How Kanhaiya Lal Sharma Became CheerFaad
Innovator of screamo and metal rap genre in India
Greetings, I'm Kanhaiya Lal Sharma, but you probably know me better by my stage name, CheerFaad. Hailing from the vibrant streets of Delhi Jamnapaar, I carve my path as a trap metal artist, blending the raw energy of screaming rap with the intensity of metal beats.
My academic journey led me through Delhi University, where I completed my graduation, fueling my creativity with a diverse range of experiences. What sets me apart is the realization that I'm not just a normal person; I exist with two distinct personas. There's Kanhaiya, navigating the everyday world, and then there's CheerFaad, the alter ego unleashing passion and intensity through my music. Welcome to the dichotomy that fuels my artistic expression.
In 2017, I began my journey in rap, inspired by Bohemia, Raga, and Honey Singh, introduced by my friend Sharaj Kant.
We started writing rap songs in 2018, eventually releasing them in 2019. By 2020, I sought to create my unique style, experiencing personal challenges. Depressed, I released "Khud Se Khafa," incorporating aggression and sadness. Music producer RHLJ suggested transforming it into trap metal, drawing inspiration from ZILLA KAMI, SCAR LXRD, GHOSTEMANE, and KIM DRACULA. Our songs "Khoon Kharaba" and "Hell Boy" gained recognition, making me a pioneer of the Indian trap metal scene. Mainstream artists like Ikka, Raftaar, Lil Golu, Raga, Fotty Seven, and King shared my work, solidifying my unique style and genre.
Originally MR.VIRAAAJ, my stage name transformation to CHEERFAAD stemmed from a depressing phase. Embracing a carefree attitude, energetic stage presence led to audience comments like "cheerfaad macha di stage faad diya bhai." Recognizing alignment with my music and genre, I officially adopted CHEERFAAD. Despite initial hate, I've proven skeptics wrong—now, they say, "bhai jesa Tera nam hai vesa Tera kaam hai."
CHAPTER 1
Setting a standard in the Indian music scene
I was drawn to trap metal because it allows me to express a range of emotions, from aggression to sadness and my dark side. This subgenre aligns with my style, as it provides a platform to seamlessly integrate rap and screams over heavy trap beats. While many can create screamo rap, my uniqueness lies in my diverse voice structures and distinct musical style. My creative, distorted music videos perfectly complement my energy, reflecting my dual personalities of Dark and Light. With my signature look half black, half white hair, black painted nails, pins on my Mask and distinctive attire including long coats, cargo jeans, and heavy boots I bring a one-of a kind presence to the stage. Tearing my t-shirt at the end of performances, I've set a standard in India's music scene, earning the title "ye to cheerfaad type hai" for those who attempt to copy my unparalleled style.
CheerFaad’s musical influences, creative process and themes
Influences in the trap genre include Scarlxrd, Zillakami, GHOSTEMANE, and Kim Dracula. I also draw inspiration from Slipknot, Wage War, Falling In Reverse, Linkin Park, and Bloodywood. In the hip-hop realm, my influences span Bohemia, Raga, Seedhe Maut, Raftaar, Ikka, Badshah, Divine, Fotty Seven, EMINEM, NF, Token, Sub Urban, and Kendrick, contributing to my unique musical style.
I craft topics and stories during my free time, visualizing them before selecting YouTube beats that align with my title. Starting with a groovy and catchy hook, I add variations in my verses to keep listeners engaged. After completing the writing, I record rough vocals, infusing natural darkness into both lyrics and music.
Blending elements seamlessly involves transitioning between trap beats, distorted kicks in verses, and switching to electric guitars, bass guitars, and creepy melodies in hooks. Occasionally, we interchange hook and verse music parts to enhance recognition. To add a unique touch, Indian instruments are incorporated into the music, making the fusion process a bit easier.
For my trap metal songs, the writing process is ongoing throughout my day from the moment I wake up until bedtime. Whether walking, chilling with friends, bathing, or meals, I weave lyrics into daily moments. When crafting complex songs, I focus on enhancing creativity.
In terms of messages, I aim to convey a carefree attitude, encourage self-discovery, advocate for individual rights, and emphasize the pursuit of freedom.
my song themes draw inspiration from the daily lifestyle of my hood, Delhi Jamnapaar. And also leaning heavily towards motivation.
CHAPTER 2
Overcoming creative challenges and how mainstream artists supported CheerFaad
Fusing screamo and metal rap with my rap roots posed early challenges. Limited Hindi tutorials led me to learn English to understand metal nuances. Attempts to record in studios faced rejection due to high screams, prompting the establishment of a home studio, albeit causing disturbances and health issues.
Upon releasing my first trap metal song, criticism arose about its metal authenticity, leading to the clarification of it being a sub-genre – trap metal (screamo rap). Despite initial setbacks and criticism, mainstream artists like Raga, Ikka, and Raftaar appreciating and sharing my work brought unexpected recognition. Overcoming negativity, I've earned a cult following and the title of a trap metal pioneer, realizing my goal of creating a unique genre after enduring significant struggles.
