Writer - Abhay Khatan
Rising out of Kolkata, a talent like no other who is destined to make a “scratch” of his own in the scene, Big Scratch’s genre-blending sound wraps the listener into his world as he takes them through the ride of life through the lens of his eyes. But you see, Scratch is not just your average everyday rapper; he's also one of India’s rising reactor YouTubers and a top-tier Indian hip-hop YouTuber as he breaks the scene down on his channel with deep breakdowns in front of the camera, while he spears through the beat when in front of the mic.
In this exclusive interview with Premise, he talks about his creative process, the Sabr EP, and more. Scroll and read!
1. How did you and Sarp come together to create an entire EP after the success of your single “Pills on My Mind”? What was the process behind this project?
Well, after making Pills on My Mind (which was a very out of the blue collaboration btw) and the love it received from the audience, I think both of us recognized the potential of what we can create when we work together. I was in The UK at that time due to studies and was also planning on my debut album when Sarp got in touch with me regarding an idea to create something together…something more than just a track. Of course I was more than interested and said yes but as I had my album on my mind, I said it might take some time. Weirdly enough, I ended up sending two demos - Bataade and Main Wahin Khada right away. In response, Sarp sent me Dhoomil and I sent him my verse (probably the same night). We already had 3 tracks and it was already moving towards an EP, which turned into a mixtape later on. I think the concept was free-flowing and it was more we were having conversations via tracks. For me the mixtape starts with the beautiful feeling of falling in love to heartbreak but also carries on into Dhoomil where my verse talks around the theme of self-reflection and self-hate.
2. In the song “On God,” you convey a mix of resilience, ongoing struggle, and pain in the lines: “Yeh zimmedariyan hai mujhpe bhaari, And my shoulders giving up, Tu madaari hai is naatak ka toh dhaage toh dikha, Mere haath mere gale ko daboch chuki hai, Apne haathon se in dhaagon ko ab kheech de zara.” Can you share the personal experiences or emotions that inspired these lines, and what they mean to you on a deeper level?
I was questioning everything in my life. My past, my present, my actions, the repercussions etc. I felt lost and had urges to unalive myself. I was very reserved too and had no one to talk to with 100% honesty. Thanks to Anuraag JD for sending me this demo man…I had my questions and I asked them. I did not get any answers then but it certainly took some weight off my chest. I think I am the most honest when I write songs. Most honest to myself at least. This is a reason why I think its hard for me to revisit some of my own songs sometimes. I cringe at the fact that I’ve been so vulnerable and exposed. Still learning to deal with it.
3. When you were studying abroad, what cultural shocks did you experience as an artist? What new perspectives on life did you gain, and how have they influenced the way you see the world?
Being an artist you’re always an outlier and it honestly doesn't matter where you are in the world. Funnily enough, you're an outlier even amongst artists. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. It is like you see an extra colour that others cant see - a blessing and a curse. Everything is so much more beautiful but you spend the rest of your life trying to show it to others while they call you a fool and you die trying. Still learning to deal with it.
4. How do you plan to manage your YouTube content along with making music in the future?
I started off my YouTube from a very genuine place. I was an artist who used to do hip-hop music. I was the part of a rap duo back then (2016-2019). I wanted to explain to people how I listen to hip-hop music so that others could absorb what we do. And I also posted my own music on the same channel without any thought. It was my home. My safe space. Our community. I’ve gathered that things aren't that simple and obviously there's a clash of interest. I really want to share my passion of music but its getting harder over time. I try to not let it affect me but it hurts that some people believe I became an artist after I started my channel whereas I have been around hip-hop and songwriting since 2009. I guess I will have to let my work speak hahaha
5. Are your songs a true reflection of who you are as a person? Do they portray an accurate picture of your identity?
It is not. Whatever I say in my songs is totally real but its not the total reality. There’s a difference. My songs are like my personal journal. I process the harshest emotions when I write or record. I am an emotional person and the songs are where I pour the emotions I can not express easily amongst people. I want to make happy and positive music but I have failed till now. Doesn't mean that I haven't ever felt happiness ykwim?
6. Can you share personal experiences that have shaped your music?
I think I will have to let my debut album be the answer to that. Apparently my music has given an idea that I have had numerous heartbreaks and that's where all the sadness comes from hahaha. Heartbreaks? Yes. Romantic heartbreaks? No. Never had one till now.
