Leslee Lewis, the singer-performer who helped shape India’s pop revolution in the 1990s, is back with Tere Bina Main, the final track in his Phir Se Rock & Roll series. Released on November 28, the song arrives with quiet confidence and melodic restraint—hallmarks of an artist who has always followed his own rhythm rather than trends. Deeply emotional and introspective, Tere Bina Main explores love, distance, and longing through a sound that feels both familiar and evolved.In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Leslee opens up about the making of the song, his enduring excitement for music, the lessons decades in the industry have taught him, and why live performance remains his biggest high.
Tere Bina Main is the final track of your Phir Se Rock & Roll series, and it has been receiving a very good response from the audience. The song feels deeply emotional and introspective. Can you tell us about the thought and emotions behind this track?
In today’s times, relationships often face sudden distances—like when a partner’s job gets transferred to another city, say Delhi. Love ends up becoming long-distance. The whole song revolves around “tere bina main, mere bina tu”—how do you love someone when distance comes in between?
Was there any personal memory behind writing this song, or was it purely imagined?
No, it wasn’t based on a personal memory. It was more about imagination—what happens when someone you love is suddenly far away. That emotional space, that longing, becomes the song.
You’ve been in the music industry for decades now and started very young. What part of your inner artist still feels child-like and curious, and what part has matured emotionally with experience?
The excitement I had when I started making music at 15 or 16 is still there. That curiosity hasn’t gone anywhere. That’s why Tere Bina Main sounds the way it does. I sing the way I sing—nobody sounds like me. This is my vibe, my sound.If that excitement ever disappears, then music becomes just a job. For me, excitement is essential to stay artistic. That’s why I started indie pop back then, and that same excitement still drives me today. Experience helps too. Because I started composing in the 80s and 90s, I now know what to avoid, what not to overdo, and how to refine my work. Experience teaches you balance.
When you were growing up, who inspired you musically?
I’ve taken inspiration from many people—different artists, different styles. Every musician I admire has contributed something to who I am today.
You were among the artists who introduced pop and indie music to Indian audiences in the 80s and 90s. Did you feel pressure to fit into Bollywood music?
No. I never competed with anyone. I only compete with myself. My level is my own. If someone improves after seeing my work, that’s great. That’s how music should grow.
Beyond fame, who is Leslee Lewis when he’s away from music?
I’m very simple. I like cooking my own food, eating quietly, and relaxing. I travel a lot for live shows—across India and internationally—but when I’m home, I enjoy being calm and grounded.
Do you prefer live performances or studio recording?
Today, everyone has a studio at home—a laptop is enough. Live performance is where the real connection happens now. I want to take my live shows to the next level, conceptually and creatively.
Was there a phase when you felt emotionally drained or creatively lost?
Between 2011 and 2018, there was confusion. But I never stopped. I kept recording—one song every day. After COVID, things became clearer again.
What has been the most emotionally rewarding moment of your career?
Recording 51 songs in 40 days for Coke Studio. That was intense, exhausting, but incredibly rewarding. It showed me what passion and consistency can achieve.
Why do you think today’s music sometimes feels mechanical?
Because passion is missing. Earlier, music came from hunger and madness. Now it’s often formula-driven. Melody and emotion are still essential—without them, music doesn’t reach people.
Lastly, any message for listeners?
Listen to my songs at home or in your car—but if you come to my live show, I promise I’ll entertain you completely, in my own way. Go to Source
