Punjabi songwriter and singer Ekam opens up about blending classical roots with modern Punjabi urban pop and hip-hop, creating a sound that feels both soulful and contemporary. From viral tracks to personal growth, he shares insights into his journey, inspirations, and vision for the future.
1. You are emerging as a strong voice in the Punjabi urban pop and hip-hop space—how would you describe your musical identity in your own words?
I see my musical identity as a reflection of both my roots and my evolution. Growing up in Delhi in a musically inclined family, with my father being a professional tabla player, I was naturally exposed to classical rhythms and intricate compositions from a very young age. At the same time, I was drawn towards the energy and expression of Punjabi urban pop and hip-hop.
Today, my sound is a fusion of these worlds—emotionally driven and rhythmically rich, yet very contemporary. I aim to create music that carries soul while still making you move. For me, it’s not just about making tracks; it’s about building a vibe that feels authentic, relatable, and true to who I am as an artist.
2. Your tracks like Gaddiyan, G Shades, and Gal Dil Wali have connected well with a young audience. What do you think makes your music relatable to today’s listeners?
I believe relatability comes from honesty. The younger audience today is very aware—they can instantly sense when something isn’t genuine. With songs like Gaddiyan, G Shades, and Gal Dil Wali, I’ve focused on keeping the emotions and themes very real, whether it’s about confidence, love, or lifestyle.
I also observe how people express themselves today—their language, their mindset, their energy—and reflect that in my music. When listeners feel like a song represents their vibe or speaks their truth, that’s when the connection becomes strong.
3. Your sound blends modern production with culturally rooted storytelling. How do you strike that balance while creating music?
For me, that balance comes naturally because both influences are a part of my upbringing. The cultural and classical side adds depth and emotional weight to my music, while modern production ensures it stays fresh and relevant.
When I’m creating, I focus on the feeling first. I let the emotion guide the melody and expression and then shape the sound with contemporary production. It’s about respecting where you come from while evolving with where the music is today.
4. Your latest release Garaariyaan is receiving a great response. What was the inspiration behind the track, and what does it mean to you personally?
Garaariyaan was inspired by a mindset of confidence and individuality. The idea was to create a track that carries attitude but still feels stylish and musical.
On a personal level, it represents a phase where I’ve become more self-assured about my sound and identity. It reflects growth—not just as an artist, but as a person. It’s about owning who you are, standing your ground, and expressing yourself without hesitation.
5. How has the audience reaction to Garaariyaan impacted your confidence or approach toward upcoming projects?
The response has been incredibly motivating. Seeing people connect with Garaariyaan, create content around it, and share it across platforms gives me a strong sense of validation.
At the same time, it also pushes me to raise my own standards. It encourages me to experiment more, take creative risks, and deliver something even more impactful with every release.
6. As an independent artist in a fast-growing Punjabi music market, what challenges have you faced while building your catalog and audience?
Being an independent artist comes with its own set of challenges. You’re not just focused on music—you’re also handling strategy, promotion, and building your brand. In a rapidly growing industry, standing out can be difficult.
However, these challenges also teach you consistency, patience, and clarity. Over time, you understand your audience better and learn how to carve out your own space. It’s a journey that requires belief and persistence.
7. With the digital space playing a major role today, how do you leverage platforms and trends to expand your reach?
Digital platforms have completely changed the game for artists. They allow us to connect directly with listeners across the world. I try to stay consistent by sharing music snippets, behind-the-scenes content, and engaging with my audience regularly.
At the same time, I focus on using trends in a way that feels authentic to me. It’s not just about going viral—it’s about building a loyal audience that genuinely connects with your work.
8. How different is the experience of expressing yourself through music?
Expressing myself through music is deeply personal. There are thoughts and emotions that are hard to express in everyday conversations, but music gives them a voice.
When I’m creating, it feels like a space where I can be completely honest without filters. It’s not just about what I say—it’s about what people feel when they listen. That emotional connection is what makes music so powerful for me.
9. Looking ahead, what kind of collaborations, sounds, or projects can fans expect from you in the near future?
Going forward, I’m excited to explore more versatility. Fans can expect a mix of sounds—melodic, emotional tracks as well as high-energy, vibe-driven music.
There are some exciting collaborations in the pipeline with artists who bring fresh perspectives, and I’m also working on building a stronger, more diverse body of work. The goal is to keep evolving while staying true to my core sound.
10. Message for fans
I just want to thank everyone who has been supporting me and showing love to my music. Every stream, every share, every message truly means a lot.
This is just the beginning of my journey, and I promise to keep bringing you music that you can connect with and vibe to. Stay tuned and keep the love coming—there’s a lot more on the way.
