Band members should not release solo songs: Partha Barua

Souls frontman Partha Barua believes band musicians should refrain from releasing solo tracks while actively performing with their groups, arguing that such ventures often harm the collective identity and unity of a band.

Speaking on a recent episode of the TV programme "Nineties Music Story", which revisits the era's band scene, Partha discussed his journey from joining Souls as a keyboardist to becoming its lead vocalist. He also reflected on the recording culture of the time, studio practices and the camaraderie that shaped their music.

"I truly believe that band members should never release solo songs," he said. "A band may have four or five members, and everyone contributes. The vocalist is simply the frontliner whom the audience recognises more easily. When the lead singer chases further fame through mixed albums or a solo career, the band inevitably suffers. There is no debate about that."

Partha admitted that he had sung on mixed albums earlier in his career, but only to earn some additional income. Despite receiving lucrative offers, he intentionally avoided releasing a solo album during his time with Souls.

"Mixed albums offered some financial benefit, so I did them," he said. "Some good songs came out of it too. But I never released a solo album, though I had many offers. If I had done one then, I would have made a lot of money. But I gained recognition because I sang for Souls. I already received more visibility than my fellow band members — so what would be the point of seeking more at their expense?"

Commenting on the current landscape, where many artistes now publish music directly on YouTube, Partha said the line between producer and performer has blurred.

"Nowadays it is hard to tell who the producer is and who the artiste is," he said. "Producers themselves are singing. And when an artiste is also producing, why would they take someone else's song? The few remaining production houses are full of demands — the song must sound like this, or match that hit. Sometimes it feels like they understand nothing about music. But new artistes need freedom to create in their own style."

He added that, in many cases, musicians are choosing to bypass traditional labels entirely and upload tracks independently: "If producers insist on copying an existing hit, where will originality come from?"

Partha Barua believes that awareness and responsibility among stakeholders can revive the vibrancy of the country's music industry.