"Today’s Artist Is More Than A Musician—You’re A brand, A Marketer, And A Creator”-Akhil Sachdeva

Akhil Sachdeva is a soulful singer, composer, and lyricist best known for his heartfelt melodies and chart-topping hits like Humsafar and Tera Ban Jaunga.With roots in independent music and a strong foothold in Bollywood, Sachdeva has carved a unique space in the industry—where emotion meets mass appeal.

In an exclusive chat with Loudest.in, Akhil Sachdeva shares his journey from indie beginnings to becoming one of Bollywood’s most soulful voices.

Q1.From indie beginnings to Bollywood fame, how do you navigate creative freedom vs commercial pressure?

Honestly, it’s always a tightrope walk. I started off writing music that came from a deeply personal space—songs like “Humsafar” weren’t written to be hits, they were expressions. When Bollywood came calling, I made a conscious choice to protect that emotional honesty in my music, even while adapting to bigger production setups and wider audiences. For me, the key is to stay rooted in what feels real, and then find a way to present it commercially without diluting the soul.

Q2.What’s one business decision early in your career that changed your trajectory as an artist?

Choosing to say “no” to projects that didn’t align with my identity as an artist. There were offers, especially in the early days, that could’ve gotten me faster fame, but I waited. The decision to release “Humsafar” with honesty and patience, instead of chasing trends, changed everything. That one song built my credibility and opened doors to sustainable success.

Q3.With streaming platforms dominating today, how do you strategize your music releases for maximum impact?

In today’s world, timing and storytelling are everything. Before a release, I look at the emotional vibe of the track and match it with seasons, moods, and even life phases that people relate to. I also try to build an organic story around the song—maybe a reel moment, a live session, or fan interactions. Streaming is a powerful tool, but it’s your narrative that brings people back to the track again and again.

Q4.Do you think artists today need to be entrepreneurs as well? How much of your time goes into the “business” side of music?

Absolutely. Today’s artist isn’t just a singer or composer—you’re a brand, a marketer, a content creator, and a businessperson. I’d say at least 40% of my energy goes into thinking beyond the studio—whether it’s planning collaborations, brand deals, social content, or managing rights. But it’s important to not let that overshadow the music. Art first, business smartly after.

Q5.You’ve had viral hits and emotionally deep tracks—what’s your take on balancing authenticity with what’s trending?

It’s easy to chase trends, but trends fade. Emotion lasts. I’ve always believed that when you write or sing something true to your heart, it finds its audience—even if it takes a little longer. That said, I do pay attention to production styles or sonic shifts happening around me. The trick is to evolve in sound, but stay anchored in soul. That’s where real magic happens.