Prady J Interview
In the world of AI music and excessively 'trendy' and curated content, I feel in the long run an authentic artist will have a better connection with their audience.
Q.You describe yourself as 'making music for millennials.' What is it about the millennial emotional landscape that still inspires you to create despite trends moving so fast today?
There was a lot of innocence and a very comforting, feel-good vibe in the Indi-pop songs we Millennials grew up with. The songs connected instantly and were full of heart. I think the songs today are really good technically and there are some great tracks that I love, but mostly the innocence is rare to find.
I am trying to transport my audience back to that era, bring back some nostalgic memories and serve them an alternative to the usual 'trendy' stuff they hear these days. And you can’t do that if you’re chasing trends all the time.
Q. From being an Ex-IIT Bombay student to becoming a London-based independent musician, what was the moment when you knew music wasn’t just a side passion anymore?
I was quite active on the music scene at IIT Bombay back in the day and I travelled to most of the big college fests in the country and won several prizes with my band. But let’s be honest, it was clear to me that a full-time career in music is not for the faint hearted. I have a great career outside of music which I love and continue to work on.
I’ve always picked up the guitar and written new songs but for many years never professionally pursued it. I don’t know what it was, but a couple of years ago I just felt I am good enough, that my songs will find an audience and I just went for it a bit more professionally and I’m enjoying it!
Q. Your songs feel personal but also very relatable. Do you consciously write from your own life, or do you treat songwriting more like observation and storytelling?
That’s a great question. It’s a mix. Initially most of my songs came directly from personal experiences or emotions. But more recently I have been approaching it more as a professional writer / composer, and writing songs based on observation and storytelling, somewhat mixed with my own experiences.
In fact, some of my most successful songs like “Kisi Na Kisi Se” are not very personal, even though they may sound like it. I am not writing about myself but subconsciously I guess I am able to write from someone else’s perspective.
Q. “Kisi Na Kisi Se” taps into quiet longing rather than loud heartbreak. Was that an intentional emotional choice, especially in an era of high-drama music?
Yes, I think life is full of simple emotions. A lot of songs complicate it. I’ve written deep stuff as well (have a look at “Baadal Bhi” for example) and I appreciate those who do, but sometimes you know it’s refreshing to just express an emotion or a story in very simple meaningful words.
"Kisi Na Kisi Se" is very simple, but yet thoughtful. I think that’s the sweet spot I am trying to achieve these days with most of my songs.
Q. When you start a song, what comes first for you: the melody, the lyrics, or the emotion you want the listener to walk away with?
All of the above! Every song is different. Most of the time I pick up an emotion and start composing a melody and then the lyrics start flowing. However, I’ve written a couple of songs with lyrics first (not released yet) and those are equally beautiful.
I feel fortunate to be able to compose, write and sing all in one package, haha! That way I am not dependent on anyone. I can sit down on the piano, pick up the guitar or just pick up a pen and just start expressing in any order I want and the song will flow!
Q. Your Instagram blends performance clips, behind-the-scenes moments, and everyday reflections. How important is authenticity on social media for an independent musician today?
In the world of AI music and excessively 'trendy' and curated content, I feel in the long run an authentic artist will have a better connection with their audience. And if you are patient enough to be yourself and express what you want in the best way possible, the audience will grow over time.
I am 100% myself on social media (except I wear a hat because I think I look better with the hat given my bald head!). Being authentic is liberating – you can be yourself all the time, there is no need to put up any particular filter or persona. I like that.
Q. Living in London while making Hindi/Indian music, how has distance shaped your understanding of home, nostalgia, and audience connection?
It’s both good and bad. Being in London does make it hard to meet and collaborate with Indian artists. It’s hard to be 'in the scene' from this distance and difficult to do live shows and connect directly with audience.
But at the same time because I am outside the scene and somewhat isolated from the noise inside the industry, I can make the music I want, the way I want, when I want. That is very fulfilling. I do have a very strong nostalgic connection to Indian music of course. I moved to London around 15 years ago, but before that I grew up in India listening to everything! That’s also why my songs have that nostalgic touch to them.
Q. What’s one misconception people have about being an independent musician that you wish more listeners understood?
Making the music is much easier than it is used to be. Producing a song is not very difficult. If you have the talent and aptitude for it and are willing to put in some time, you can produce music fairly easily. That is not the problem. The challenge is being heard.
The very best independent music also struggles to find its audience amidst so much noise. It is unfortunately a Bollywood monopoly that we are up against (it is not the case in western countries).
Q. Looking at your older posts versus now, what’s one thing about your music or yourself that has evolved the most over the years?
I think my voice more than anything. The more you produce, the more you record, the more you learn how to make the best out of your voice. What mic to use for which song or which Key, what texture and emotion would work best for which song, how to mix your vocals, etc.
I think I have evolved so much and will continue to do so.
Q. For students or professionals sitting on a creative dream but fearing the leap, what's one honest piece of advice you’d give from your own journey?
You don’t need to be superstar. You can start small, make a song and play it to 10 people, then 20 people. Then learn, then make a better one, then play it to 100 people and so on. People are too hard on themselves and set unrealistic goals from day 1.
Be passionate and ambitious but start small, put in the work and you will be on your way. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Nobody is born a superstar.
Q. If your music were a late-night conversation, what would it sound like comforting silence, deep confessions, or unfiltered laughter?
I think unfiltered laughter. I like making music that is gentle, fun and breezy!
Bio:
Prady J is an independent Hindi pop artist based in London. He has captivated audiences with his nostalgic 90s style Indipop songs like Baadal Bhi and Dil Ki Sada. He is known for experimenting with different genres, with his latest hit Kisi Na Kisi Se being an out on out 80s disco track! Prady J writes and composes his own songs and also collaborates with exciting talent back in India. Prady J’s music videos are particularly thoughtful and vibrant!
Interviewed by: Nidhi
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