Known for their electrifying live performances and soulful mashups that resonate across age groups, The Toll Road is a band that doesn’t just perform — they create an experience. From college fests to high-end weddings and corporate galas, their journey has been one of evolution, emotion, and pure energy.
As they get featured in the 11th edition of Entertainers Connect, EVENTFAQS Media caught up with them for an exclusive conversation on their inspiration, journey, challenges, and the road ahead. Here’s what they had to say:
Q1 – What does being a part of the 11th Entertainers Connect mean to you? And how do you see it levelling up your work and boosting your presence in the industry?
Being featured in the 11th edition of Entertainers Connect is a true honour and a meaningful milestone for us. We have followed the magazine for years and seen how it has elevated many talented artists across the industry. To be included in this edition is both humbling and inspiring.
It places The Toll Road alongside some of the most respected names in the business, and we believe this exposure will significantly boost our visibility among top agencies, wedding planners, event curators, and corporate clients.
We’re confident it will open new avenues, expand our network, and help us take our work to a larger audience. As always, we aim to let our performances speak louder than words — and we’re excited for what lies ahead.
Q2 – What inspired you to choose this path as your profession? And now that you’ve spent time in the industry, what shifts or positive differences have you witnessed over time?
“Music has always been a natural part of my life,” shares Sahil Nagpal, Founder and Lead Vocalist of The Toll Road.
I grew up in a family where music was loved and celebrated—both my parents sing, though neither pursued it professionally. I started singing at the age of 3 or 4, and that early spark never faded. Throughout school, I participated in every music competition I could find. But it was in college that things really took shape — that’s when I discovered my deeper inclination towards live bands and collaborations.
I formed The Toll Road during my college years with a few juniors who were equally passionate and immensely talented. Each member brought in their unique musical journey, and together we started evolving — from winning college band competitions to landing our first professional gigs at weddings and corporate events. What began as a personal passion soon turned into a shared purpose.
Having spent years on stage now, the most important shift I’ve witnessed is the growing emphasis on audience engagement. Earlier, it was all about musical precision — now, it’s about creating a connection. We’ve learnt that while tight musicality is essential, what truly makes a performance unforgettable is the energy, interaction, and emotional exchange with the crowd. Today’s audience values experience, and we strive to make every show an immersive, memorable one — not just for us, but for everyone in the room.
Q3 – How do you stay relevant and innovative in such a dynamic and evolving entertainment industry?
The entertainment industry is evolving rapidly — from shifting musical tastes to the rise of short-form content, the way audiences consume music today is very different from when we started. Back then, people had the patience to soak in full songs, but today, trends come and go in weeks.
To stay relevant, we blend the best of both worlds — incorporating trending tracks into our sets while pairing them with timeless hits to create engaging mashups. This not only keeps our sound current but also connects with audiences across age groups.
More importantly, we focus on live interaction, ensuring the audience feels part of the performance. That connection, where the crowd sings and vibes with us, is what makes our shows stand out and keeps us in sync with the pulse of the times.
Q4 – What’s next for you? Are there any specific projects, formats, or collaborations you’re aiming to explore?
We’re super excited about what’s coming next! We’re currently focused on releasing original music, starting with a heartfelt track that captures a child’s growing understanding of a mother’s silent sacrifices. This song is very close to our hearts, and we can’t wait to share it with the world soon.
Right after that, we’re dropping a fresh pop single called Hubahu — a modern love song with a catchy vibe.
We’re also exploring collaborations with diverse talents across genres and working on evolving our band’s sound, bringing in a more modern edge with elements of EDM to make our live sets even more energetic and unforgettable.
Q5 – What’s your go-to trick for winning over a tough crowd? Do you have a mantra or phrase that you say to yourself before every performance?
This one’s our favourite! Over the years, we’ve learnt that no matter the setting — a buzzing sangeet, a corporate gala, or a chilled-out evening — the real magic begins when the audience feels like they’re a part of the performance.
Sure, sometimes the crowd is distracted or caught up in the event, but one trick always works — focus on the few who are truly tuned in. We connect with them first, draw them in, and their energy pulls the rest along. It’s like lighting a spark — once it catches, the whole place lights up.
One golden rule we swear by: Be Real. Be You. We talk to the audience like we’d talk to our own people — no over-the-top hosting, no filters. When you’re natural, they feel it. That moment when someone in the crowd goes, “Yeh to apna banda hai yaar” — that’s when we know we’ve got them.
And our ultimate mantra? “Shuru ke 15 minute mein audience ko apna bana lo… phir show tumhara hai.” Works every single time.
Q6 – What advice or message would you give to aspiring artists?
To every aspiring artist out there, know that your dream is valid and very much achievable. What truly matters is consistency, clarity of purpose, and the willingness to keep growing. Surround yourself with the right energy, seek honest feedback, and be open to learning — even from your mistakes. In fact, it’s those mistakes that often shape your most meaningful growth.
Have unshakeable faith in your craft, but make sure your work ethic matches your ambition. Stay curious, stay original — keep innovating and experimenting with your art. And most importantly, enjoy the journey. Don’t chase only the numbers or financial rewards; fall in love with the process. Because when your passion leads, the rewards — creative and otherwise — always follow.
At the end of the day, being an artist is a gift. Honour it, nurture it, and let it take you where you’re meant to go.
Catch The Toll Road and many more incredible talents at Entertainers Connect @ WOW Awards Asia 2025. Stay tuned for more!
