Singer-songwriter Zaeden kicks off the year with his evocative new track, ‘Raaz’ (meaning ‘secret’), a song deeply influenced by the many journeys of love and life he observes, including his own. “My personal journey holds a few secrets,” Zaeden shares with a smile. “But I’m also surrounded by countless untold stories of people who love in silence, their partnerships often unable to flourish for various reasons. These narratives subtly sparked the idea for this song within me.”
Born Sahil Sharma, Zaeden began his musical odyssey at just 14. He’s since worn many hats, transitioning from a popular DJ and music producer to a celebrated singer-songwriter. After gaining significant recognition with ‘Tere Bina’ in 2019 and releasing his debut album Genesis 1:1 in 2021, he’s continued to enchant listeners with independent singles like ‘5 am,’ ‘Aa Mil,’ and ‘Dooriyan.’
The music video for ‘Raaz’ portrays a lilting, melancholic mood. Against a sepia-toned, wood-paneled bar, Zaeden shares the screen with trained ballet dancer Shaiyla Taneja, as they twirl and sway to the song’s poignant melody. The creation of ‘Raaz’ was a six-month endeavor, a process Zaeden describes as a profound learning experience. “I was determined to ensure this track was brought to life in the most exceptional way, and balancing every aspect—from the music and dance to the writing—was incredibly enriching,” he explains.
Zaeden’s signature style, characterized by soft electronic-pop and romantic lyrical themes, positions him perfectly within the global resurgence of pop music. India, too, is witnessing a vibrant independent pop movement, with new groups like First5, Outstation, and W.i.S.H making their mark. “All eyes are on India right now,” Zaeden notes, “and the fan engagement is simply incredible. Punjabi music has already achieved immense popularity, and Hindi pop is steadily gaining momentum. I truly believe it’s only a matter of time before an independent Hindi song makes it onto the global charts, and we have all the ingredients to support this exciting rise.”
Beyond his musical endeavors, Zaeden hints at intriguing projects in the pop space, though he remains tight-lipped on specifics. He’s also preparing for an exciting foray into acting. Reflecting on his career path, he states, “My greatest strength has always been my ability to transition. I began touring at 18, left two colleges, explored DJing, dabbled in dance music, songwriting, and more. While I’ve certainly tested my family’s patience, their unwavering support has been my foundation.”
Having started the year with successful live shows in Singapore and Australia, Zaeden is now dedicated to promoting ‘Raaz,’ connecting with fans at colleges, strumming his guitar, and performing live. “I’m planning a writing camp soon, hoping to spark new creative ideas. I aim to be more consistent with my releases, and if the camp is fruitful, I’d love to work on an EP by December. I’m also eager to create another dance track,” he concludes, looking forward to the vibrant musical future ahead.