Mixing traditional Punjabi music with the many flavored hip-hop beats of today, and a unique melodic vibe, new emergering urban artist Kunwarr certainly is making his music known. Starting out, he composed the music for the Punjabi film Nikka Zaildar 3. He released his first the single ‘Jyot’, Kunwarr then made his mark with ‘Piche Tere’, which became a massive hit entering both the India and Global Spotify Viral charts. His latest track ‘Crazy4U’ is a Punjabi-infused banger that has everyone grooving to his vibe.
In this special Q&A, the young musician takes us inside his music, shares the meaning behind his tracks, and talks about what he hopes for the future.
Was music in your soul from when you were young?
I think so, yeah. Music was always around me growing up, and even before I properly understood what it meant to be an artist, I was naturally drawn to it. I’ve always connected with music in a way that’s difficult to explain. It’s probably the one thing where I’ve never felt the need to force anything; it just comes naturally to me.
When did you know music would be your career?
I don’t think there was one particular day where I decided, “this is what I’m going to do.” It happened gradually. The more I made music, the more I realised I couldn’t really see myself not doing it. At some point it stopped feeling like something I was trying and started feeling like something that was just part of who I am.
Punjabi music has its own distinct flair and flavor; how would you describe it?
There’s a lot of character in Punjabi music. The melodies, the language, the emotion, and even the way certain things are expressed give it an identity of its own. It can be very energetic, but it can also be incredibly emotional and subtle. I think that range is what makes Punjabi music so special.
How would you describe your music?
I predominantly make Jersey music, you’d hear a lot of jersey club, sexy drill, hoodtrap also I’d say it’s personal, melodic and quite honest. I don’t really want to make music just because something is trending. I want there to be a feeling behind what I release. I’m still figuring out exactly where my sound will take me, but I like keeping things understated and letting the music do most of the talking.
What comes first, the music or the lyrics?
Usually the music or the melody comes first for me. I’ll get a feeling or a particular sound in my head, and then the lyrics start coming together around that. Sometimes it can happen the other way, but I think melody is what naturally pulls me into a song. Once I have that feeling, the words tend to follow.
Tell us about creating ‘Crazy4U’.
It was about capturing that feeling of being completely drawn to someone. I wanted it to feel natural rather than overly complicated something that had emotion but still felt easy to listen to. I think sometimes the simplest feelings are the ones people connect with the most. For me, the song was really about taking that feeling and turning it into something people could make their own.
You also had a smash hit with ‘Piche Tere’; what inspired that track?
‘Piche Tere’ came from that feeling of being attracted to someone and wanting to be around them, but without overexplaining it. There’s a certain simplicity to that kind of emotion which I liked. I wanted the track to have a vibe that people could just get lost in, rather than it feeling like I was trying too hard to tell them how to feel.
What are your hopes for your music and your career?
More than anything, I want longevity. I’d rather build something that lasts than have one moment where everyone knows my name and then moves on. I want to make records that people come back to years later and still feel something from. And I’d like to keep enough of myself private that the music remains the main way people get to know me.
How does it feel to be putting your music out to the world and having millions of fans jam to it?
It’s honestly difficult to put into words. When you make something, it starts off as something very personal; it’s just you, the song, and whatever you were feeling at the time. Then, suddenly, you see people across the world listening to it, singing along, or making memories with it. That’s a crazy feeling, and I’m genuinely grateful for it. I’m quite a low-key and reserved person, so I don’t necessarily feel the need to be everywhere or show every part of my life. I’ve always liked the idea that people can know me through my music, rather than knowing my music because of me. I think there’s something quite special about letting the songs create that connection.
What’s coming next?
More music. I’m taking my time with it and making sure whatever comes next feels right rather than rushing just to put something out. I’m still experimenting with my sound and figuring out different sides of myself as an artist. I’d rather stay a little mysterious and let the releases speak for themselves. There’s definitely more coming; I just want people to hear it when it’s ready.
