#INTERVIEW: Prateek Kuhad, The Indie Sensation Who Caught Barack Obama's Attention

Delna Mistry Anand: How did your musical journey begin, and how have things changed since being featured on former US President Barack Obama’s 2019 favourite music list? 

Prateek Kuhad: Growing up in Jaipur I was always around art and music, mainly because of my parents. So I naturally gravitated towards it and started pursuing music as a hobby. When I moved to New York for my undergraduate education, the city had a significant impact on my craft, mainly because of the culture, energy and people that created an influence - and that’s when I decided to actively pursue music full-time. 

Cut to 2019, it was in the middle of the night when I heard about cold/mess being featured on Obama’s playlist. Someone sent me a link on WhatsApp, and I freaked out, in the best way possible. I still have no idea how it happened. But all I can say is that having the freedom to keep my music as authentic as possible and receiving support from fans and listeners not just in India, but around the world, certainly feels rewarding. 

What inspires your music, and what message do you wish to communicate to your listeners through your craft 

Most of my songwriting process is purely instinctive, and translating my own experiences, thoughts and emotions, not in the literal sense. It’s more like a stream of consciousness and intuition, so to speak. Having said that, there isn’t a message as such that I’m sending out to my fans, but I mainly wish to write songs that move people and have them evoke some kind of a feeling that is significant.

What kind of music do you listen to? 

I listen to a lot of music from Elliot Smith, Maggie Rogers - of late I've also been listening to Fleetwood Mac and The 1975.

Tell us about your Silhouettes Tour 

As much as I love being in the studio, writing songs and working on productions, I feel I reach my full potential when I’m up on stage performing. The love and support from fans for my music has only increased twice-fold not only in India but around the world, and it feels rewarding, and encourages me to keep my music as true to myself as I can. I love taking that thought and energy on stage where I truly feel 100% myself and performing for people that love being present for my show. The Silhouettes Tour is essentially enabling and building that relationship with my fans. Hence, this year my tour comprises 48 cities across the globe. We kicked off with the US and Canada in April and the response has been positively overwhelming and enriching. In September, I’m going to be in AUS and NZ, followed by Dubai. Later this year I’m going to be performing in the UK, Europe, Nepal, and bring it to a close this winter back home with 10 shows in India.

What do you love the most about performing in Dubai? 

I love how the music and live entertainment scene in Dubai is growing rapidly. It only enables me to showcase my music to a wider and diverse audience, time after time. The last time I performed in Dubai was in 2023 during my TWTLD Tour. This year, I’m even more excited for it. I’ve recently released a new single called ‘I’m Someone New’ and I can't wait to perform it live for the fans there.

What are your future plans? 

I definitely wish to explore and expand my music in a broader sense. I am constantly trying to find ways to connect with my fans and listeners around the world, but this time the approach is in a universal way. I have also been listening to a lot of other artists, and I might look for collaborations for my next projects.

Prateek Kuhad is back in Dubai for another performance. The show is an initiative of three event companies DXB Live, Midas Events & Eva Live, who have joined hands to bring together the best of live entertainment to the Middle East.

Event details:
When- Friday, 20 September, 2024
Where- Zabeel 3, Dubai World Trade Centre
Time- Gates open at 8 PM, show starts at 9.30 PM
Ticket link - https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/93538/prateek-kuhad-silhouettes-tour-dubai

@prateekkuhad
@evalive.me
@midaseventsdubai
@dxblive