We had the good fortune of connecting with Neel Wani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Neel, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I decided to pursue an artistic career because that’s where I belong. As a person of Indian heritage, most people take the educational route and pursue high paying, highly skilled jobs. I never found comfort in school, and always found myself struggling to focus and master the content. Along with school, I began my musical career playing the drums, which I used as an escape from reality. Through childhood, we have many challenges, and one of my biggest ones was the divorce my parents. I didn’t really know how to process things emotionally, so I took out my frustrations on the drum set. I found solace in beating along to all types of music from Hip Hop to Punk rock, and found myself playing along to bands on my headphones for hours upon hours. When I was old enough, I joined my schools band where I pursued percussion and was introduced to the amazing variety of instruments that were encompassed. I loved keeping the rhythm through the percussive, drum instruments while providing accompaniment or melodies through keyboard instruments. This skill allowed me to have success in digital production, where I have self-produced many singles and albums. Many musicians say how music provides them an escape from reality, and I totally encompass this. Even now, I make my best work during times where I need to let go and escape reality.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My music comes from all sorts of musical influences around the world, stretching from Bollywood to modern hip hop. Growing up, I listened to all different genres of music, which had allowed me to have a unique style in my music. To get to where I am today, it took a lot of hard work, sweat, tears, and rejection. People are always going to doubt you and tell you no, but it’s how you let that impact you that defines you. I’ve learned that it’s possible to do anything if you want to. If you want to become a body builder, there’s nothing stopping you. If you want to be a rocket scientist there’s nothing stopping you. It’s about how much you’re willing to give and sacrifice. Are you willing to go through hell to get to the top. I want the world to know that you can, even if you’re an ordinary person. This world has become messed up and all about flexing and clout, and the sense of humanity is lost. I’ve learned that nothing worth it is easy. If you want anything fruitful in this life, it’s going to require hard work and dedication. When the world thinks about Neel Wani, they’ll think about their fellow humans, and how the power of love is one of the strongest tools we can use.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I come from Katy, TX which is on the outskirts of Houston. There are many hidden gems in the area and would take people to Terry Hershey Park. It’s a beautiful trail in the memorial area, but holds a lot of significance to me as I trained for my half marathons there. Every day after or before work, I would go on a run, and running taught me many values and lessons in life. We would definitely have to hit the original Lupe’s Tortilla. They make the best tortillas and queso, with pretty great margaritas. I myself am not a huge drinker, but there are many cool bars around the area. One of my favorites is the Decoy where I play sand volleyball in a league. Houston has a beautiful downtown scene where there is a lot of diverse food and a fun nightlife. Brothers pizza is another place that is a must. They make an amazing New York style pizza, that is my absolute favorite. Lastly, for breakfast foods, the Bagel Cafe makes one of the best bagel sandwiches I have ever had.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that have been pivotal parts of my journey through music. First and foremost, my family is my number one fan. My mom, dad, and sister make it a point to come to all of my shows if they can and support all of my releases when they hit stores. I can’t thank them enough for their support. Matt Kelly is a huge support system for me as well. We are two similar people and have found similar perspectives in life, and he has been a huge help in getting me to where I am today. Josh Nanneti, better known as JONA, is someone I also want to shout out. He was another kid in band who was one year above me. As the only Indian kid in his class, I felt that I could relate to him and found him to be a role model throughout my grade school years, and even after. If it wasn’t for Josh, I would know nothing about music production, and most likely would not have remained in the musical path that I maintained throughout my life. There are so many other people I can’t think of who know who they are. Exes, friends, extended family all deserve credit for my success. I have been blessed with the support system I have.

Website: https://linktr.ee/neelwani?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=dc11b395-382a-4615-a54d-5dd5c4de41ab

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neelwani_/profilecard/?igsh=MXNpdm43bTJtZnUxeg==

Youtube: https://youtu.be/pU1fSekbApo?si=fHIXGC0lAR8EW4Zy

Image Credits
Nina Wani
Nowhere But Up

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