Private Blizzard: Dhruv's Journey
In his debut album Private Blizzard, Dhruv captures the emotional turbulence of personal growth and heartache. Inspired by a Margaret Atwood poem, the album blends intimate lyrics with grand, expansive sounds. From heartbreak to healing, Dhruv's collaboration with Grammy-nominated producer JT Daly brings a unique sonic experience to life.
Photography JC Verona
During our meeting at Norman's Cafe in North London, where we also took some photos around the cozy setting, Dhruv opened up about the stories and experiences that shaped his music, giving deeper insight into his creative journey.
Dhruv, your debut album Private Blizzard drops soon! What's the story behind the evocative title?
The phrase “Private Blizzard” is a quote from a Margaret Atwood poem titled The City Planners - the whole phrase “each in his own private blizzard” feels like it perfectly describes the process of making this album. I wrote a lot of it while sitting in coffee shops and other public places, very much living in my own world. In addition to this, I think the contrast of “private” and “blizzard” perfectly describes the vibe of the album - really intimate in its writing, but very grand and messy in terms of its sound.
"Speed of Light" delves into the raw aftermath of heartbreak. Can you walk us through the personal experiences that shaped this track?
This song is about an ex moving on very quickly and trying to decode what that meant about their feelings towards you. It’s a true story unfortunately.
You've teamed up with Grammy-nominated producer JT Daly for Private Blizzard. How did this dynamic collaboration come to life, and what was the vibe in the studio?
After a really shitty unproductive 6 months in LA, I got connected with JT. I could just immediately tell that he was a great artist collaborator and his want to make a full album aligned with mine. I flew to Nashville a few months later and he helped me “solve” a song I couldn’t crack. That’s how it all kicked off.
Your press release mentions a journey from numbness to feeling lighter. How did this emotional transformation influence the album's creation?
I was carrying a lot mentally and hadn’t unpacked it. Writing this album helped me sift through it and gain some clarity about why I was feeling the way I was feeling. By the end of the album making process, I definitely felt lighter and more romantic about the world - it inspired the last couple of songs which feel more “summer” than “blizzard”.
Growing up in Singapore with Bollywood music in the background, how did these early influences shape your sound and lyrical themes?
Bollywood music has some of the best, most hooky melodies. They would often be stuck in my head as a kid. It made me interested in making music and having that kind of an effect on people.
"Double Take" has resonated deeply as a queer anthem. What does it mean to you to have such a powerful connection with your LGBTQ+ listeners?
It means everything to me. I hadn’t come out to many people outside of my family and friends when I put out that song. So for it to be embraced and loved by so many people felt really special, like a big hug.
Leaving Yale to dive into music full-time is a bold move. How did you make that decision, and how important is it for you to follow your gut instincts?
It came at a natural point where I was spending more time in New York making music than I was at school. I realized that both school and music were going to suffer if I kept trying to do both at the same time. And on following my gut, it’s everything to me.
“Bollywood music has some of the best, most hooky melodies.”
Your EP Rapunzel featured multiple hits that took off unexpectedly. Did you ever imagine songs like "Grateful" and "Double Take" would become so massive?
No, definitely not. I made it with my friends, and recorded a lot of the vocals for rapunzel in my bedroom. Didn’t have any expectations about it taking off.
You often channel a sense of childlike freedom and joy in your music. How do you capture and convey those feelings in your songwriting and performances?
That was definitely the vibe of my first project. Wonder and freedom is what that period felt like after moving to a new country and being in my first relationship. It was a time of novelty.
TikTok has been a game-changer for your career, but you’ve said social media doesn’t come naturally to you. How do you strike a balance between being online and staying true to yourself?
I find it difficult. I’m naturally introverted and I probably wouldn’t have social media if I wasn’t an artist. I try to think about it just as a way to communicate with my fans rather than as this promotional tool. It helps.
Private Blizzard blends classic live elements with modern sounds. How did you and JT Daly achieve this seamless fusion?
I’m a sucker for a live album and was heading toward something that was fully organic. JT definitely encouraged me to make something that had modern touches and land on my own unique sound.
“Following my gut, it’s everything to me.”
You’ve mentioned wanting to perform more in Asia, where you grew up. What are your hopes for connecting with audiences there?
I hope they feel seen and represented. While I was growing up in Singapore, I remember being so frustrated when my favourite artists would announce “global tours' and just skip over all of South East Asia.
Manifestation seems to be a big part of your life. Can you share how this practice has influenced your career path and personal development?
It’s definitely a part of my process. I do believe in it, but also think it has to be backed up by a lot of work.
Finally, what do you hope listeners take away from Private Blizzard when they hit play?
I hope it’s a friend to them, in the way it’s been for me.
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