Over these last few years, Berkshire-based singer-songwriter Manpreet Kundi has been busy embarking on a glittering journey of self-discovery. Conjuring some wonderfully alluring textures in that time, she recently returned with her passionate new offering ‘unresolved’.
Adopting more of that riveting acoustic-led appeal she is known for, ‘unresolved’ is a beautifully rich and tender return to form for the artist at the helm. And with her profile growing faster than ever right now, we joined her to find out her influences, inspirations and ambitions for the years ahead.
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Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and how you got started in music?
I’ve been a music lover since I was singing full Disney songs at about 3 years old! I started writing songs when I was in uni doing a Physics degree, but had no true connection to it then. A couple years after uni, I began writing at the piano which sparked a profound connection to songwriting—it changed everything, and is why I’m pursuing music today. I’ve written everything alone so far. I was learning piano on and off from age 14, but it never went anywhere until I self-taught and explored it myself at a later age. I was a late bloomer.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both past and present?
Growing up, it was mainly Lana Del Rey and Taylor Swift. I was always stunned by the depth of their artistry, and the world they were able to create through their music. Lennon Stella and Jake Bugg have also been very influential. My Dad used to play The Cardigans all the time when I was younger, too.
Are there any specific artists or bands that have had a significant impact on your music style or approach?
I’d have to say Lana Del Rey again. Video Games changed my life—the heady, reverby vocals, haunting piano and melancholy style reminiscent of a different era resonated with me to no end. It spoke to me how poignant and heavily romantic her music was; I’d never heard anything like it. I loved how it didn’t fit in a box genre-wise. Anything that inspires uniqueness and finding your own true sense of artistry is important. Taylor Swift’s melodies and story-telling play a fundamental part as well.
Could you share any memorable moments or experiences that have shaped your musical journey so far?
Back in uni, I met my boyfriend through some friends and felt a connection to him, musically and otherwise, that I’ve never had with anyone. We harmonised and played music together, and ended up performing in front of a hundred people after only knowing each other for 2 weeks. Forming that connection uplifted and changed me fundamentally—it’s something I can’t explain in words. He’s encouraged me to pursue music ever since; though it took me a while to as I was nowhere near ready. He isn’t even in this industry but is now my producer.
How do you express your personal experiences and identity through your music?
I think they come through naturally. I never hold back when I write, and there’s such an honesty and transparency when I write at the piano. It’s a blend of my experiences, emotions and imagination. It’s a beautifully natural thing; because now I wouldn’t know who I am without the things I create, and vice versa.
Have you faced any challenges or obstacles as a female musician, and if so, how have you overcome them?
I think transitioning mentally from aiming to go into the space industry to music was pretty tough, and impostor syndrome was real. I think also the time pressure we may feel as women—only just beginning this entire journey in my early 20’s made me feel insecure and behind for a while. As a person of colour, that itself comes with additional obstacles which aren’t always recognised.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
I love to create music which sounds like you’re in a movie, or is deeply moving and ethereal—something which holds vast escapism. I think my music is ripe with dreaminess and vulnerability. Music can make you feel a way you never have before, and I’ll always be wanting to do that through my own.
Can you talk about your creative process and how you go about writing and producing your music?
The creative process fascinates me. It’s different every time—mostly I’ll play around at the piano, and a melody and/or lyric will come to me, which is that initial spark. Or sometimes a melody is already in my head and I bring it to the piano, or lyrically I’ll have a concept I want to play around with and see where it goes. My boyfriend is the main producer. Sometimes I have a strong vision production-wise, or at times just a small idea… but I love to give him a lot of creative freedom. It’s always a collaboration, though.
How do you hope your music will resonate with your audience, especially with other aspiring female musicians?
Most of all, I’d hope it makes them feel something. Being moved by music so deeply remains the most inspiring thing to me as a musician. I’d also hope it makes them feel less alone in some way, and to recognise that there’s power in being vulnerable. To fellow South Asian or Asian aspiring musicians—who are few and far between—I’d want to be a positive influence in an industry where our presence is less prevalent than others.
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Listen to Manpreet Kundi’s new single ‘unresolved’ below.