In Body: Prateek Kuhad
Within the midst of India’s burgeoning indie music scene, Prateek Kuhad has emerged as a beacon of soulful melodies and poignant lyrics. With chart-topping hits like Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, Kasoor and the critically acclaimed album chilly/mess, Kuhad has garnered a loyal fanbase each at dwelling and overseas. As he prepares for his extremely anticipated Silhouettes Tour introduced by Johnnie Walker Non-Alcoholic Refreshing Mixer in India, we had a small chat with the singer-songwriter to delve into his creative inspirations, the evolution of his music and what followers can count on from his upcoming performances. Be part of us as Prateek Kuhad shares insights into his journey from Jaipur to New York and past, revealing the center and soul behind his fascinating sound.
Prateek, what impressed you to develop into a singer-songwriter?
I grew up in Jaipur round plenty of artwork and music. My dad and mom collected artwork rising up. No person in my household was a musician however all of them had been keen on music, particularly my mom. So I naturally gravitated to it. I beloved to sing from an early age and it is simply type of at all times been an vital side of my life. As soon as I discovered the guitar and began writing songs, it simply felt like I needed to see if I wished to make it my life and do it full time and I did. So yeah, simply type of saved going!
You studied at New York College. How did your time there influence your music and profession trajectory?
New York had a profound impression on me, significantly throughout my undergraduate years at New York College. Town’s dynamic power, its various individuals and music had been extremely inspiring. This setting fueled my artistic stimulation. That’s after I actively pursued a profession in music.
Kho Gaye Hum Kahan and Kasoor have touched many hearts. Are you able to inform us the story behind it and what it means to you? What impressed the lyrics and the general really feel of those songs?
For Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, like a few years in the past, Jasleen referred to as me, she had this music she wished to work with me on, for a film. We labored on the melody and lyrics a little bit bit collectively. It was presupposed to be about harmless love between two younger individuals, that’s magical and delightful. And that’s type of what I did with the phrases.
As for Kasoor, it’s this sense when you may’t assist however fall in love. A enjoyable reality is that I at all times wished the music video to function followers and their actual reactions. We launched the music in 2020, and it has since develop into a beloved monitor. It stays my best-performing music on streaming platforms, and it’s turning 4 this month!
chilly/mess grew to become an instantaneous favorite amongst followers. What was the artistic course of like for this album, and the way did you provide you with its distinctive sound?
I write songs usually, and actually I wrote this one on the piano. We began performing it dwell on stage even earlier than recording or releasing it. I keep in mind the primary time I performed it dwell; the viewers instantly linked with the music and applauded arduous. That’s after I knew I needed to launch it. Initially, the music was referred to as simply ‘chilly’. The artistic course of is at all times instinctive, I’m not deliberately striving for a singular sound or not. It’s about doing what feels greatest for the music.
How do you’re feeling your music has developed because you first began? Are there any new instructions or types you are exploring?
I might say my course of has most actually developed. My focus is at all times on being a greater musician and a greater songwriter in response to my inner barometer, and that results in a pure evolution. There may be at all times a artistic stimulation that drives me. Prior to now few years, I’ve finished extra collaborations with different music producers and writers, together with for my new album popping out this 12 months.
What are a few of your expectations and desires for the way forward for your music profession?
I’m somebody who retains my expectations tempered throughout the board in any side of my life. I simply attempt to dwell second to second and be content material and pleased with the day-to-day. And there are such a lot of issues to be completely happy about. I’ve such loving family and friends and there is plenty of good on the planet. So I simply actually attempt to keep within the current and I simply wish to preserve doing this. And truthfully, the one expectation is that I hope I can preserve making extra and higher music as I am going alongside.
Your songs have garnered an enormous following. How do you’re feeling in regards to the recognition of your music, and the way do you keep a connection along with your viewers?
My followers have at all times been tremendous supportive. I purely give attention to creating good music that can attain the precise ears and thus far I believe that has labored. My crew and I are at all times engaged on varied eventualities to attach with our followers. We began a collection of fan occasions for Mulaqat (EP) final 12 months and that continued into secret occasions in 2024, thus far we’ve finished 8, in cities like Delhi, and Toronto, we plan to do much more of those.
Are there any artists, both Indian or worldwide, that you’d like to collaborate with sooner or later?
The main focus proper now’s on finishing my very own album and we’ve an extended touring 12 months, so all power is channeled there. I am open to collaboration someday sooner or later, however I’ll begin fascinated by that subsequent 12 months.
Wanting again at your journey thus far, what has been probably the most rewarding side of being a musician, and what recommendation would you give to aspiring artists?
Simply comply with your coronary heart and don’t take recommendation from too many individuals. Essentially the most rewarding side is the truth that I get to do that and achieve success at it and have followers who truly love my music and individuals who truly come out to my exhibits. The entire thing feels actually rewarding.
You may have an upcoming Silhouettes Tour in India. What can followers count on out of your dwell performances, and are there any surprises in retailer?
The Silhouettes tour in India will likely be from November 8 to December 22 throughout ten cities. I simply accomplished the first leg of the tour throughout 21 exhibits in US and Canada, we now transfer to LA, Australia, UK and Europe together with just a few extra Asia bulletins on the way in which. Thus far, I’ve been going solo on stage throughout the Silhouettes Tour, however in India it will likely be a special set with your complete band. It’s going to be enjoyable, intense, and delightful. The love that India pours out is at all times unbelievable, there’s at all times a synergy between the gang and me after I’m performing. We’re working in direction of elevating the expertise and taking it a notch greater with manufacturing.
If not for music, what would Prateek Kuhad be identified for?
I’ve at all times been fascinated by structure. So hopefully as an architect.
What can be the top line of your autobiography?
…and I by no means regarded again.
One meals you can not say no to?
There are various meals objects I can’t say no to but when I’ve to select one then a very nice grilled cheese sandwich.
What’s the one cringe factor that you just secretly love doing?
Watching brainless motion films
One overrated development that completely irks you?
One superpower you would like you had?
One music you would like you’ll have written?
There are such a lot of however I assume this music referred to as ‘Something’ by Adrian Lenker. It’s a stunning music.
One thing you found that you just’d wish to share with the world?
Everyone goes by one thing and we simply must find pleasure inside.
What/who’re you listening to proper now?
I have been listening to love Maggie Rogers, Adrian Lenker, The 1975 and Fleetwood Mac.
