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How did you meet and why did you decide to work together?
Martin: The way we met was kind of funny, actually. I was chosen by Mel, our Music Business teacher, to host the VMI Night on October 23rd. When I introduced Ani on stage, I accidentally mispronounced his name…
Ani: Yeah, our meeting was one from the movies! Martin had just started at VMI and was moderating the evening. I was performing in two ensembles that night. Normally, I'm introduced on stage as Ani.D, but he wasn’t informed of that. Instead, he called me by my full name, Aniruddha Das—which is quite a mouthful! I remember running up to the mic and saying, 'By the way, my stage name is Ani.D!' I thought it would be a funny moment, but poor Martin looked petrified! Right after my set, I made sure to give him a shout-out from the mic, and that's how we met!
What does each of you bring to the collaboration? Martin in the music business, Ani in vocals – how do you complement each other?
Martin: Ani brings incredible vocal talent and a strong artistic vision, while I handle the business side—management, bookings, and strategy. This allows him to focus on his music while I ensure it reaches the right audience.
Ani: Exactly! I have a vision for my music and take my journey as an Indian artist abroad very seriously. I handle the creative side—music, repertoire, costumes, show formats, and content creation. Martin makes sure everything runs smoothly on the business end.
What challenges arise between creative music and the business side? How do you deal with them?
Martin: Bringing these two worlds together is always a challenge. As a manager, you’re forced to think economically, while artists prioritize creative expression. Finding common ground is crucial for long-term success.
Ani: Absolutely! Art knows no boundaries, while business follows numbers and statistics. Sometimes they clash, creating tension. The real challenge is balancing both in a way that they complement and elevate each other, rather than standing in each other’s way.
Was there a moment when you realized that your collaboration had a particular advantage?
Martin: Definitely! When we started planning our upcoming shows, we saw how well our strengths complement each other. Ani can fully focus on delivering an amazing performance while I take care of the logistics and promotion. This balance makes everything run smoothly.
Ani: Yes! From the start, we clicked. We both aim for excellence and don’t waste time. Over time, we realized how our complementary strengths create something special. It wasn’t just one moment—it was a gradual realization as we worked together.
What tips do you have for other music students who want to work with people from other fields?
Martin: Be approachable, stay open-minded, and step out of your comfort zone. Networking and collaboration are key in the music industry, altough i know it can be difficult sometimes.
Ani: Find like-minded people who share your vision, strive for excellence, and are ready to put in the work. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you.
How does your work together influence your view of your own fields of study?
Martin: For me, it’s eye-opening to see the artist’s perspective. Understanding Ani’s creative process makes me a more effective manager.
Ani: Working with Martin expands my awareness of the business side. It also pushes me to take my music even more seriously and maximize every resource I have.
What role does communication play in your collaboration, and how do you ensure that you stay on the same wavelength?
Martin: Communication is key. Setting clear expectations and keeping each other updated is crucial.
Ani: Absolutely! Honest and sensitive communication builds trust. We make sure to not only discuss work but also check in on each other. Sometimes, a simple heart-to-heart talk is what helps us stay motivated and aligned.
Do you have any joint projects or goals for the future that combine your two disciplines?
Martin: If you want to hear us live, we have a gig this Thursday, March 13th, at the iconic U4. We’re also preparing for a Balkan tour, which requires us to work even more closely together.
Ani: Yes! U4 will be our second major show. The Balkan tour, city-funded events, and festivals are coming up. Our big goal is to create original music and release an album while expanding beyond Austria. We aim for nothing short of excellence!
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