Musician Tarang Joseph
Bengaluru-based singer, pianist, and songwriter Tarang Joseph openly admits to being a stubborn individual. He lives by the philosophy that if something doesn’t resonate with him, he simply can’t do it, a conviction he shares with a disarming smile.
This very sentiment is vibrantly captured in his latest single, ‘One Track Mind,’ a dynamic fusion of disco-funk and nu-jazz. The song serves as a powerful anthem for liberation, encouraging listeners to shed societal expectations and boldly carve their own unique paths.
Tarang reveals a deeper, more personal connection to the song, explaining, ‘I’d betrayed myself so many times by saying yes when I didn’t truly want to, ignoring what my gut and heart were telling me.’ For him, ‘One Track Mind’ is a heartfelt cry, a ‘scream from my gut for betraying myself and my heart too many times.’
Tarang feels that society often pressures artists into conformity, a stifling expectation he passionately rejects. He channels this struggle into his lyrics, crooning, ‘I’ve been doing time and facing retribution…for all the times I’ve lied and caused any confusion…I know I’ll be alright…but man, there’s something heavy resting on my soul.’ He declares his unwavering independence: ‘After all these years, I’m tired of doing what I’m told…don’t waste your time because I’ve got a one-track mind.’
‘One Track Mind’ quickly captivated audiences, garnering over 16,000 listeners in less than a week. This success is the culmination of long-term dedication, as Tarang explains, ‘I grew up on that kind of music. My mom loved ABBA.’ He also cites early Michael Jackson and Jamiroquai as significant inspirations, noting Jamiroquai’s pioneering work in acid jazz—a genre that seamlessly blends disco, funk, soul, and jazz. ‘I draw a lot of influence from that,’ he adds.
While Tarang is primarily responsible for the melodies and lyrics, the single was collaboratively written with his band in a classic, organic style. Given their weekly live performances at ZLB23, the Kyoto speakeasy located in The Leela Palace Bengaluru, improvisation is a core part of their process. Tarang elaborates, ‘we improvise because it’s a jazz venue.’ Many of their most compelling ideas emerge spontaneously during these sessions; if an idea felt ‘magical,’ Tarang would quickly record it on his phone.
‘One Track Mind,’ with its distinctive band-style arrangement, was born from this dynamic creative environment. ‘The first drop for this was a jam,’ Tarang recalls. ‘Then I started recording because I could feel something here.’
At just 25, ‘One Track Mind’ marks Tarang’s 15th release, adding to his impressive discography of nine singles and an EP. ‘I’ve been releasing music since my 11th grade, so it has been a long time,’ he explains. His musical journey began with electronic music, transitioned to rock, and eventually evolved into his current passion for R&B, soul, funk, and disco. Growing up in a music-filled home, his earliest influences included classic Disney songs.
He fondly remembers Billy Joel’s music being the soundtrack to every 15-hour car ride from Bengaluru to Trivandrum, stating, ‘I know every song from his discography.’ Beyond Joel, his father’s love for jazz, 80s classics, and legendary rock bands like The Beatles and The Eagles filled their home. Tarang also highlights his father’s particular fondness for Jethro Tull, especially since he plays the flute.
Tarang’s parents often recount his early musical inclinations, noting that he began piano lessons at the tender age of four. He recounts a childhood anecdote: ‘I was good at maths, so my parents put me in summer camp for it, but I didn’t like it.’
This led to a pivotal agreement with his father: Tarang could leave math camp if he attended the piano classes conveniently located next door. He credits his piano teacher, Roopa Shetty, who ‘taught me for 12 years, from the age of four. I owe her a lot. I would not have such a good relationship with my instrument if not for her.’ As he matured, the piano transcended mere lessons, becoming a ‘spiritual thing’ in his life.
Tarang Joseph performs with his band.
Even when Tarang was writing what he describes as ‘really bad songs’ at 13 or 14, his father, a ‘very creative guy,’ provided unwavering encouragement. This early support led him to join Taaqademy Academy, founded by the Bengaluru rock band Thermal And A Quarter, where he soon formed his own band.
His band, named Fleeting Glimpse—a nod to the lyrics of Pink Floyd’s ‘Comfortably Numb’—initially focused on classic rock covers. They eventually began crafting original music and regularly performed at various venues across Bengaluru.
Tarang reflects, ‘I don’t think I really found my creative voice and joy for it until I was in high school.’ But once he did, his music flowed effortlessly. ‘Everything came from a place of emotion, feeling and gut. I’ve been riding that wave for a long time,’ he shares.
The band eventually dissolved as its members pursued different colleges, yet Tarang’s dedication to writing and creating music never wavered. He recalls, ‘When I was finally ready to gig and put together another band, COVID hit.’ This unexpected turn proved to be surprisingly advantageous, as record producers typically busy with established artists suddenly had availability. ‘I got to work with a good record producer, who now had the time to take a newbie like me,’ he explains.
In 2024, Tarang unveiled his debut EP, Liquid Sunshine, which he proudly describes as ‘the first project that was cohesive…the first time I had a sound that was uniquely mine.’ This EP earned critical acclaim, being named one of the Best EPs of 2024 by The Indian Music Diaries. His notable achievements also include features on BBC UK and Spotify’s Indian Indie English playlist, performances at prestigious festivals like Echoes of Earth, and sharing stages with renowned acts such as Peter Cat Recording Co., The F16S, Dot, Till Apes, and Mali. Looking ahead, Tarang is preparing for his sophomore EP, which will kick off with ‘One Track Mind,’ and an exciting two-leg India tour scheduled for November and February.