Future of Trap Metal in India
The Surge
The trap metal subgenre has seen a surge in popularity, particularly among the youth in the last two years. Live performances, such as those at events like Hustle 2.0 and 03, showcase its appeal with intense mosh pits and a noticeable screamo influence.
Future of Trap Metal in India
Gaining commercial acceptance
Notably, Raga and DG Immortal's recent release, "Kheench Maari," featuring screamo rap on a phonk-type beat, signifies a milestone in trap metal's journey, hinting at broader audience acceptance.
Future of Trap Metal in India
Raising Awareness
Trap metal's versatility allows artists to convey emotions ranging from aggression to sadness, and its future potential extends to integration into movies and web series.
While being recognized as a pioneer in Indian screamo rap, my aim is not to be a gatekeeper but to raise awareness and share insights with emerging artists. I hope to contribute to their journeys, helping them navigate challenges based on my own experiences.
Must hear suggestion for fans
Cheerfaad's favourite EP
My favourite EP is "ANGRY MONSTER," entirely produced by BAD JUNKIE, featuring the track "Rap Don" produced by Karta Music. Comprising 7 songs, this EP serves as a canvas for expressing a spectrum of emotions and conveying a message about recognizing another facet of my personality.
The thematic essence revolves around "ek shareer doo atma," portraying two distinct personas with varying thought processes. The track "Khoon Kharaba" holds a special significance, representing the emergence of a new personality and style that resonated well with my audience.
The meticulous creative process spanned 5 months, with my music producer RHLJ assuring me of the track's impactful nature by saying, "ye gana fatte ga Bhai." This EP stands as a testament to survival during challenging times and the synergy between contrasting personalities, ultimately deciding to coexist.
CHAPTER 3
CheerFaad's message to fans and the state of hip-hop in India
In my rock-rap music, I want fans to grasp a simple yet powerful message: never give up, no matter what. I believe everyone carries a source of positivity within them, like an inner cheerleader. My songs aim to encourage listeners to forge their path, and build their identity, even if it takes time and struggle. As my mentor Raga often says, "Find your own identity; don't imitate others. Discover your unique path and identity." It's about embracing individuality and resilience through the beats and lyrics. As for the hip-hop scene in India, it is booming, with significant changes over the last five years. We've got diverse sub-genres and even Bollywood celebrated it with "Gully Boy." Shows like MTV HUSTLE showcase emerging talents, and artists like Honey Singh, Divine, Raftaar, and Badshah are gaining global recognition.
To make my music relatable, I merged my trap metal sub-genre with hip-hop elements. While I drop some hardcore rock metal tracks occasionally, I believe if one of my songs goes viral, it could boost the metal scene in the future. It's a strategic blend adapting to the evolving Indian music landscape.
In the early stages, my music leaned towards trap metal, but I've diversified with experiments in old school, horror core, and hybrids. Maintaining my zone involves incorporating screamo vocals, a style I've consistently embraced. This fusion will persist in future tracks. I ensure representation by extensive research into trap metal, gaining recognition from mainstream artists like Raga, Ikka, and Raftaar, Fotty seven and king who appreciate and respect my contribution to the unique Indian Hip-hop scene. I've got a bunch of exciting projects in the works! After dropping my EP 'S' last year, I'm now working on solo tracks and collaborations with some big names. Keep an eye out, as I'm planning to release my album by the end of this year, giving it my all!
CHAPTER 4
Addressing cultural issues and having a voice while striking a balance
Certainly, addressing social and cultural issues through my lyrics is a conscious choice I make as an artist. I delve into topics like bullying, poverty, crime, rape, and corruption because these issues resonate with the human experience, and they hold a mirror to societal challenges. I believe artists have the freedom to express what they observe and feel.
However, it's essential to strike a balance. While I incorporate these themes, I also recognize the importance of versatility in my craft. Continuously releasing songs solely focused on social and cultural issues can confine an artist to a specific image. It's crucial to showcase a range of perspectives and emotions to avoid being pigeonholed.
In my experience, artists should intermittently raise their voices on these matters when they genuinely feel compelled to address them. Every artist is an influencer, and with that influence comes the responsibility to shed light on pertinent issues. By using rap as a medium, we can contribute to awareness and inspire positive change.
CHAPTER 5
Advice to artists
Aspiring artists, especially those venturing into unconventional subgenres like trap metal (screamo and metal rap), I would offer this piece of advice: Big achievements demand patience. If you aspire to carve out your musical niche, like my journey in creating a unique genre, patience is the key. The creative process flourishes when approached with a free mind, devoid of unnecessary pressure. Stay committed, embrace the journey, and let your artistic expression unfold organically.
NILESH DESHMUKH
Co-founder of offthedome and a massive fan of Indian Hip-Hop. Most of my team members say I came into the IHH scene really late but now that I'm here I want to unearth the visionary artists one at a time. Besides Hip-Hop I enjoy working as the Head of Partnerships (India) for a sports marketing agency in London. Basically, I love talking about India to everyone in Sports and entertainment sector in the UK.
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