By the Casual Observer Team and Harry D Cruz

Hailing from Bangalore, Harry D Cruz is one of India’s finest beatboxers, with an impressive catalogue of achievements to show for it. He has performed on hundreds of stages, become a certified TEDx performer, acquired numerous accolades, been recognized for his talent by various media firms (Radio Mirchi, Indian Express, etc.), and even become a beatboxing coach. At only 23 years old, he’s just getting warmed up in the music scene. 

Beatboxing is, without doubt, the musical definition of badass behaviour, so when he approached us to be a part of this edition, it seemed like the stars had aligned. So, sit back and look into the life of a professional beatboxer!

1. At quite a young age, you’ve already made a prolific career for yourself. What do you think differentiates you from the rest?

Harry: As an artist, I perform for self-satisfaction and happiness. I don’t go judge or perform for the sake of money; I do it for the audience. More than anything, I want to be an entertainer that the crowd loves. In most of the competitions I have participated in, I haven’t won any prize at all, but I try to ensure that I get along with and entertain the crowd every time.

2. Having watched a few of your videos, let’s talk about your incredibly unique style that is able to use multiple instruments, from the Kazoo to the Thai flute in your music. What made you go down this unconventional path?

Harry: I integrate multiple kinds of instruments along with my beatboxing. I’ve done Thai flute beatboxing, kazoo beatboxing, harmonica beatboxing and more. I try to push the boundaries because it gives me uniqueness compared with other beatboxers. Every beatboxer should understand the concept of certification and being the first to do something new, because that will give you an identity in the music world, and will speak about you long after you’re gone.

3. The resemblance to real instrumental sounds in your art is remarkable! Do you think that at some point in the future, beatboxers could replace conventional instrumental accompaniments in singing? 

Harry: Maybe! In fact, many popular movie songs already use beatboxing. Getting the opportunity to do that is incredibly rare though, so we must wait patiently for the chance.

4. Your online behaviour (the demeanour, the way you present yourself, the vibe you give off, etc.) is very distinctively beatboxer-y. What would you describe the way you behave in real life?

Harry: To be honest, I am a shy guy who often fears talking to people and going up on stage. But I greatly enjoy my time on social media, especially on YouTube. I enjoy learning about current affairs; gaining knowledge is probably the most interesting thing I do in my free time. I could say that my mind is quite calculative, and I enjoy learning things in-depth, from the beginning to the end. 

Everybody is different, and something I always tell aspiring beatboxers is that they should try and find their own way to do things, be it as an entertainer or a battler. You should find your own niche and explore that, rather than trying to follow others.

5. Beatboxing is definitely an unconventional art. We suppose that when you decided to make the jump into music, it was met with criticism from those close to you. How do you look back at that now, as someone who is accomplished in the field?

Harry: I really don’t give a damn about the negativity that people give me. At the end of the day, it’s my life, and I was born here to listen to myself, not to you.

6. Who has been your biggest inspiration and what have you implemented from him/her in your life? 

Harry: I don’t have an “inspiration” as such but I’ve learnt a lot about simplicity from our Thalaiva (leader) Rajinikanth. No matter how much we grow, we shouldn’t forget where we came from, and must always have the mentality to keep learning. The day you lose that is the day you start declining.

7. Considering that our audience is mostly students, what do you have to say to potential future artists reading this? Do you think there is a point when you should stop pursuing music?

Harry: One word of advice is please never give up on your academics. It will help you one day if the art doesn’t place you where you want to be. Not everyone achieves their goals in music, and it’s important to have a backup plan. If you are from a lower or middle-class family, you will have to support yourself eventually, and if the music can’t do that, then at least your academics can get you somewhere. So please don’t give up on your education while pursuing your passion.

8. Our final question is a bit of a fun one. Do you sing/beatbox in the shower? 

Harry:(Laughs) I do beatbox and sometimes sing in the shower as well.

Quite insightful, don’t you think? We’d love to hear the conclusions you drew from this interview- you can leave a comment/DM us on our Instagram page, @thecasualobservernpsi. Show Harry D Cruz some love @harry_d_cruz as well!