Assamese musician’s song touches number 1 spot on iTunes US pop charts

New Delhi, August 18

New Delhi-based multi-instrumentalist Baba’s latest English single ‘Hold Me Tonight’ reached the number one spot in the iTunes US pop charts.

The singer-songwriter and producer also made waves on the world indie charts, where the song climbed to the 13^th spot on the music streaming app.

“The song ‘Hold Me Tonight’ explores the experience of anxiety and how it often distances a person from loved ones, deepening the sense of misery. It’s about recognising this pattern and making a change to improve life and relationships,” Baba, who hails from Assam, said.

With deeply reflective lyrics that explore “personal demons” and the “pursuit of change”, the song, which soared to the top on iTunes on August 15, is more than just a catchy tune, he said, adding it is a “raw, emotional experience”.

He has directed the music video for the single himself. Produced independently, the video features artistic projections symbolising hope emerging from rock bottom.

Baba, whose real name is Abhiruk Patowary, developed a passion for music early on and began playing various instruments and experimenting with different musical styles, eventually forming a signature sound blending multiple genres.

Few years into piano and he expanded his skillset by picking up the drums at the age of 12 and guitars at 14 years.

Asked the reason why he chose the name Baba, he says, “My mother calls me Baba. My inner monologue also calls myself that hence the name seemed fit for this journey.”

Baba’s mother is noted litterateur Rita Chowdhury, who was former director of National Book Trust, and his father Chandra Mohan Patowary is a minister in the Assam cabinet.

Over the years, Baba has released several albums and singles under various artiste names that have gained immense popularity among fans and critics alike.