'The guitar can do so many things'

Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, prolific performer  - there are many ways to describe  Dhruv  Visvanath. The easiest would be to mention that  he is the only Indian to be featured in Acoustic Guitar Magazine USA's '30 Great Guitarists Under 30' along with names like Ed Sheeran, Newton Faulkner and Laura Marling.

His debut album 'Orion' released to critical acclaim and his upcoming  crowdfunded album, 'The Lost Cause',  is set to be another shining addition to his impressive body of work.  

All geared up to perform in  Primal,  Koramangala today, Dhruv takes time out for a tête-à-tête with Rajitha Menon.  

How did you get into this field?

I started playing music  when I was seven years old. I became more interested in it when I was in college because I got a really good bunch of friends there who encouraged me to try my best. I took to it in a professional way in 2010 and that led me to where I am today.  

What sets you apart from the others?

My style of playing is what sets me apart. It is  percussive acoustic; along with strumming, I use the body of the guitar as a drum and sing simultaneously. From what I know, it is not something that many people in India do.  

How would you describe the music that you play?

I try to make it sound limitless even though I use only one instrument. My aim is to make it sound larger than life and I do so by believing that the guitar can do so many things.  

You crowdfunded around four lakh rupees for your album. What made you take to that route?

It was a way of connecting with my fans and new listeners. Nowadays, people like to feel that they are contributing to a larger cause. I thought it was a great way to get people to be a part of my journey. I was supposed to raise only three lakh, so the end result surpassed my expectations.  

Who are your musical inspirations?

Many artistes from various genres. Micheal Jackson, 'Coldplay', 'Foals',  Andy McKee,  Don Ross...the list is too long. I feel there's plenty to absorb from their skills.  

What do you do when you are not making music?

Playing video games. I am normally travelling most of the time for performances so I try to spend some time in the cities I visit. Otherwise, I am a nerd  - I love movies and football.  

So what is the best part of your job? Is it the travelling?

Yeah, travelling is fun. Actually no, the best part is making the music itself. I wouldn't be doing all this if I didn't get to make music.  

What would be an ideal audience for you?

One without dinner in front of them (laughs). I have performed at many places and I know people don't come  just for entertainment. In that way, I have had some lovely experiences performing in auditoriums. You have the attention of 400 to 500 people in a room and that's great.  

Thoughts about Bengaluru crowd...

The city has always had a very decent crowd. Half my family lives in Bengaluru so I come here often. It's like my second home.  

Future projects...

The crowdfunded album will release in April 2018. I am doing it entirely independently and it is a big venture for me.