Tune in: Melody Matters

Dhruv Goel is a Los Angeles-based composer and vocalist. An alumnus of Berklee College of Music, Dhruv has produced music for various video games, travel shows and award winning short films. Dhruv, who has shared the stage with A.R Rahman, is currently working on Star Wars: Episode VIII. In a chat, Dhruv tells us about his musical favourites:

One song that you listen to on repeat mode on your iPod these days: Pagan Lullaby by Tigran Hamasyan

Five songs in the soundtrack of your life:  Leolam by Avishai Cohen; Test Drive by John Powell (How to Train Your Dragon); Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo by Farida Khanum; Praise by Aaron Parks and Yeh Jo Des by A. R. Rahman

Is there a song you love to listen to when:
You’re happy and upbeat: Tere Bina by A. R. Rahman
You’re really low: Us Against The World by Coldplay
You’re working out: Music by Flume, Diplo

How would you describe your taste in music: Eclectic! My influences pan many different genres — from Daft Punk to Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and from John Williams to A. R. Rahman.

Your favourite time/way to listen to music during the day: I’ve never been able to listen to music passively. A lot of my friends listen to music while working or doing some mundane tasks, but I have never been able to do that. The moment music starts playing it totally commands my attention, whether I love it or not. So I mostly listen to music when I am not doing anything.

One band/musician you want a private concert from: Snarky Puppy or Coldplay

One live act you would love to see at least once in your life: I would have loved to hear the incredible Mohammad Rafi or Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan once in my life. But since that is not possible,  I would say Avishai Cohen with his band (but with Mark Guiliana on drums)!