Punjabi music artist Talwiinder has carved out a distinct space for himself with his signature ambient-pop sound, blended with hip-hop flow and full-on Punjabi essence. One of the hallmarks is that he not only brings the notes but also he brings the emotion to the front and center in his tracks. He creates a sonic world that feels otherworldly yet deeply rooted in emotion, and it’s what, along with his look, makes him so unique.
With his newest track, ‘Assay Passay’, Talwiinder continues to turn everyday emotions, experiences, and observations into a world that feels distinctly his own.
Check it out!
In this special Q&A, Talwiinder takes us behind the notes and into his music, talks about creating his new track, ‘Assay Passay’, and what is coming up next!
You have such a unique sound, how would you describe your music?
Limitless, I can never categorize my music into a single genre. I believe in making world music that anyone, anywhere, can listen to and instantly feel and see the canvas the song is trying to paiint.
In all its forms, Punjabi music has its own distinct flair and flavor; what is the essence of the music to you?
The sweetness of Punjabi language melts my heart everyday. I just want my Miisfiit to fall in love with the language that my grandfather used to teach.
Where did the spark of ‘Assay Passay’ come from?
It just came out of nowhere during the freestyle. I love Punjabi words such as ‘Assay Passay’ and I knew it was time to introduce this to my Miisfiits. The thought behind this track was to talk about the importance of your surroundings.
I believe I read that this was created in an organic, free-form way; can you share that experience of creating the track?
I had freestyled some lines when we were working on the idea for the track, and then I had that rough scratch on me for a year and a half. Listening to it and then playing for my friends and family and everybody loved the track and I knew I had to make this track the first single from my next project.
What was it like in the studio recording the song?
It was a lot of fun; we finished the recording at YRF Studios in Mumbai. Amazing studio with amazing staff who made this whole experience very fun and easygoing. I had Dropped Out, NDS, and Kidjaywest come by the studio while we were finishing up the project.
The song talks about how much of who we are, actually belongs to us and how much comes from the world around us? Personally, what are your thoughts?
I’ve said this before that who usually become our true self once we graduate college and this thing so called life starts and responsibility that come with it. Before that, we are very safeguarded by our parents or friends who influence us in our daily life decisions, but once it’s just you and your thoughts, that’s where the character develops. We start to notice things that make us happy and whole.
This is the first track from your upcoming album Paiinted Feeliings, what other grooves and sounds can we expect to hear?
‘Assay Passay’ is the first single leading into ‘Mangda Wapis kyun’, the second single. Experimental music with grooves you won’t find anywhere in Punjabi music scene right now.
What are your hopes for your music and your career?
To make timeless music that lasts longer than me. I want my music to be there for people when I’m not. A lot of people have their special memories and moments on my music, and I want to keep giving them more soundtracks for their lives.
How does it feel to be putting your music out to the world and having millions listen to what you created?
It’s a blessing to make music for a living. I just want to teach Punjabi to all my miisfiits through my music and sing my songs with them at the live shows.
What’s coming next?
A surprise!
