A Love That Existed, But Never Was.
PTTNBT: Pyaar Tu Tha, Na Bhi Tha.
Some love stories end. Some never truly begin.
This song lives in the space between them.
Some songs aren't heard. They're lived.
Put your headphones on.
Step into the song.
PTTNBT: Pure Analogue
Pyaar Tu Tha, Na Bhi Tha (PTTNBT) was recorded, mixed and mastered entirely in analogue, without vocal tuning or digital correction.
The tape captures the breath, resonance and character of the performances. Those human details are part of what you hear.
An Assembly Of Masters
150 legendary international musicians, each bringing their own character to one Hindi love song.
GUITARS
Guthrie Govan
Guthrie Govan has been Hans Zimmer’s lead guitarist since 2016, contributing to soundtracks including The Lion King, X-Men: Dark Phoenix and Dune. On PTTNBT, his guitar brings another expressive voice to the song. →
ARTIST
The Architect
Shayan Italia is the songwriter, producer, arranger, pianist and vocalist behind PTTNBT. His piano and four-octave voice sit at the centre of the song, carrying the feeling from which it began. →
DRUMS
Ralph Salmins
Ralph Salmins has performed and recorded with Paul McCartney, Aretha Franklin, Elton John and Quincy Jones. In 2012, he coordinated the 1,000 drummers at the London Olympic Opening Ceremony. On PTTNBT, his drums give the song its dramatic return. →
BASS
Laurence Cottle
Laurence Cottle has performed and recorded with Eric Clapton, Seal, Alan Parsons, Black Sabbath, Brian Eno and Van Morrison. He also teaches at the Royal Academy of Music. On PTTNBT, he anchors the recording with a deep, resonant low-end that gives the piece its gravitas. →
PERCUSSION
Luis Jardim
Luis Jardim worked with artists including David Bowie, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Grace Jones, Björk and Tina Turner, alongside a long collaboration with producer Trevor Horn. His percussion gives PTTNBT its building momentum.
This recording is among his last. Luis passed away on 4 July 2025. →
STRINGS
The 100-Piece Orchestra
PTTNBT features a 100-piece string section performed by members of the London Philharmonic and London Telefilmonic Orchestras. Recorded entirely in analogue, their combined performance was captured with no digital layering and no patch-ins.
The People, Studios And
Instruments Behind The Recording.
The Song: Clip 2/4
Pyaar Tu Tha, Na Bhi Tha (PTTNBT)
Written & Performed by
Shayan Italia, The Architect
A glimpse of the performances,
captured entirely in analogue.
Listen for the breath,
the texture, the resonance.
Coming 2027.