7. Can you describe a particular song that holds significant meaning for you, and why?
I think Leher and Fitrat are two of my favourite songs that I’ve made. I feel this weird connect with the Ocean. I have conversations. Leher is literally that conversation turned into a song. Lmao I cant believe it actually put it out there for everyone to listen too. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my audience and they treat my songs with utmost love and care. But these are intimate confessions and I wouldn't expect everyone to get what it means to me. The internet is a scary place after all.
Another one would be Fitrat ong. I remember I was driving and this wave of emptiness hit me. As if I couldn't process any colour, sound or emotion anymore. Nothing made sense. I dwelled on this for a couple days and really didn't know what to do with this. I felt so disconnected. Me and Ashmith had been working on this Lofi beat for a while and I ended up writing this song about that hollow feeling. I don't think I have ever described a feeling so beautifully till now. The weight that song took off my chest. 2 years later I remember having an emotional breakdown while listening to that song with my sister.
8. Do you identify yourself as an emo rapper, or do you prefer not to be confined to a specific genre and instead explore all possibilities with your skills?
I do not think I am a rapper tbh. I am not here to prove my lyrical skills or musical abilities. I just think there's a lot to express and music is my way to do that. I have been part of multiple bands as a front man vocalist and guitarist before I even released my first solo rap. I am sure genres wont bind me in my career on the long run.
9. Can you walk us through your approach to selecting or creating beats for your tracks? What elements are most important to you?
I have understood I have a special place for vocal samples in the instrumentals I work with. I like violins and flutes too when they provide counter melodies. I don't think I can technically express what my approach is. I honestly don't know. Something just connects sometimes.
10. What’s your favorite song from the Sabr EP, and why?
I think it would be Dhoomil, but the demo version. The message is raw and so was the sound of the demo. I remember listening to it on loop when we made that. From the released ones, it has to be Bhulaade. Everybody ate. Maaaiiiinn kyaaaaaa karooon <3
11. What do you think is the future of Indian hip-hop, and where do you see yourself fitting into that vision?
Ah its coming to take over lol. I used to say this to my parents when I was 13-14 years old lmao. It will be everywhere. It will be the voice of the people. Can be a so-called privileged kid who comes from money but cant get rid of the demons in his head or a kid from the streets whose has been taught not to dream big. Me? I will be right there amongst everybody. I want to be the face of vulnerable, raw and honest songwriting. The face of REAL vulnerability and not “selective vulnerability” where artists only talk about the struggles (or sometimes make it up) that sound cool. I want to turn my shortcomings, flaws and mistakes into songs.
12. Which artists or bands have had the most significant impact on your music? How do you incorporate elements of their style into your own work? Are there any non-musical influences, such as literature, film, or personal experiences, that have shaped your approach to rap?
I really don't know where to start. Kishore Kumar taught me clear pronunciation, to start with. I’ve grown up with a lot of guitar based music yk - Opeth, Linkin Park, Nirvana, Lamb of God. More expressive musicality like blues - SRV, John Mayer, BB King. More technical craziness from Jazz (Cant name too many artists but it gets me anytime) Artists who have shaped my rap have to be - Eminem, MGK, Russ, Yelawolf, J Cole, Kendrick, Nas. I sure I missed out some. I have a playlist on my Spotify profile which has some of my non-hip-hop influences.
13. How did your childhood experiences shape your perspective on life and influence the themes you explore in your music?
Wow that will get very dark very quickly. Lets leave that for the album shall we?
14. How are you planning to promote the album leading up to its release? Are there any unique marketing strategies or events planned? What can fans expect in terms of visuals, such as music videos or album art?
I guess we have to wait for the rollout. But the album is a movie in audio format. Tracks are heavily interconnected and so are the videos. I have not respected genre boundaries when I made the album so that is there. I am sure that this album is the most transparent I’ve ever been musically
15. What inspired you to choose this particular album name? Does the name hold specific meaning or symbolism for you? If so, can you describe what it represents and how it aligns with your music and overall identity?
Khoj Par. In Search. This is the name of the first Hindi rap I ever wrote. Back in 2019. It is the title track of the album. The album revolves around the concept of self discovery. Naaah. Actually its more about the desperation and rush to discover myself. Did I achieve that? What did I find on the way? I wouldn't spoil the movie, would I haha
I had “Khoj Par” tatted on myself before I even started writing the first song on this. The fact that a song I wrote in 2019 totally coincides and sits within the concept of the album is a big win for myself. I think it proves to me that when you write and put out music with 100% honesty, your whole discography has a potential to be one giant album.
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