By Spandan Fulkar
24th Feb 2024
By Spandan Fulkar
24th Feb 2024
Jagpreet Singh, a 34-year-old musician from Chandigarh, recalls the day his love for music took root. It was a childhood passion that blossomed into a life's calling. One afternoon, after returning home from school, he slipped a cassette of "Never Gone" by Backstreet Boys into the player. As the melodies filled the room, something stirred within him. Setting aside his school notebooks, he began to tap out rhythms with his pencils, feeling an inexplicable connection to the music. For Jagpreet, music became more than just a pastime and more of a refuge from the challenges he faced. At the tender age of nine, he experienced a devastating loss when his father, grandfather, and grandmother perished in a tragic accident. Amidst the turmoil, music became his solace, offering him a sense of peace and purpose. Initially drawn to the drums, Jagpreet struggled to find a suitable teacher in his small hometown of Hoshiarpur, Punjab. Undeterred, he turned to the guitar, determined to pursue his passion. Despite the scarcity of mentors, he eagerly learned chords and rhythms, relying on his own resourcefulness to progress. With dedication and perseverance, Jagpreet honed his skills, immersing himself in music. Through countless hours of practice and self-teaching, he gradually mastered his craft. His journey took a significant turn when he entered college and discovered a music department. Here, he delved deeper into his musical education, learning notation and expanding his knowledge.
Early Pursuit of Music and Resilience
Taking a trip down memory lane with Jagpreet, he reminisced about his beginnings. It all started during his college days, back in Sahastradhara, Dehradun where Singh's journey as a songwriter began. The institution, a Christian college, held Christmas celebrations with choir performances. As a Punjabi with a deep musical inclination, Singh was approached to compose something in Punjabi for the choir. This marked the inception of his songwriting venture, with his first creation being a Punjabi Christmas Carol. The piece garnered him considerable acclaim, thrusting him onto the stage of the college auditorium almost daily. It was during this time that Singh forged friendships with peers hailing from the northeastern states, renowned for their musical prowess. Inspired by their musical culture, particularly after visiting Nagaland and Manipur, Singh delved into the indie music scene.
Motivated to improve his own craft, Singh returned home with a newfound determination to hone his skills. One of the fruits of his labor was a song titled "Teri Ankhon Mein Jo," set to be released in March. Additionally, during his college days, Singh was part of a Christian band, although he lost touch with them after graduation
Jagpreet Singh, a 34-year-old musician from Chandigarh, recalls the day his love for music took root. It was a childhood passion that blossomed into a life's calling. One afternoon, after returning home from school, he slipped a cassette of "Never Gone" by Backstreet Boys into the player. As the melodies filled the room, something stirred within him. Setting aside his school notebooks, he began to tap out rhythms with his pencils, feeling an inexplicable connection to the music. For Jagpreet, music became more than just a pastime and more of a refuge from the challenges he faced. At the tender age of nine, he experienced a devastating loss when his father, grandfather, and grandmother perished in a tragic accident. Amidst the turmoil, music became his solace, offering him a sense of peace and purpose. Initially drawn to the drums, Jagpreet struggled to find a suitable teacher in his small hometown of Hoshiarpur, Punjab. Undeterred, he turned to the guitar, determined to pursue his passion. Despite the scarcity of mentors, he eagerly learned chords and rhythms, relying on his own resourcefulness to progress. With dedication and perseverance, Jagpreet honed his skills, immersing himself in music. Through countless hours of practice and self-teaching, he gradually mastered his craft. His journey took a significant turn when he entered college and discovered a music department. Here, he delved deeper into his musical education, learning notation and expanding his knowledge.
Early Pursuit of Music and Resilience
Taking a trip down memory lane with Jagpreet, he reminisced about his beginnings. It all started during his college days, back in Sahastradhara, Dehradun where Singh's journey as a songwriter began. The institution, a Christian college, held Christmas celebrations with choir performances. As a Punjabi with a deep musical inclination, Singh was approached to compose something in Punjabi for the choir. This marked the inception of his songwriting venture, with his first creation being a Punjabi Christmas Carol. The piece garnered him considerable acclaim, thrusting him onto the stage of the college auditorium almost daily. It was during this time that Singh forged friendships with peers hailing from the northeastern states, renowned for their musical prowess. Inspired by their musical culture, particularly after visiting Nagaland and Manipur, Singh delved into the indie music scene.
Motivated to improve his own craft, Singh returned home with a newfound determination to hone his skills. One of the fruits of his labor was a song titled "Teri Ankhon Mein Jo," set to be released in March. Additionally, during his college days, Singh was part of a Christian band, although he lost touch with them after graduation
“I want to inspire more musicians because I truly believe that music can unlock happiness and joy in life. That's why I decided to become a music teacher after college. For two years, I taught at the same college I attended, sharing my love for music with eager students. But then, I felt the pull to be closer to my family, so I moved to Chandigarh.”
