Prateek Kuhad delivered a killer gig with hits like Yeh pal, 100 Words, Go, Tu ne kaha and Cold Shoulders. The crowd cheered the loudest when he sang his latest, My Heart is a Mess. t2 chatted with the Delhi-based singer-songwriter before he took the stage.
Performing at NUJS...
I performed here last year, too, so I am looking forward to the crowd. It’s mostly college kids so the vibe is very different.
What kind of music do you listen to?
Indie folk to pop music to hip hop, I listen to all kinds of music. I like a couple of songwriters, bands and rappers like Tom Odell, Hozier and Chance The Rapper.
Who inspires you?
I started writing songs because of Elliott Smith. I really got obsessed with his music for a while and it got me writing the way I do.
If you hadn’t been a musician, what would you have been?
I was working as an economic consultant, so if music hadn’t happened, I would probably have continued in the same profession.
The best compliment you’ve got?
Sometimes people message saying that my songs have helped them get through difficult times. There was this one time, a girl messaged that she was in hospital and my songs were helping her spend her days. I don’t know how that happens but it was flattering.
You also write and compose your songs. What do you enjoy doing the most?
Songwriting, without doubt.
Favourite composition?
Flames.
A recent addition to your playlist?
First Day Of My Life by Bright Eyes.
Are you a foodie? Fave food?
Yes, for sure. I am vegetarian so I like everything veggie. I don’t like Japanese and Thai cuisine, though. My favourites are Italian and Indian fare.
What is your fitness mantra?
I have phases actually. Some days I am obsessed with fitness and then I go in the completely opposite direction and disregard everything. Running is my favourite activity and I also try eating healthy.
Favourite app?
The Notes app on my iPhone. I like taking down notes so it’s crucial for me.
Favourite travel destination?
In India it is Goa for sure but otherwise New York is my favourite city in the world. I have travelled in Europe a little bit and I liked most parts of it. I liked Spain and Paris.
What do you do in your free time?
I usually write songs. I also binge-watch TV series a lot.
What have you watched recently?
In the past couple of months, I have watched Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Stranger Things, Black Mirror and Westworld. I have started watching Abstract now.
How important is social media for you?
Social media is very important for me professionally but personally I only like Instagram because I love taking pictures and I Boomerang a lot.
What’s next?
There are shows coming up. I am always writing new songs, and hopefully a release later this year.
Malancha Dasgupta & Rupsha Bhadra
Pictures: Chanchal Ghosh & Koushik Saha
