Last Updated:
In an exclusive interview, Punjabi music sensation Gurnazar shares his journey from Kurukshetra to becoming a viral music star with hits like ‘Dil Tu Jaan Tu.’
Gurnazar opens up about his rise in the Punjabi music scene, the success of ‘Dil Tu Jaan Tu,’ and the role of platforms like Spotify in independent music.
Gurnazar Chattha is a burst of energy and melody wrapped in one, lighting up the Punjabi music scene with his heartfelt lyrics, soulful voice, and an on-stage presence that’s pure magic. Hailing from Kurukshetra, Haryana, this artist’s journey from singing for fun to becoming a Punjabi music sensation is as dynamic as his tunes. Gurnazar masterfully blends the rich vibes of classic Punjabi music with modern beats, making you groove one minute and get all in your feels the next. He’s got a knack for creating earworms like ‘Koi Vi Nahi,’ ‘Pinjra,’ and ‘Izhaar’ that leave his fans hitting replay.
Gurnazar’s music has a unique charm—it’s a time machine that brings you the best of both worlds, stirring up nostalgia while keeping things fresh and upbeat. He’s a collaborator at heart, working across genres to cook up tracks that are the perfect mix of melody and groove. His live shows? Think electrifying energy, the kind that makes you feel like you’re part of something special, whether you’re in the front row or watching through your screen.
But it’s not just about the music. Gurnazar is as real as they come—down-to-earth, relatable, and on a mission to champion independent music. He’s found his groove on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, becoming a key player in the indie Punjabi music movement. With a style that’s true to his roots but never afraid to experiment, Gurnazar Chattha is making waves and winning hearts, one soulful note at a time.
In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, Gurnazar spilled the beans on celebrating the 10th anniversary of UYP and the launch of Longitude 77. He also shared the story behind his viral hit ‘Dil Tu Jaan Tu’ and took us on a ride through his exciting musical journey.
Q1: How do you feel today at the 10th anniversary of UYP and the launch of Longitude 77?
Gurnazar: Definitely, I’m feeling great because nine out of ten years I have been with EYP. And this journey will go on and definitely, my best wishes for Longitude 77’s launch in Punjab.
Q2: ‘Dil Tu Jaan Tu’ has become a viral hit, gathering millions of streams on YouTube and Spotify. Did you anticipate such a massive response to the song when you were working on it?
Gurnazar: No, it can never be anticipated. It is not possible because this calculation cannot be done when you create anything. I just keep in mind that whatever I am making is not bad and how good a song is decided by the audience. With this calculation, I think nobody can create anything.
Q3: You mentioned that the raw quality of the track was something you embraced during production. Why did you decide not to professionally mix and master it, and how do you think that contributed to the song’s unique appeal?
Gurnazar: I feel that there are no rules for anything, right? Somehow, like we had made a dummy of that song, so when we listened to it in the car, comparatively I played one of my mix master tracks for a friend. So, it sounded better than that to me without any professional mix master. Then I thought that it does not matter whether you mix master it or not. If it sounds good, then it sounds good. It is not that we did not do a mix and master in it, but we just produced it through the system, as it is, the settings that were finalized for exporting our dummy were the same.
Q4: How important do you think platforms like Spotify and YouTube are for the success of independent music today, and how have they influenced your approach to releasing music?
Gurnazar: They have been so supportive right from the beginning. It was just that the trend was not there yet in Punjab. We have started releasing songs independently now. That too is just because there are many companies that are investing in artists’ channels. Otherwise, there are still many artists who, if they don’t spend on themselves, give their songs to labels, which is actually not bad. So, we all started like that too, but it was from the beginning. It has not happened today. But we started doing this by taking the decision that let’s start releasing songs independently. And they both are equally supportive. I feel that YouTube and Spotify do not care whether the song came to them through a label or the artist gave it directly.
Q5: You’ve worked with a diverse range of collaborators like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Chet Singh. What was the creative process like when you collaborated with Chet Singh on ‘Dil Tu Jaan Tu’ and your other recent track ‘Jaam’?
