Over these last few years, Berkshire-based singer-songwriter Manpreet Kundi has quickly established herself as one of the more emotive names rising through the ranks. And with her profile growing ever-stronger, she recently returned to the fold to deliver her captivating debut EP ‘unresolved’.
So with the new collection now out and about, we decided to sit down with her to discover more about her background and what she has planned for the future as well.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
I’ve been singing since I was 3 and sitting on my aunt’s rug in a mermaid costume haha! I’ve always loved singing but wasn’t connected to songwriting until I left uni. I didn’t really love playing guitar or piano until I started writing songs, that really changed everything for me! I’ve admired musicians for a long time but I didn’t think it was something I could do.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
Lana Del Rey for her style of music, and Taylor Swift and Jake Bugg for their songwriting. I also love Lennon Stella, and Lizzy McAlpine, I think they’re exceptionally talented and so inspirational.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
After I graduated with a degree in Physics, I started an MSc in Space Science and Engineering which is something I’d always been interested in going into… but it didn’t feel right, because music was a bigger dream. I couldn’t focus or devote myself to what I thought I’d pursue, which is when I knew I needed to give this more attention.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
A lot of the times I sit down at the piano and see what comes naturally. The instrument itself is so inspirational, and there’s an honesty when I sit down and create there. I play around with a line or two, a lyric or melody, and something will stick! And then I’ll try to build from there. It really is different everytime, though.
Other times, an idea or melody will come into my head and I’ll quickly have to voice note it haha, and then play around with it later on.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
I usually explore emotions present in my romantic experiences, and the experience itself. Sometimes I look at things from different angles. There is so much nuance to a situation, and emotions can evolve over time. I think sometimes it happens naturally too, I’ll start writing and think to myself “I didn’t realise I thought about it that way!” There’s an honesty in the writing, and sometimes it helps you process things you didn’t realise you needed to.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I hope my songs can make people feel less alone in their experiences, and show them the strength in vulnerability and honesty. I hope they feel escapism listening to my music too, that’s a big one. Truly just knowing that someone enjoys listening to my song means so much to me.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
Starting out in music has been the most challenging thing in the world. Going from Physics grad to musician is crazy! You’ll realise a lot of people close to you won’t support you. For me, I’ve written every songs alone so far which is challenging and a lot of work. Even production-wise it’s just my boyfriend and I working on songs.
Being a young woman of colour can’t be understated, you can feel sometimes feel you don’t really belong here, or feel different.
But at the end of the day putting out songs I love is the end goal, hoping people connect to them, and that’s what I do it for. It’s a learning curve and I’m still learning.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
Seeing fans connect with my music, my lyrics, has been the most magical experience in the world. It felt like I was putting out music to no one for so long. And this is the most incredible feeling, seeing my music mean something to others and be a part of their days, it’s all I’ve ever wanted.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
When I’m writing songs it’s like nothing and no one else exists, and that carries everything for me, so it’s easy to stay true to the music.
In terms of the other things musicians do themselves nowadays, it can be hard. I find a lot of my branding and image aligns with who I am as a person, which does help. I try to do things as authentically to me as I can, and I’ll pay attention to if something doesn’t feel right.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
I can’t wait to put out more songs, and there might be a music video in the making soon. I would love to do a small UK tour someday, even if it’s tiny! I hope to make more music focussed around writing at the piano, maybe it’ll be more stripped back and acoustic.
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
Oh my gosh, there’s so much! I hope my music can connect with more people and be something special to them, I’d love to see that happen on a larger scale. I can’t wait to see which projects are to come in the future. I’d also love to have toured and played my songs in different cities, too! I’ll still be writing music that makes me happy, which is so important to me.
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Listen to Manpreet Kundi’s new EP ‘unresolved’ below.
