Prateek Kuhad, the maestro of emotional resonance, sits down with The Pioneer for a heartfelt conversation about his life, music and passions. With his recent Hyderabad concert clipped Silhouettes Tour leaving fans spellbound, Kuhad shares his insights on the power of music, his creative process and the personal connections that make his performances truly unforgettable!
SHIKHA DUGGAL
The crowd was enthralled by Prateek Kuhad’s captivating performance in Hyderabad, where the singer-songwriter’s heartfelt lyrics and beautiful voice created an emotional tapestry. Kuhad’s eerie melodies reverberated through the night as he took the audience to a world of love and longing with his distinctive fusion of folk, rock and pop.
Kuhad’s position as one of India’s most adored and highly regarded musicians was cemented when he performed a compelling setlist that highlighted his skillful storytelling and sonic exploration of human emotions, as the city’s thriving music culture embraced him with open arms! But isn’t it incredible that we were able to secure a few minutes of his time for an exclusive telephone conversation before all of this could occur? Yes, indeed!
“Hyderabad, which has always had a particular place in my heart, was a great place to start the journey. I’ve given multiple performances here on my past tours. Love abounds among the fans here! Every place I go offers something different. I feel like I can engage with the audience more deeply and personally in more private situations. It’s exhilarating and the energy levels are rather high in bigger cities. I make an effort to connect with the vibe that each show, regardless of location, has,” he shares on the impact of the city’s distinct ambiance. It was an amazing opening week of the tour, with performances at Hitex in Hyderabad and Bharatiya City in Bangalore. He is excited for the remainder of the tour!
A wide variety of Hindi and English songs from Prateek’s varied musical repertoire appeal to listeners with a wide range of musical preferences. Popular songs that frequently explore themes of love and self-discovery include Kho Gaye Hum Kaha, Kasoor, Khone Do, Cold-Mess and CO2! “I just try to write what feels authentic to me at the time, without trying to overthink or filter my thoughts. Even if they can’t relate to every detail, I believe that people can still feel the feelings. It all boils down to the song writing’s honesty, in my opinion,” the singer admits.
Although the concert was undoubtedly a symphony of emotions, his soul-stirring voice also left us speechless during the phone chat. Particularly when he informed us that, “I want the audience to experience something personal but private, as if they were sharing a moment with me. A highly skilled group of lighting designers, sound engineers and visual artists have been collaborating with me to ensure that we realise this vision. We’ve been practicing for months and the show’s ambiance and graphics are just as important as the music! In my opinion, it’s ideal for this tour because it allows the music to flourish and allows listeners to experience a sense of presence.”
He always showcases his development as a singer-songwriter by fusing pop, rock and folk to produce a distinctive sound. We are always astonished by his soaring vocals and meaningful lyrics! “Because of human psychology and several situations I’ve had in recent years, it’s a very personal subject for me. The outlines of our souls are symbolised by silhouettes, which might occasionally leave us feeling empty. At other times, it can truly bring you to the forefront and make you stand out. It’s a kind of dichotomy,” he shares. “I have never really claimed to be a storyteller and I don’t consider myself to be one. My music ultimately conjures up images and moods that are tangible, visceral and poignant. I’m a huge music fan! Thus, that is how I convey my ideas to the audience.”On the call, we sang along to a few of Prateek Kuhad’s songs, moved to the beat and yearned for more as the singer-songwriter brought his varied style to life. “I’ve always concentrated on creating music that is true to who I am. The Indian music industry is changing. Since there are so many live music events taking place this year, people are going out to see them. For all artists, that is a fantastic situation!”