Transition into Music Education
Jagpreet found his calling teaching children from ages 6 to 12 in Chandigarh, an endeavour that brought him immense fulfilment. Currently employed at a well-known school as a music teacher, he witnesses the transformative power of music in the lives of his students on a daily basis, echoing the profound impact it had on his own life. Observing the passion for music kindled within these young minds evokes memories of Jagpreet's own journey discovering his love for music during his school days and his overarching goal is to inspire his students, whether through sharing his own musical creations or through dedicated teaching.
"During lockdown, I learned music recording and video editing, mastering tools like Davinci Resolve and Ableton. From cover songs on Insta reels to my own compositions, I found inspiration and gained followers, turning my bedroom into a studio."
Independent Artistry and DIY Approach
When discussing being an independent artist, Jagpreet emphasizes his complete autonomy in every aspect of his music creation process. From writing his own songs to composing the music, he takes full control. Recording himself in his bedroom studio, he plays all the instruments, including utilizing MIDI for drums. Jagpreet then meticulously mixes and masters his tracks, ensuring they align with his unique style and vision. Not one to rely on outside assistance, Jagpreet even shoots and edits all his music videos himself, using his own camera and editing software. While he did initially venture to a studio for his first single, "Kahan Ho," only for vocal recording and mastering, he ultimately preferred the results of his own efforts. As such, he's resolved to continue with his DIY approach for future releases and to continually improve his skills, Jagpreet dedicates himself to regular practice sessions. Whether it's honing his vocals, mastering the guitar, or tinkering on the piano, he believes there's always room for growth and refinement in his craft.
“I want to inspire more musicians because I truly believe that music can unlock happiness and joy in life. That's why I decided to become a music teacher after college. For two years, I taught at the same college I attended, sharing my love for music with eager students. But then, I felt the pull to be closer to my family, so I moved to Chandigarh.”
Transition into Music Education
Jagpreet found his calling teaching children from ages 6 to 12 in Chandigarh, an endeavour that brought him immense fulfilment. Currently employed at a well-known school as a music teacher, he witnesses the transformative power of music in the lives of his students on a daily basis, echoing the profound impact it had on his own life. Observing the passion for music kindled within these young minds evokes memories of Jagpreet's own journey discovering his love for music during his school days and his overarching goal is to inspire his students, whether through sharing his own musical creations or through dedicated teaching.
"During lockdown, I learned music recording and video editing, mastering tools like Davinci Resolve and Ableton. From cover songs on Insta reels to my own compositions, I found inspiration and gained followers, turning my bedroom into a studio."
Independent Artistry and DIY Approach
When discussing being an independent artist, Jagpreet emphasizes his complete autonomy in every aspect of his music creation process. From writing his own songs to composing the music, he takes full control. Recording himself in his bedroom studio, he plays all the instruments, including utilizing MIDI for drums. Jagpreet then meticulously mixes and masters his tracks, ensuring they align with his unique style and vision. Not one to rely on outside assistance, Jagpreet even shoots and edits all his music videos himself, using his own camera and editing software. While he did initially venture to a studio for his first single, "Kahan Ho," only for vocal recording and mastering, he ultimately preferred the results of his own efforts. As such, he's resolved to continue with his DIY approach for future releases and to continually improve his skills, Jagpreet dedicates himself to regular practice sessions. Whether it's honing his vocals, mastering the guitar, or tinkering on the piano, he believes there's always room for growth and refinement in his craft.
"I'm an indie artist inspired by the likes of Phoebe Bridgers, Hollow Coves, The Paper Kites, and Prateek Kuhad. My songs are reflections of impactful moments in my life, like 'Chal,' which urges me to seize every moment and create memories by exploring and traveling."
Blending Modern and Vintage Elements
Starting his journey on Instagram, Jagpreet initially focused on sharing cover songs in English, Hindi, and Punjabi. Through this process, he honed his skills in recording, mixing, and video production. Seeking to blend modern and vintage elements, he experiments with incorporating LFOs and synths alongside classic guitar rhythms and plucking techniques. With a commitment to continuous learning, Jagpreet explores new techniques and methods daily, utilizing the diverse array of samples and sounds available in his software. Refusing to confine himself to a single genre, he embraces experimentation, incorporating elements from various styles and genres. Through this exploration, he seeks to find his own unique artistic voice, navigating the middle ground that resonates most with him.
"I've learned that you don't need expensive gear to make great music. Skill is what truly matters. Instead of splurging on equipment, focus on honing your abilities. Practice relentlessly, and love what you do. I've seen artists start with just a cheap phone and become wildly successful. Your skill is your only limit. As for time, don't make excuses. I teach all day, have private classes in the evening, and still find time for my music. Burnout is real, but you have to keep pushing forward."
