"New Zealand's Got Talent" fame singer Evan Sinton aka MAALA is nervous about his maiden visit to India for a multi-city tour next week. He says he can't wait to explore India, which he feels is known for veggie delights.
It might seem like he gave a lot of thought to his stage name MAALA, which to Indians means a neck piece, but the 22-year-old says he chose it "quite randomly".
"I spelt out the alphabets and put the letters together... It sounded cool," Sinton told IANS over phone from Auckland.
It is believed that he came up with the stage name to separate from his "New Zealand's Got Talent" identity. Though he stood third in the singing based reality show in 2012, he built up quite an impressive fan base.
"It's part of the answer. But I changed my name for a lot of things. The new music is different. I felt like I wanted to reflect that a little more. I was trying to start something fresh," said the singer, who started off with an acoustic guitar and went on to explore the magic of technology in music.
Sinton, known for songs like "Touch" and "Kind of love", is set to treat Indian music lovers with electropop numbers during his Indian tour, which will begin from Bengaluru (June 7). He will then head to Mumbai (June 8) and finally conclude his performance in the country here in Delhi on June 9.
"I can't wait to see what India's got. It's my first time. Oh! I am so nervous. I don't know what to expect... Just brand new. I've heard the country has a lot of vegetarian options in food," said the Kiwi singer, who bagged the New Zealand Music Award for his debut album "Composure".
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What should the Indian audience expect?
"I am going to play more stuff from my EP (extended play) that I released. I've thought of trying out new songs too. I've been writing a lot," he said.
How is his second album shaping up?
"Three weeks ago, it was terrible. I've just recently started good piece of writing. I am almost done now," said Sinton.
His songs are sometimes about heartbreak or lost love. What inspires him?
"If I write a good song, I just know it. It's a super cheesy answer. If I knew the answer, it would have been a lot easier. If I had the formula, it would have been magic."
Some singers even get inspired when they are on the road. "Of course. It's just kind of a job. You know, take all of those... Different moments and try to work out," said the fan of love songs.
What's so exciting about the electropop genre?
"I was on an acoustic guitar and got bored of it... I jumped on a computer and to have all these synthesisers on my hands... That was so intriguing... The technology, and pop music has always been a big part of my life. I've always loved it. So, it was a natural marriage of the two," he said.
What next after India tour?
"I will be back home. I will try to finish off the album and then I will conquer the world," said the singer in high spirits.
(Natalia Ningthoujam can be contacted at natalia.n@ians.in).
--IANS
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