Is AP Dhillon's 'With You' inspired by a Vital Signs song?

Time to grab your earphones and put your thinking caps on

KARACHI:

In the ever-evolving world of music, connections and comparisons between different artists and their work are not uncommon. Recently, a rather unexpected comparison has captured the attention of music enthusiasts across borders. AP Dhillon, a rising Indian artist, has found himself in the spotlight due to his latest viral song, With You, drawing striking parallels to an old Pakistani classic, Tum Mil Gaye, by the renowned band Vital Signs.

The comparisons were triggered by an observant Instagram user who posted a video to her handle, sparking a wave of nostalgia and discussions. The video ingeniously placed the opening melodies of With You and Tum Mil Gaye side by side, allowing the listeners to juxtapose the two intros. She playfully wrote in the caption, "Core memory unlocked. Tell me it's not just me." The comments section of the post swiftly filled with individuals echoing a similar sentiment.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by INZER ~ انذر (@inzagram_)

One user shared, "I put this song [With You] on in my car and my mom instantly went like, 'That's a Junaid Jamshed song!'" The amusing instance underscores how deeply ingrained the musical thread of Tum Mil Gaye is in the memories of its listeners. Another commented, "OMG! Thank you! I've been driving myself nuts trying to figure this one out." Clearly, the comparison resonated with many who had been trying to pinpoint the source of their musical déjà vu. One more chimed in, "[With You] made me go like 'Tum dur thay' under a second."

The striking resemblance between the opening chords of the two songs is undeniable. The chord progression shares an uncanny similarity, giving rise to the feelings of familiarity among listeners. However, it's essential to note that a chord progression, although a vital component of a song's structure, is just one element in the vast palette of musical composition. While the two tracks might share this melodic fragment, it doesn't necessarily suggest that Dhillon deliberately drew inspiration from Tum Mil Gaye for With You.

It is also worth noting that musical inspiration is often a complex and subtle process. Artists draw from a myriad of sources, experiences, and emotions when crafting their work. It is entirely plausible that the chord progression in question inadvertently found its way into With You, without any direct intention to replicate or pay homage to Tum Mil Gaye. Music is a constantly evolving art form, and artists frequently traverse similar melodic landscapes, sometimes arriving at comparable destinations by coincidence rather than design.

The comparison between With You and Tum Mil Gaye also led to discussions about the impact of timeless classics like Vital Signs' song. A commenter nostalgically remarked, "OMG! Vital Signs were love and so ahead of their time." This sentiment highlights the enduring power of music to transcend time and borders, leaving an indelible mark on listeners across generations.

In conclusion, it is crucial to approach new music with an open mind, acknowledging that musical creation is a complex and nuanced process. As listeners and music enthusiasts, we have the privilege of interpreting and enjoying music in our unique ways, drawing connections that resonate with our individual experiences and memories.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.