Prateek Kuhad: Obama's favourite Indian singer
“From hip-hop to country to The Boss, here are my songs of the year. If you’re looking for something to keep you company on a long drive or help you turn up a workout, I hope there’s a track or two in here that does the trick,” Obama tweeted along with the list
Have you heard Prateek Kuhad's song "Cold/Mess"?
Well if you have not heard his song—may be you should. After all, the song is featured in former US president Barak Obama's list of '35 favorite songs of 2019' which he shared on social media on December 30 last.
"From hip-hop to country to The Boss, here are my songs of the year. If you're looking for something to keep you company on a long drive or help you turn up a workout, I hope there's a track or two in here that does the trick," Obama tweeted along with the list.
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For an indie artist like Prateek—that too from India—it's a big thing. And for us, he is a curiosity. Who is this musician?"
Prateek Kuhad is an Indian singer-songwriter along with a musician who makes independent music. He has gained international notice since his 2015 debut album, In Tokens and Charms.
Being born in Jaipur, India he relocated to the United States for college. After graduation, he returned to India, releasing a pair of EPs before releasing his debut album.
The album earned Kuhad an MTV Europe Music Award, Indie Album of the Year honors from iTunes, Best Pop Artist at the Radio City Freedom Awards, and first place in the prestigious International Songwriting Competition. Kuhad won the Indian Indie Album of the Year 2019 by iTunes and Spotify:Top Indian Indie Hits, the Best India Act at the 2016 MTV Europe Music Awards, and bagged the first place in the 2016 International Songwriting Competition.
Kuhad, who just completed a run of 30 shows across three continents and performed in cities in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and India, is thrilled to find his name on the list that also features names like Bruce Springsteen and Beyoncé.
"I am still honestly shocked. I don't even know how it happened. Its not like that I am signed to a record label or anything like that. I don't even know how he heard my song, or who made him listen to it. Its nice to see someone like him listening to my music." he says.
"I couldn't have ever hoped for a better end to 2019! It's been such a crazy year and then the Obama playlist. Thrilled and grateful, as ever," said Kuhad.
"Cold/Mess" has been streamed 3,621,169 times on Spotify and 2,849,647 times on JioSaavn, while the video featuring actors Jim Sarbh and Zoya Hussain – has been viewed 4.7 million times on YouTube.
"Cold/Mess" released in 2018.
