Aksh Baghla (in pink jacket) with members of pop boy group First5. Photograph: Courtesy of the artist
Earlier this 12 months, creator and singer-songwriter Aksh Baghla introduced he was forming his personal boy band, in what was probably a bid to take his fan following to a brand new degree.
First5 – comprising Daksh, Yoshi, Tan and Elton – have now put out their first single “Tu Aadatein” and ticked numerous containers in terms of “India’s first subsequent gen pop boy group” as they invoice themselves – there’s chic pop voices, chocolate boy seems, severe dance chops and loads of goofiness for good measure.
Saying their arrival in the identical 12 months that main label-backed groups like W.i.S.H. have thrived, it’s been a completely totally different route for Baghla. He began out a part of First5 as a singing member, however then when their investor backed out, he took over managing and investing within the group, successfully switching into a task he’d by no means taken on earlier than. Baghla – who has over three million YouTube subscribers and has now drummed up over 26,000 subscribers for First5 – enlisted digital artist Exbow aka Dipanshu Lather for pop manufacturing that drives “Tu Aadatein” and Akshit Bhardwaj aka Hisoka (a dancer and VFX whiz/editor) to show director for the fun-loving introductory music video.
In an e mail interview with Rolling Stone India, Baghla seems again on the creation of First5 and what’s in retailer.
Rolling Stone India: It’s clearly been a curler coaster journey in making First5 develop into a actuality. What has it been like seeing the love that “Tu Aadatein” has bought thus far?
Aksh Baghla: It’s been surreal, truthfully. This can be a dream come true second for me. The love and help we’ve acquired for “Tu Aadatein” has been overwhelming. This track was made with a lot coronary heart and dedication and after so many challenges we confronted all through the coaching interval. Seeing folks join with the music, the story, and the trouble behind it’s extremely fulfilling and motivating. It reassures me that every one the dangers, sacrifices, and challenges have been price it.
I believe numerous followers have clearly come out of your involvement within the undertaking, so what do you suppose will make them keep figuring out that you could be not be among the many faces within the band?
I perceive that and I’ve considered it so much. What is going to make them keep is the boys’ unbelievable expertise, their tales, and the authenticity. They’re not simply performers; they’re storytellers, dreamers, and fighters. That’s what makes this a motion—it belongs to everybody who believes in chasing their desires. Whereas I’m not on stage with them, my imaginative and prescient and coronary heart are nonetheless deeply invested on this band.
By way of placing collectively a boy band, you talked about this complete side of auditions, transferring the members in collectively and making the music after which the video. What sort of reference level or blueprint did you set for First5?
The blueprint was drawn from a mixture of inspirations — international boy bands, the place coaching, self-discipline, and teamwork are key. However we additionally needed to remain true to our Indian roots. Additionally, I’m a creator myself so in terms of content material, I used to be properly ready. For me, it was about making a family-like setting the place the members might develop collectively, not simply as artists however as people. The main focus was on constructing their confidence and teamwork whereas constructing a powerful basis of music and efficiency abilities.
You’re now crossing over to this aspect of supervisor and investor within the band, along with engaged on the music with the members. What has this variation been like for you? What’s one thing new you’ve realized concerning the music trade?
It’s been a studying curve. Transferring from a performer to a supervisor and investor has given me a 360-degree view of the trade. I’ve realized how a lot goes on behind the scenes, from managing funds and schedules to dealing with the psychological well-being of the members. One of many greatest takeaways has been the adaptability. Issues do go fallacious at occasions, however what actually issues is the way you reply to that and take motion. Additionally, when i met with trade professionals, I bought a good suggestion about how the music enterprise works.
What’s developing from First5 in 2025? What’s your imaginative and prescient for the group?
2025 goes to be a large 12 months for First5. Now we have extra music lined up—songs that showcase a wider vary of their abilities and flexibility. We additionally plan to discover dwell performances, collaborations, and creating content material that permits followers to attach with the boys on a private degree.
My imaginative and prescient for First5 is for them to develop into icons whereas staying relatable and grounded. I would like them to encourage younger folks in all places to chase their desires, irrespective of how huge or unconventional they could appear.
