This musical approach is defined not by loud experimentation alone, but by a subtle reshaping of sound, emotion, and the taste of atmosphere. It introduces a space where melody, voice, and silence co-exist with equal importance.

The tuning and sonic textures further expand this artistic identity. Traditional elements are not abandoned; instead, they are reimagined. Classical and folk influences subtly blend with modern production techniques, resulting in a soundscape that feels both rooted and forward-looking. Such a visionary singer is Ankan Kumar.

His vocal expression within this musical dimension is not treated merely as a carrier of lyrics, but as an instrument and carrier in its own right. There is a raw sincerity in the delivery, often marked by controlled vulnerability. Instead of overpowering the composition, the vocals flow within it.

I talked with Ankan Kumar about his musical journey and the tunes he radiates during playback singing and covers that set him as an example, with his recently composed Borai Kore song.

Ankan has a very distinct emotional depth, from Upo to Borai Kore. Upon asking how he developed this vocal style over time, he said he never consciously tried to create a style.

“Over the years, I just focused on expressing the emotion of a song honestly. With time, that honesty shaped the way my voice sounds today.”

When I asked where he learned music from, he said his learning has been a mix of formal guidance and self-exploration.

“Listening, practising, and constantly experimenting have been my biggest teachers,” said Ankan.

He usually starts composing with an acoustic guitar because it keeps the songwriting raw and simple. For lyrics, he often begins with a feeling or phrase, then builds the story around it most of the time.

Borai Kore from the film Pressure Cooker has resonated with me deeply, and with many listeners also.

“The pride, vulnerability, and unspoken feelings that people often carry within love was the inspiration behind this song.”

Another one of his masterpieces is Upo, which started with a simple melody on a ukulele that made people fall in love, listening to it on loop during day and night, and especially during rainy days.

“I kept humming around that progression until the emotional direction of the song appeared. After that, the lyrics and arrangement slowly grew around that feeling,” said Ankan.

Modus Operandi
Emotion always leads the way for Ankan. Technique is important in this regard. He said, if a take carries the right feeling, he prefers to keep that authenticity rather than chase technical perfection.

Ankan’s songs often feel very personal. It’s a mixture of both real-life experience and imagination. Real-life experiences give the emotion authenticity, while imagination helps shape the story and the atmosphere of the song.

Upon asking what challenges he had faced while singing Long Distance Love, he said challenges arose whether it was finding the right sonic identity or delivering the emotion correctly.

Not only this song, but also in the case of Borai Kore and any other song he composes. He remarked, “Each project had its own challenges. I solved them through experimentation, collaboration, and sometimes stepping away from the song before coming back with a clearer mind.”

In the Bangladeshi music scenario, Ankan’s voice feels unique. He feels grateful for it.
“I never tried to stand apart deliberately; I simply followed the music that felt natural to me,” said Ankan.

The taste for music in Bangladeshi audiences is evolving. Listeners today are much more open to different sounds and storytelling styles.

“This taste encourages me to explore new musical ideas while still staying true to my own voice.”

While asking what’s important for Ankan between lyrics and melody in the music-making process, he gave priority to melody first, followed by lyrics.
 

“Melody often comes first for me because it carries the emotion. But lyrics give that emotional meaning. So, eventually both become equally important.”

Inspiration
Many artists and musicians have influenced his journey. He appreciated everyone who has been part of it.

“I have been influenced by many musicians across different genres—artists who value emotion and storytelling in music.”

Those influences shaped the way he approaches songwriting. The music frequently explores themes of introspection, longing, and quiet reflection. However, it avoids becoming overly melancholic. There is always a sense of light within the depth, a gentle optimism that lingers beneath the surface.

This emotional duality creates a powerful connection with listeners, as it mirrors the complexity of human experience. With every composition, Ankan is setting such an example.

Indeed, the nation has gained a singer who sings from the heart every time, with a new dimension.