Indo Canadian singer Shally Rehal and producer KULTARGOTBOUNCE release Punjabi RandB banger "STEP"
Updated on: 27 February, 2023 03:22 PM IST | Priyak Dhar
“STEP” is about coming together in song & dance. After the world just went through a rough moment with covid making us distant from one another, we wanted to create a song that gave an inviting feeling of harmony. “STEP” makes you want to drop everything and just dance. A collaboration between Shally Rehal and KULTARGOTBOUNCE, this R&B banger is going to top your party playlist this season
Shally Rehal is an Indo-Canadian singer and songwriter based in Surrey, British Columbia (BC), Canada. He is known for blending different sounds from Punjabi, Hip Hop and R&B genres. His versatile inspirations include Drake, J Cole and Chamkila. Rehal started making music when he was seventeen and released his first single ‘Top Gear’ in April 2020. Shortly after that, he met KULTARGOTBOUNCE and they came together for their first release ‘Nakhra’. With smooth vocals and sharp song writing skills, Rehal is one to watch for in the Punjabi music scene.
KULTARGOTBOUNCE is a producer and mixing engineer from Surrey, BC, Canada. He has collaborated with Juno nominees Powfu and Manila Grey, as well as award-winning poet Rupi Kaur. In just two years he’s accumulated over 14M streams across his production and mixing work. KULTARGOTBOUNCE has developed a diverse catalogue of Hip-Hop, Pop, Indie Pop/Rock, R&B, Punjabi music, and scoring through his practice.
On the occassion of the release the artists engaged in a chat with Radio City Freedom
How did you two meet and how did this collaboration happen?
SR: It started after I listened to KGB`s work so I reached out to him to mix and master a song. We`ve been working together on everything ever since. This song is one of many gems that we have created since then.
KGB: Shally hit me up on Instagram back in April 2021. He had a record he needed to get mixed and wanted me to handle that for him. I was originally supposed to just mix & master the song but the vocals he had recorded needed some work still. We ended up re-recording that record and when I heard his vocals in person, I instantly knew I had to produce my own records for him. In the coming months we worked on several records together but it wasn’t until October 2021 that we produced and recorded "STEP". This record made us both step out from our usual box (pun intended) and discover new ranges in vocals & production.
How does this song differ from the other songs you both have worked on together?
SR: This song exists in its own realm and we knew it the day we first recorded it. We have released music with smooth R&B and soul vibes like our recent release MIDNIGHT and now we break into a new pocket on "STEP". The song crosses boundaries, catches peoples attention and makes them want to dance.
KGB: "STEP" has fun & energetic sonics that are very different from our previous release “MIDNIGHT EP” which was a collection of dark & moody R&B tracks with classic Hindi samples on some of the outros. With “STEP” we knew we wanted to show our fans a contrast in the sound and visuals. We actually had “STEP” recorded well before any of our other records but we both agreed we’d release it when it felt right.
What is the concept behind the video and how was the video shoot?
SR: The concept was KGB`s idea that came shortly after recording the song. It transitions through three different and distinct eras. The video is funny, cool and it puts a smile on your face when you watch it and I really feel like it captured the energy of the song.
KGB: The concept of the video was to prove just how timeless this record feels. The video journeys through the aesthetics of the 1970’s, 90’s and early 2000’s. You’ll see us in vibrant clothing and rocking hairstyles from the 70’s. You’ll also see Shally in a traditional kurta chadra paying homage to our legends of the golden era. Finally, you’ll see us arrive in the early 2000’s with classic basketball jerseys and oversized clothes.
What do you have coming up next?
SR: We have so much music coming in 2023. After the release of "STEP" we`ll be continuing the flow of music with some Punjabi and English collaborations, another song with the team at Snakes & Ladders, and much more.
KGB: We’re super excited for the next single. I won’t give too much away but we’ll be having someone join us for the next record. 2023 is locked and loaded with releases. We’re so privileged to be in the position we are in with many records ready for the world to hear. This year you will hear a lot of music from Shally & KGB.
