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I write instinctively and selfishly: Prateek Kuhad
Updated on: 26 July, 2018 12:07 PM IST |
Singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad is one busy musician these days. Not to forget, elated. In less than a fortnight since his new EP, ‘cold/mess’ rolled out, music aficionados across the world haven’t stopped raving about the relatable verses and tunes. Winner of the Best Pop Artist Jury’s Choice at the Radio City Freedom Awards 5 for his song, ‘Tum Jab Paas’, Prateek has gone on record to state that his current labour of love is a treat to his ardent fans.
Radio City Freedom caught up with the indie sensation for a quick chat.
A recent article headline read, ‘The return of Prateek Kuhad’. The question is, why did it take you so long to put out new music?
Prateek: Yes I saw that, but honestly I don’t really think it’s been that long. Although this is the first multi-song record since 2015, I have been putting out singles and other content along the way. That being said, records cannot be forced. You have to let them happen organically – the attempt was to put out a record for the past year or so but everything only came together now. Sometimes there’s a reason for things to happen the way they are supposed to, and beyond a point I don’t like to interfere with the ways of the universe – and I have learned this only recently.
cold/mess has been described as a gift to your fans. How instrumental has the love of the audience proved in your body of work, in your opinion?
Prateek: I am always overwhelmed by the reactions of my fans to my music. It drives me forward and keeps me going. However, I try and stick to my songwriting roots – I write instinctively and selfishly. If I stopped doing that my music wouldn’t be honest and to me that’s the whole point of art - to express oneself sincerely.
You have pretty much dabbled in between performing in English and Hindi. Do you think language contributes a lot in reaching out to an audience?
Prateek: No. I write songs. The language is irrelevant. When I write, words come out in either language and it just depends on the moment.
Are you a very romantic person in general since your songs are mostly centred on love and relationships?
Prateek: Lol. I think I can be a bit emotional at times but I’m not only in my songs.
You’ve been a part of ensemble soundtracks with ‘Baar Baar Dekho’, ‘Lust Stories’ and now you’ve even composed music for the upcoming film ‘Karwaan’. Is mainstream visibility the ultimate pit-stop for an independent musician?
Prateek: I can’t speak for others but I don’t really think about it that way. There’s no ‘pit-stop’ really per se. I started doing this because I like making records and I want to continue do that in a professional manner. I don’t like labels like indie and mainstream.
What’s next in store for us?
Prateek: Mostly touring that you will find out about from my website.
Catch ‘cold/mess’ by Prateek Kuhad streaming now on Radio City Freedom.