Dhruv Sharma, professionally known as Dhruv, is a name that echoes with fans of soulful R&B and pop music. Born in London, Dhruv moved to Singapore at the age of two. His musical journey took a significant turn when he left Singapore for Yale University at 18, where his passion for music ignited. Influenced by a diverse mix of Bollywood, 2000s pop, and artists like Frank Ocean, Dhruv began writing piano songs and uploading demos online in 2017.

In his early years, Dhruv faced the usual struggles of a young artist. “It was tough. A lot of emailing random record labels, hoping to get my music across to a wider audience,” he recalls then adds, “But obviously, no one wanted to respond to an artist they had never heard of before. Early on, I realised that this is a tough industry to get into. I definitely built up better resilience. And through those years when I was starting, I had enough time to work on my craft a lot, which was good. By the time I got into the industry seriously, my writing skills had become much better and more polished.”

His persistence paid off when he signed with RCA after releasing independent mixtapes between 2017 and 2018. Dhruv debut single, Double Take, released in August 2019, went viral on TikTok, catapulting him to international fame.

Double Take, an R&B track about falling in love with a best friend, topped charts in the Philippines and Thailand and placed in the top five on streaming charts in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. Reflecting on its success, Dhruv says, “I didn’t expect it. Especially in the regions where it blew up, it was very nice.”

After a two-year hiatus, Dhruv returned with Tragedy, on January 19, 2024. His live performances continue to show his incredible talent, reminding me of classic R&B and soul legends like Prince and George Michael. His voice, rich with emotion, carries the same depth and timeless essence as these iconic artists.

BST Hyde Park, set in the heart of London, is one of the most prestigious music festivals, known for its world-class artists and stunning stage setups. Dhruv’s recent performance there on the Rainbow Stage was truly beautiful. “I feel good but also a bit nervous. I am very happy, very excited, and obviously, I haven’t done this big in the UK before,” he admits just before going on stage. 

Dhruv’s upcoming album, Private Blizzard, set to release in August, was written in New York, Los Angeles, London, and Singapore, and recorded in Nashville. “London is the city that I have always been inspired in,” he candidly tells me then continues, “Walking around London is almost a dreamy experience. I feel more inspired in some cities, and London has such a rich music history. It’s a romantic place to wander, unlike cities like New York that confront you with reality at every turn. Los Angeles, on the other hand, is filled with great musicians, making it easier to exchange ideas. Sometimes writing there is simpler, depending on who is around. Different cities definitely inspire me differently. The majority of this upcoming album was completed in London, with less influence from New York and Singapore.”

From writing melodies at eight to pursuing music seriously at fifteen, Dhruv’s early experiences shaped his resilient approach to the music industry. Moving from Singapore to Yale University and then pursuing music full-time was a significant transition. “While I was in Singapore, there weren’t many people wanting to pursue a music career. But in the US, it was more of a reality,” he explains.

Dhruv’s Double Take, embraced by the queer community as an anthem, brings joy to him. “[As I mentioned before], I didn’t expect it. Especially in regions with strict laws, it was nice to see the support,” he notes. 

As he prepares for his tour with Jordan Rakei, fans can expect a great mix of old and new songs, bridging traditional and electronic sounds. “Jordan’s music is amazing and his live performances are always 10 out of 10. I really have to bring my A-game. It’s gonna be lots of songs that I haven’t played before and the arrangement is going to be interesting as well. I will play with some electronics to bridge the old and new stuff.”

His recent singles, Tragedy, How? and Speed of Light, fit into the overall theme of Private Blizzard, which Dhruv describes as touching on the more melancholic aspects of growing up. “The overall theme for the new album will lean a bit on the more depressing side, I must say. It’s not going to be super sad, but it will explore the growing pains and challenges of coming into adulthood. Private Blizzard is more about my relationship with myself. The songs you mentioned have a touch of melancholy, but there are also different tracks on this album, with some being more uptempo,” he comments further. 

Improvisation plays a large role in Dhruv’s creative process. “When I start writing, it’s always improvising over a chord progression, beat, or sample,” he explains. His inspirations, ranging from soul music to artists like Amy Winehouse and Adele, significantly influence his work, a reflection obvious in his upcoming album. “Definitely that genre influenced my music. You will be able to hear that on this new album,” he explained.

As our conversation came to an end, I am sure that Dhruv will continue to engage audiences worldwide. Without a doubt, his soulful voice and beautiful lyrics remind us of the enduring power of music to connect and inspire.

Featured image © Isha Shah & BTS Hyde Park

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

_{View of the Arts is an online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}