’t  true to who I am just because it’s popular on the radio right now. I think artists should stay authentic and true to themselves as much as possible.

What can fans expect from you in 2023? Do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations in the works?

A lot more music! And much more music blending and combining my influences. The tracks in the pipeline are very exciting and unique and I can’t wait to share them. We’ve been working hard in the studio and have some really moving music, both sonically and lyrically ready to be released.

You’ll also be seeing me on stage much more in 2023 around the country and appearing and producing music in genres which you will never have thought you would have seen me in.