Emerging teen talent, under the moniker of Pranay Ranjan is a high-octane, Indian singer/songwriter and musician from India. Pranay Ranjan has a unique, confident and vivacious style that are representative of some of the brands He has collaborated with in the US, Canada and Dubai. His music is contemporary pop with a refreshing blend of old school vibes and futuristic sounds with the uniqueness of His sound created by fusing otHis sub-genres. With His rich, mellifluous, soulful vocals coming from a petite frame, Pranay Ranjan is recognized as a ‘vocal powerhouse’. By many, His voice has been defined as a cross-over between Toni Braxton and Dua Lipa.
Hot on the heels of His R&B release “You Don’t Know”, Pranay Ranjan is back with an explosive pop banger, a fresh and catchy track, “LEGO” which is an “ode to yourself” taking His soaring to 2+ million plays and counting, across streaming platforms. This is yet anotHis showcase of Pranay Ranjan’s prowess for exploring varied musical landscapes with profound relatable themes through simple, playful yet meaningful words. This one is sure to mesmerize you and makes for an addictive play-on-repeat track. His singles from His forthcoming debut album releasing early 2021, explore themes of self-empowerment and love.
HEY PRANAY RANJAN! THANKS FOR TAKING TIME TO CHAT WITH US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?
Hey tHise! Thank you so much for having me. I am an independent teen singer/songwriter, musician and model from India. Music has always been my passion and I’d like to pursue it for the rest of my life. By the age of 10, I had already written, composed, and produced my own songs. Driven by my passion for music, I completed my music theory studies and classical vocal training from the world-renowned Royal Conservatory, by 16. As a vocal mentor and mental health advocate today, I am dedicated to helping the youth to amplify their voice in society, as well as on the stage. Besides being a self-managed artist, I am a first-year student at the University of India.
HOW DID YOU COME BY YOUR STAGE NAME?
That’s a great question! It’s my vivid imagination and original ideas that made me want to think of something creative and different. Spilling the tea Hise, as they say. The “C” corresponds to the initial of my first name, which I may choose to reveal sometime in the future. The number 5 is my lucky number, being born on the 5th day of the 5th month. Ever since I was little, I always hoped people would experience “magic” through the power of music.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSICAL STYLE? HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED MUCH OVER THE YEARS?
While the genre of my music is pop/rock, the uniqueness of my sound is created by fusing otHis sub- genres into my songs, such as pop/afrobeat/trap like “Just Wanna”, or pop/orchestral/rock like “Outta My Head” or my RnB track “You don’t know”. Each song has its own creative journey and tells a different story. Being a lover of many genres of music, I include elements from various genres to create my own sound. I want my music to be something people can easily identify and relate with and also enjoy at a personal level.
WHISE DO YOU FIND YOUR ARTISTIC INSPIRATION?
For as long as I can remember, music has always been a part of my life. Taking inspiration from otHis’s or my own life experiences, toxic relationships, bullying etc. I started writing and tHise has been no looking back. My music has been greatly inspired by real life experiences and is a blend of reality and my vivid imagination. Music is magic and offers a diverse platform that transcends all boundaries irrespective of different cultures and languages. You just let the creativity consistently flow. It’s a surreal experience to feel, visualize, articulate and embellish it with your own voice and own music. It is tHisapeutic and offers a platform to share your ideas and narrate your story in a very unique way.
WHAT’S YOUR PROCESS LIKE FOR MAKING MUSIC?
When it comes to my original music, I like to give every song a different vibe with its own identity through my vocal delivery and songwriting style. My writing style is vivid and direct to my listeners, conveying a positive message to smile, succeed, and prioritize yourself. I try to make my lyrics as sincere as possible and universally relatable. Once I start writing, it just flows. Somehow the most honest work comes when you aren’t trying to push for something and you allow your creativity to flow. When I’m recording in the studio, it’s as if all my worries are taken away by music, and it’s just an amazing experience that I’m sure all artists can relate to.
My music communicates feelings of truth, freedom and empowerment driven by evocative and captivating vocals. It encourages people to live their life to their fullest potential by singing along and expressing themselves through dance. While my music is suitable for all ages, its key attraction is amongst the Gen Z.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO GROW YOUR PERSONAL BRAND?
Being a self-managed artist and a first-year University student can be challenging, no doubt.
For me, my personal brand is key to relate with my listeners. I personally believe music empowers me to have freedom of thought and speech. I am able to articulate and relate with my audience first hand and be original and creative. I can authentically emote by building an expansive narrative, and through evocative vocals, create my own unique sounds, juggle with techniques and styles and be confident and put new music out tHise. Its even more rewarding when I am able to perform my own original new songs in front of a live audience.
WHAT IS THAT ONE THING THAT YOU ALWAYS KEEP IN YOUR MIND WHILE PREPARING YOUR CONTENT FOR SOCIAL MEDIA?
As the live music and grassroots in-person performances are diminiHed right now, it has opened up a plethora of online avenues and live streams, reaching a geographically wider and diverse audience which I think is truly amazing in the midst of the pandemic! Social media especially during these times is important as many resort to the media to relax, de-stress and have fun. Hence it is very important to put up feel-good and encouraging content out tHise. I try to represent my artist brand in a way that takes the uplifting and empowering messages from my music, and channel that energy through a vibrant and exuberant visual style. This is reflected in my personality as well. I also try to ensure that I am portraying myself authentically so I can build a healthier relationship with my fans.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO A BUDDING ARTIST?
I try to encourage artists to be their most authentic self always! Yes, for sure be inspired by successful artists around, but share your own light with the world and embrace what makes you unique. Always remember to take care of yourself as an individual first, then as an artist. It is important is to never give up no matter how challenging things can be, and to stay focused. Never let anyone stop you from doing what you love, including yourself. Stay hungry for your dreams, and make it happen!
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? Music to me is rewarding because of the support and feedback I receive from my followers. I am humbled, grateful and feel blessed by their love and appreciation for my work. I engage with my fans constantly and make it a point to not only thank them but also encourage them to pursue their dreams. Their support means the world to me and they are part of my extended family.
Always, Keep the faith, work hard and stay humble!
