The love song boy

This week, Delhi-based musician Prateek Kuhad will have you wishing you were in love

As you listen to Prateek Kuhad’s Flames, from his second album In Tokens and Charms, you will find yourself gazing outside your office window, daydreaming. “Before I try to bleed, before my soul does sleep, I’m overwhelmed with you, my only find is you, and all my time is you…”, he sings in a soulful voice, that lovers in love will want to flood their iPods with. And, even if you are the cynical one, Kuhad’s songwriting will have you nodding along. No wonder he is a regular at NH7 Weekender and Ziro, and has performed in New York, Prague and New Orleans.

The 25-year-old Delhi resident, who by now has gained a loyal following owing to his signature love songs, is performing in the city as part of his album tour. His secret for writing the perfect love song does not exist. “Can anyone really answer this question? I think it’s the same for any kind of song. There are so many styles of writing a good song and they’re all so different. Sometimes, songs are linear and only have verses. Other times, there are four or five distinct sections. Musically, there can be complicated scales and chord progressions, and sometimes, even songs with just two chords sound great,” he says.

Kuhad also has a rare feat to his credit — unlike most peers on the indie music scene, he sings in both Hindi and English with ease. His first EP, Raat Raazi, was replete with that vulnerable charm he has wooed listeners with — thought-provoking songwriting coupled with catchy melodies.

“I think I end up writing a lot more in English but it all feels the same to me.” For him, songwriting is an “intuitive and emotional process”, something that shows up clearly in his tracks.

But, he says, he hates playing live, and if he could, would stay in and write songs. “I don’t hate performing live, but I don’t like thinking of it. So, I actually just try to change my set around every few months. That way, I am not bored. I think it ends up working out for the audience and me. Win, win! I’m all about efficiency.”

When: Sept 8, 9.30 PM – 11.30 PM
Where: blueFrog, Mathuradas Mills Compound, Lower Parel
Call: 61586158

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