Piyush Verma: Street Performances Taught Me More Than Any Stage Could [Musician, Performer, 122K Followers, India]

Piyush Verma Interview

Piyush turned street performances into a stage for authentic connection, proving that meaningful music doesn't begin with fame—it begins with honesty. His journey reveals how persistence, mentorship, and genuine emotion can transform everyday moments into songs that resonate with thousands.

Q. For readers discovering you for the first time, how would you introduce yourself and your musical journey so far?

Hi, I'm Piyush. My journey with music began in childhood, simply by listening to songs and drawing inspiration from the music around me. Over the years, I've worked continuously to improve my craft, and I still believe I'm learning every day.

The journey has been filled with beautiful experiences, challenges, and moments that demanded self-belief. I've fought many internal battles, grown through them, and I'm proud of how far I've come. Above all, it's the love and support of the people who listen to my music that keeps me moving forward. I'm grateful to be where I am today.

Q. You're often seen performing live on the streets. What draws you to this format?

Street performances began because of my brother, Akash Goswami. He was already performing on the streets and introduced me to the idea. He believed that performing live creates a direct connection with people and that good music always finds appreciation.

That perspective inspired me. We started performing in December 2023, and since then, it has become one of the most meaningful ways for me to understand audiences, experience their reactions, and share my music. We also began documenting these performances on Instagram, which helped us reach a much wider audience.

Q. Tell us about Roko Naa. What inspired it, and what does the song mean to you?

Roko Naa came from one of the most emotional and unusual experiences of my life.

One night, I experienced sleep paralysis. It left me feeling overwhelmed, and suddenly, many old memories came rushing back. I picked up my guitar, sat on my balcony, and found the first melody and opening lines of the song. I immediately shared it with Sajid bhaiya, who has always been like a mentor to me. Whenever I write something, I seek his guidance, and he encouraged me to complete it.

The challenge was that I couldn't figure out how to move the song forward. Nearly two months later, I experienced sleep paralysis again. I returned to my balcony, and those same emotions resurfaced. That's when I wrote the next verse:

"Tu hoke bhi paas nahi, mere saath nahi hai... Tu tanha raaton mein teri hi yaadein bunta rahun."

The song came together slowly, shaped entirely by real emotions.

Later, I travelled to my hometown to record it at Sajid bhaiya's studio, where Gaurav also joined us. He created the complete guitar arrangements, playing both the acoustic and electric guitar, and together we recorded the song.

Roko Naa is deeply personal because every word and every melody came from genuine experiences and emotions.

Q. Walk us through your creative process. How does a song usually come together?

Every song begins with a feeling.

I usually start with my guitar or keyboard, searching for a melody that captures the emotion I'm experiencing. Once the melody feels right, the lyrics naturally begin to take shape around it.

The next step is sharing it with Sajid bhaiya. His feedback is incredibly valuable because he understands music on a deeper level. If he believes in the song, I travel to my hometown where we record it together. He then handles the arrangements, mixing, and mastering.

What I love most is how a song evolves during this process. Sometimes it begins with one emotion, but after Sajid bhaiya adds his creative touch, the impact becomes even stronger. Once everything is complete, we release it on Spotify and other platforms, hoping listeners connect with it.

Q. What has been your most memorable moment performing live?

There have been many memorable moments over the years.

Even when I had just 400 or 500 followers, I genuinely enjoyed performing and connecting with people. But things started changing once more people began discovering my videos and recognizing me.

For a long time, I used to manifest that one day someone would come up to me and say, "We listen to your songs. You're doing great." The first time it actually happened, it felt surreal. It reminded me that every bit of hard work was leading somewhere.

The moments that stay with me the most are when I'm with my family and someone approaches me to say they follow my music or enjoy my singing. Those experiences are incredibly special. Everything I've achieved is because of the people who continue to support my music, and I'm deeply grateful for that.

Q. Who are your biggest musical influences, and who would you love to collaborate with?

KK sir has been my biggest musical inspiration. I've been listening to his songs since childhood, and tracks like Zara Sa and Alvida have stayed with me for years. Those songs were constantly playing around me while growing up, and that's where my connection with his music began.

I've also learned a great deal by listening to Arijit Singh. Both artists have shaped my musical understanding in different ways.

If I could choose one dream collaboration, it would be with Vishal Mishra. I deeply admire the emotion he brings into every composition. His ability to create music that connects so deeply with listeners is something I truly aspire to learn from.

Q. What's next for you? Can listeners expect new music soon?

Absolutely.

We're currently working on several exciting projects and putting a great deal of effort into creating something meaningful. Very soon, listeners will hear more songs in the same emotional space as Roko Naa and Baarishein.

I don't want to reveal too much just yet, but something special is on the way. I only ask everyone to stay patient and continue supporting us.

Q. What message would you give aspiring musicians who are afraid to perform live?

My advice is simple: just begin.

Until you take that first step, you'll never know what you need to improve. If your music is honest and genuine, people will connect with it.

Success in music comes from consistency, dedication, and a willingness to keep learning. Never let criticism discourage you. Instead, treat feedback as an opportunity to grow.

Listening is one of the most important skills a musician can develop—not just listening to music, but listening to people who genuinely understand the craft and listening to yourself as an artist.

Find the right mentors, stay open to learning, keep improving, and most importantly, never stop creating.

I wish everyone chasing this dream the very best. Love you all.

Bio

Piyush Verma is a Delhi-based independent singer, composer, and performer with roots in Jharkhand. Known for his soulful street performances and original compositions like Baarishein, he has built a loyal following of 122K+ on Instagram through his raw, heartfelt music. For Piyush, every street corner is a stage and every song is a story waiting to be told.

Instagram

Interviewed By Mohd Farhan