Gurnazar: I like Chet’s beats. Because whatever songs I have done before, they have been very melodious songs. The best part about Chet is that I liked the fact that he gives a very good groove to my melodies. So, this is the reason why I started working with him.
Q6: You credit Jhankar Music and The Orchard India for playing a significant role in the success of ‘Dil Tu Jaan Tu.’ How do you balance working with music labels while still maintaining your independence as an artist?
Gurnazar: The process is the same for both. I have a very simple working style in this. Suppose I gave a song to Jhankar, one of my very close friends handles Jhankar’s Punjab channel. So, when I composed a song for him, ‘Dil Tu Jaan Tu,’ I wanted to release it on my channel, but I gave the song to him because I had gone to the studio with him. He introduced me and Chet, and this song was composed while he was sitting there. So how could I back out after that? So, it seems to me that, for example, even if I go to a label tomorrow with the thought that let me make a song for them today, and whatever I make that night will be theirs.
Q7: You’ve collaborated with major Punjabi artists like Diljit Dosanjh and Jassie Gill. What do you enjoy most about working with fellow artists, and how do these collaborations influence your music?
Gurnazar: I really enjoy working with different people, and especially, working with every artist gives a new experience. So technically, about his dubbing style, how deeply he is involved in his work, I learn all these things from every person. I have spent a lot of time with Diljit paaji as well, I live here with Jassi Paaji and other music artists. So, whatever I find good in an artist, I take it. Every artist’s working style is very different. Everyone works in their own way. I am always curious to know about everyone. What is their good factor? What is this person’s good factor? So, I keep taking extracts from that.
Q8: How do you feel about the rise of independent music in India? Do you think this trend will continue, or do you see it balancing with film music in the long term?
Gurnazar: I think that gradually films will overshadow independent music. Because the quantity of releases will not be that much for films or labels. Even today, independent artists will be uploading more songs on their channels compared to giving their work to labels. So, in the coming time, as people become more knowledgeable, it will definitely overshadow commercial labels or film music.
Q9: You started your journey in college as an actor but later transitioned to music. What made you realize that singing and composing were your true passions, and how does your acting experience contribute to your music career?
Gurnazar: I don’t think my acting factor is better than my music. I try as much as I can. But I enjoy making music more. Just like some people think that I want to act only, this is what I want to do. I like composing and writing. I enjoy the process of making music more than acting.
Q10: Looking back on your career so far, what has been your most memorable moment, whether in terms of performing live, recording, or connecting with fans?
Gurnazar: I think, on stage is the best experience always. And that will always remain because when we started singing, we used to sing other artists’ songs. So, people used to come and hum along, so I used to think that my songs should be such that when I get on stage, the whole audience sings along with me. Now I have at least 6-7 such songs that if I close my eyes and perform anywhere in India, everyone will sing them. I think, that experience is good and now I enjoy it a lot. But what the stage gives you, it is a different zone for you.
Q11: You’ve hinted at more projects with Jhankar Music and The Orchard India. Can you give us a sneak peek into what’s coming next for you in 2024?
Gurnazar: I have no plans as of now. With Jhankar, definitely I will play more music. Because, they put so much effort in my songs. So, as a team they are very good. Definitely, I will do a song with them but, when it will happen is still undecided. But at present, my focus is on releasing the next 4-5 songs on my own channel.
Q12: You’ve had success across different regions and countries. How do you plan to continue expanding your audience, both in India and internationally?
Gurnazar: Right now, my focus is totally on the fact that my audience from India should move a little overseas. And it’s gradually happening. And for this, I am aiming and planning to go for some international collaborations and a few releases I have already planned which I won’t be releasing in India. So whatever country I collaborate with, Warner Canada, Warner UAE, the songs will be distributed from there only.
Q13: What advice would you give to aspiring independent musicians who are trying to make their mark in the industry?
Gurnazar: I think nobody needs this advice. Everybody, nowadays, is so smart that people do everything all by themselves after analyzing. You do whatever you like. That’s my advice.
