Delhi-based multi-lingual singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad released his EP, Raat Raazi, in 2013 and instantly established himself as one of the most promising artists in the Indian independent music scene. Written completely in Hindi, Raat Raazi released to critical acclaim and featured complex and nuanced guitar work.

He then went on to perform at venues across New York, Prague, New Orleans and India, he has played at festivals such as the Bacardi NH7 Weekender (2012, 2013), Ziro Festival (2014) and more.

Prateek, with his unique blend of minimal, folk arrangements and pop rock melodies, effortlessly captures life’s complexities in his songs. Live, he perfectly manages to recreate the warmth and vulnerability that are a signature on his recordings, using his folk-pop sensibilities to establish a strong connect with his audience.

Prateek recently released his much awaited debut album titled, In Tokens & Charms, on 21st January 2015.

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We caught up with the man himself. Here’s what happened.

1) What would you say your biggest influences are? Tell us a bit about the beginning of your journey.

Elliot Smith. I think I really got into song writing seriously after listening to Elliot Smith on repeat for almost 6 months. That’s where it all started, in my first year of college. After that it was mostly just writing songs for myself, till I met Dhruv, my manager, who convinced me that they were good enough to be released.

2) What would you say your biggest achievement has been?

Writing Flames. I think it’s a really great song.

3) What is the biggest difficulty an independent artist/band in India faces today?

Bad sound engineers. I think for the most part it’s headed in the upwards direction. Better artists and venues are coming up every day, so it’s only going to get better for listeners.

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4) What are your top 5 personal favorite tracks?

These are my current favorites:
1. The Wait by Tobias Jesso Jr.
2. Should Have Known Better by Sufjan Stevens
3. Still Want You by Brandon Flowers
4. Anna Please Don’t Go by Life In Film
5. Louisa by Lord Huron

5) Where do you think your music is headed in the near future?

Hopefully towards better song writing.

To listen to some of Prateek’s music, log on to prateekkuhad.com.

You could also catch him live on Thursday, 14th May 2015 at 9 pm, Summerhouse Café, New Delhi. Entry to the event is FREE, get yourself added to the guest list by visiting the Facebook event page.