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'I do not want to restrict myself to a particular genre' Kunal Wason
- Anish Mohanty           Let us know what you think about this article

Kunal Wason, who gained popularity after his cover versions of Hindi and Punjabi songs became viral on social media, is excited about collaborating with a record label for his upcoming singles. In this interview, he talks about the process of merging twelve Punjabi songs in five minutes to create a track, the musicians he looks up to and upcoming projects.

You have recently done a mashup of twelve Punjabi songs in five minutes. How did this idea come to you?

I wanted to do something which is different and has not been attempted earlier. I strategized my YouTube channel to be like this wherein I come up with some cover versions. I started out with a Punjabi cover version of the Hindi song 'Dil Ko Tumse Pyaar Hua'. This was the second mashup I did and it was quite unique as I merged twelve songs in five minutes. I wanted to pick Punjabi songs that are popular all across the globe. All the songs in the mashup are the biggest Punjabi pop hits. All of these are fast-paced, dance numbers. I have converted them into slow and soothing songs. It has a lounge-music like vibe to it.

Was it difficult to convey the basic essence of twelve songs in five minutes?

The first difficulty lied in deciding which songs to choose. I had a lot of songs in my mind and I was finding it difficult to choose twelve from them. Initially, I had thought of merging twenty songs in five minutes. I tried doing that but it did not work out very well. Merging so many songs was an experiment but I am glad people have liked it. The general feedback I have got is that people are saying they have danced to these songs earlier but for first time, they are able to decipher the meaning of the lyrics.

You have done your post-graduation from Delhi School Of Economics. How did your music come into your life?

People in my family have always been academically inclined. While studying, I was always attracted to music and other cultural activities. I joined a music class when I was in third grade. I started playing the harmonium. Nobody in my family has been a professional musician. When I was in the first year of graduation, I formed this band 'Nysa' which is one of the leading Sufi bands in the country. I was always focused on my studies as my parents were keen that I complete my post-graduation. I also believe that education is very important. Even if you are talented, education always serves as the icing on the cake.

Did you ever think of a back-up plan in case things did not work out for you as a musician?

I never really thought of a back-up plan but even if I was not able to get into the music fraternity as a professional musician, I would have always been associated with music or some creative form.

Which are the musicians you looked up to while growing up?

From the current crop of composers, I admire Amit Trivedi and Pritam. Arijit Singh, of course, is a phenomenal singer. I have grown up listening to Udit Narayan and Sonu Nigam in the 90s. Among Sufi singers, I really look up to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Ghulam Ali, Abida Parveen, Noor Jehan and Reshma.

Which has been your most special song till date and why?

'Rabba Mainu Maaf Kari' is the first my mom and I wrote together, so it will be always be very special to me. I am in the process of recreating it with some new programming and mood. It will release shortly.

Do you plan to collaborate with a record label in the future?

I have recently signed up with a well-known record label. I am coming up with a couple of my singles with that label this year.

What's next?

I do not want to restrict myself to a particular genre. Lot of singers in today's times think that a particular genre is their forte and this I where I belong to. I started off with Sufi songs but I would like to try different genres as well. I do not want to have any boundaries as a musician.


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