self-confessed ‘late
bloomer’, Prateek Kuhad
always loved music but only
started pursuing it seriously
towards the end of college,
and there’s been no looking
back. His debut LP In Token
& Charms (2015), won
accolades, and was named
the Indie Album of the Year
by iTunes, among other awards. Excerpts
from the conversation:What kind of musical exposure
did you have in your early years?
My parents were big fans of Harry
Belafonte and Cliff Richard, so their
music was always playing in thebackground. As a teenager, I started
listening to music my sister listened
to—Pink Floyd, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.
Then, of course, everything that was on
TV and radio—a lot of Bollywood music
and artists like Euphoria, Strings, and
Lucky Ali were some of my favourites.When did you start looking at
music as more than just a hobby?
It was only towards the end of college.
I put up a random video of me playing
Raatraazi on YouTube, and it got some
attention. It made me think I had a shot.Did you ever encounter any
resistance from family or friends?
Not really. While anyone I shared thisPHOTOGRAPH: SAMBIT BISWASwith wasn’t exactly thrilled at the
prospect, there wasn’t any resistance.While studying math and
economics at NYU, what musical
influences shaped you?
The music that I listened to when
I moved to New York was different. One
of the artists that really influenced me
was Elliott Smith. I also started listening
to a lot of Indie folk music, and that was
a big influence over me and my writing.What are some of the creative
and logistical challenges?
The independent music industry
is relatively new so there is some
immaturity and lack of professionalism
in the system. This is the biggest
logistical challenge. Creatively, the
challenges are the same as for any artist.
You have to keep growing organically.
Sometimes, that’s one of the hardest
things to do.Can you tell us what went into
creating cold/mess?
The songs were written over several
years. I put in a lot of effort in writing
and collating them as an EP. We took
time on the album artwork and music
video. It all came together really well.How does the recognition keep
you motivated?
(Laughs) Honestly, they just give me
validation from time to time. It keeps me
positive and tells me that I am good.In a country where Bollywood
music takes centre stage, how do
you stand your ground?
That’s a trend, you will find is rapidly
changing. Besides, good music is good
music. The rest are just tags, really.Is there financial stability in
pursuing music?
That’s very subjective, but once you get
to a certain level, and if you’re smart
about your finances—yes, there is.What’s next?
Records and touring.With the courage to break away from the Bollywood bandwagon and pursue
independent music, Prateek Kuhad has burst on the Indian music scene like
a breath of fresh air, says Neeti JaychanderMUSIC MATTERS
GOOD MUSIC IS
GOOD MUSIC. THE
REST ARE JUST
TAGS, REALLY
A
THE BIG STORY