In the basement of his Calgary home, The PropheC found his rhythm. Surrounded by makeshift equipment, he began mixing his Indian roots with his love for hip-hop and pop, developing a style uniquely his own.
Those humble beginnings set the stage for a career that blew off. With The Remedy, his latest album (released via Mass Appeal) about the highs and lows of relationships, he’s at his most vulnerable and real. From breakout hits like “Kina Chir” to sold-out shows in Delhi and New York, The PropheC’s journey is proof that staying true to your roots can lead to extraordinary places.
Can you tell us more about how your training in classical Indian vocals influenced your style, especially when combined with your love for contemporary hip-hop and pop?
My classical training has been the foundation to my music and has played a huge part in how my style developed. When I was young I would learn about different notes/scales and would listen to a wide variety of classical Hindi and Punjabi artists. When I started getting into hip-hop music in my teenage years I kind of left behind the classical element and started focussing more on music production by emulating beats from my favourite Rap producers. Then during my final year of high school I came back to Punjabi music and started recording my own tracks. That’s when I realized that my classical background made it so much easier to compose melodies and arrange songs. I was able to creatively express myself without ever worrying about the technical elements of song writing.
What was it like creating music in your basement studio in Calgary? Do you ever look back and feel nostalgic about those early days?
My original basement studio will always be special to me. It was the first place I was able to create music without pressure or fear of what others think. It was the space where I learnt so many valuable lessons about mixing, producing and recording that really shaped the rest of my career. I never thought of replicating other sounds but rather just doing whatever feels special or right to me. I always feel nostalgic about that place as it was a much more simpler time. Before all of the success and pressures of the industry, career or business – I was able to truly create the songs I wanted to. I often look back at that period when I need to disconnect and focus solely on making music.
“Kina Chir” was a global phenomenon and continues to stream millions of times each week. What do you think made it such a universal hit?
The great thing about that song was how organically it came together. It’s a great example of just making something that feels right rather than something that is made for mass audiences. I made the beat and composition within an hour and that same night, my dad and I were able to write the lyrics to the song. At the time, none of my team or family/friends really believed in the song. Their reaction wasn’t too impressed or taken away with the song. Whereas it was always one of my favourite compositions and lyrics I’ve ever done. I even remember having to push to make a video for the song and kept believing in it until it came out. I think the composition and lyrics played a big part in making the song a universal hit. It was covered by so many amazing artists, which just goes to show that a good song can be interpreted in many different ways.
Having had your music featured in Bollywood films, commercials, and international media, do you feel that widened your audience significantly? How did it feel seeing your songs reach so many diverse platforms?
It has definitely widened my audience and expanded my fanbase to a global level. I’ve been watching Bollywood movies since I was a kid. I remember I would go to the cinema almost every day after school to see whatever movie was playing. The music has been a huge influence to my sound, so to see it on that mainstream level definitely struck a chord with the inner child in me. It’s always so crazy to me that something I’ve made in my basement or a in a small studio can have such a huge impact – making it to movies, commercials and places across the globe. It definitely influences my music moving forward as well. Seeing so many new perspectives on my music always helps me grow the sound with each single or each album.
From sold-out shows in London and New York to Delhi, do you have a favorite performance memory or a city that holds special meaning to you?
One of my most favourite performances was actually my first big performance in Delhi, India in 2019. It was the first time I had sold out a show and was also the first time I was able to see how many fans I really had in India. When you’re seeing everything online it’s always hard to gage what the reality is. So when I landed and saw how much love I received from audiences out there – it will made me feel blessed and grateful that my music connected with so many people from different backgrounds.
The Remedy explores various stages of a relationship. Which stage do you personally connect with the most, and why?
I connect most to the beginning and end stages of a relationship which are reflected most in the first and last track of “The Remedy”. I think the first track really encapsulates the joys and excitement of finding a first love. While the last track, “Circles”, really represents coming to terms with the ending of a relationship. The whole concept of the EP really represents things I have personally faced while going through a relationship and showcasing more personal elements this time around.
Are there any specific themes or stories in The Remedy that you think fans will particularly relate with?
I think different elements will resonate with people in different parts of their relationship. There’s something for everyone who’s been a fan of my music, going through love or experiencing heartbreak. I’ve been blessed to work with a variety of producers ( Ezu, Mxrci and Outfly) for this EP as well. I think fans will appreciate my classic sound mixed with the production elements and perspectives of some of my favourite people to work with.
What’s next after The Remedy? Can we expect more experimentation or a return to classic PropheC vibes?
I have a lot planned for the upcoming year. In the past few months I’ve been working with a variety artists/producers resulting in some unexpected collaborations. There will definitely be more experimentation but I can promise fans that the classic vibes will also be there as well. I’ve been busy in the studio working and crafting the next chapter of my sound and experience. I can’t wait for everyone to see what comes next.