Chaos as a Catalyst
In reflecting on his creative process, Jagpreet shares a valuable insight on how chaos can sometimes be a catalyst for inspiration and found that amidst periods of intense pressure, he produced some of his finest work. Simply picking up his guitar and strumming provided solace, calming his mind and allowing words to flow effortlessly onto paper. Keeping a clipboard nearby at all times became a habit for Jagpreet, recognizing that inspiration can strike unexpectedly and fleetingly. He advises aspiring artists to seize these moments without hesitation, regardless of their circumstances. Waiting for the "right time" or delaying action for mundane tasks can cause the moment of inspiration to slip away. Instead, Jagpreet urges creatives to embrace spontaneity and act on their artistic impulses as soon as they arise.
"I'm an indie artist inspired by the likes of Phoebe Bridgers, Hollow Coves, The Paper Kites, and Prateek Kuhad. My songs are reflections of impactful moments in my life, like 'Chal,' which urges me to seize every moment and create memories by exploring and traveling."
Blending Modern and Vintage Elements
Starting his journey on Instagram, Jagpreet initially focused on sharing cover songs in English, Hindi, and Punjabi. Through this process, he honed his skills in recording, mixing, and video production. Seeking to blend modern and vintage elements, he experiments with incorporating LFOs and synths alongside classic guitar rhythms and plucking techniques. With a commitment to continuous learning, Jagpreet explores new techniques and methods daily, utilizing the diverse array of samples and sounds available in his software. Refusing to confine himself to a single genre, he embraces experimentation, incorporating elements from various styles and genres. Through this exploration, he seeks to find his own unique artistic voice, navigating the middle ground that resonates most with him.
"I've learned that you don't need expensive gear to make great music. Skill is what truly matters. Instead of splurging on equipment, focus on honing your abilities. Practice relentlessly, and love what you do. I've seen artists start with just a cheap phone and become wildly successful. Your skill is your only limit. As for time, don't make excuses. I teach all day, have private classes in the evening, and still find time for my music. Burnout is real, but you have to keep pushing forward."
Chaos as a Catalyst
In reflecting on his creative process, Jagpreet shares a valuable insight on how chaos can sometimes be a catalyst for inspiration and found that amidst periods of intense pressure, he produced some of his finest work. Simply picking up his guitar and strumming provided solace, calming his mind and allowing words to flow effortlessly onto paper. Keeping a clipboard nearby at all times became a habit for Jagpreet, recognizing that inspiration can strike unexpectedly and fleetingly. He advises aspiring artists to seize these moments without hesitation, regardless of their circumstances. Waiting for the "right time" or delaying action for mundane tasks can cause the moment of inspiration to slip away. Instead, Jagpreet urges creatives to embrace spontaneity and act on their artistic impulses as soon as they arise.
"I'm an indie artist inspired by the likes of Phoebe Bridgers, Hollow Coves, The Paper Kites, and Prateek Kuhad. My songs are reflections of impactful moments in my life, like 'Chal,' which urges me to seize every moment and create memories by exploring and traveling."
Blending Modern and Vintage Elements
Starting his journey on Instagram, Jagpreet initially focused on sharing cover songs in English, Hindi, and Punjabi. Through this process, he honed his skills in recording, mixing, and video production. Seeking to blend modern and vintage elements, he experiments with incorporating LFOs and synths alongside classic guitar rhythms and plucking techniques. With a commitment to continuous learning, Jagpreet explores new techniques and methods daily, utilizing the diverse array of samples and sounds available in his software. Refusing to confine himself to a single genre, he embraces experimentation, incorporating elements from various styles and genres. Through this exploration, he seeks to find his own unique artistic voice, navigating the middle ground that resonates most with him.
"I've learned that you don't need expensive gear to make great music. Skill is what truly matters. Instead of splurging on equipment, focus on honing your abilities. Practice relentlessly, and love what you do. I've seen artists start with just a cheap phone and become wildly successful. Your skill is your only limit. As for time, don't make excuses. I teach all day, have private classes in the evening, and still find time for my music. Burnout is real, but you have to keep pushing forward."
Chaos as a Catalyst
In reflecting on his creative process, Jagpreet shares a valuable insight on how chaos can sometimes be a catalyst for inspiration and found that amidst periods of intense pressure, he produced some of his finest work. Simply picking up his guitar and strumming provided solace, calming his mind and allowing words to flow effortlessly onto paper. Keeping a clipboard nearby at all times became a habit for Jagpreet, recognizing that inspiration can strike unexpectedly and fleetingly. He advises aspiring artists to seize these moments without hesitation, regardless of their circumstances. Waiting for the "right time" or delaying action for mundane tasks can cause the moment of inspiration to slip away. Instead, Jagpreet urges creatives to embrace spontaneity and act on their artistic impulses as soon as they arise.
