#WorldMusicDay: Collabs helped me reach new audiences, says Guru Randhawa

From international artistes Pitbull to Jay Sean, to desi ones, singer-composer Guru Randhawa discovered his tribe spanning the globe, jamming with them even on foreign language projects like a Spanish number with Pitbull. Excerpts from a conversation:

On how collabs helped him as an artiste
Collaborating with other artists, even remotely, opened new avenues for creativity. It encouraged me to explore different musical styles and innovative ways to connect with my collaborators and audience. It sparked inspiration and brought fresh ideas to the creative process, which ultimately helped me grow as an artist.


On his significant collabs
I have had the privilege of collaborating with several talented musicians. Some of my most significant collabs include Pitbull on the song Slowly Slowly. Pitbull sir’s energetic style and global appeal perfectly complemented my Punjabi sound, resulting in a cross-cultural hit. Then there was Arjun (famous for his R&B cover version of the song Why This Kolaveri Di) on the song Suit which was special because we both share a passion for fusing Punjabi with international tunes. Our musical styles blended effortlessly, creating a catchy track.
When it comes to deciding which artists to collaborate with, it is important for me to collaborate with artists whose style and sound resonate with mine.

On collabs helping to expand his market
Collaborations have played a significant role in expanding my market and reaching new audiences, both within India and internationally. They provide opportunities to connect with diverse listeners, introduce my music to new cultures, and create a global impact. They often involve creating a fusion that appeals to a wider range of listeners. By infusing Punjabi sounds with elements from different cultures, my music becomes more relatable to diverse audiences, helping me tap into new markets. We also did a Spanish song with Pitbull sir.


Guru’s memorable collabs:

Working with Pitbull sir on Slowly Slowly was an exhilarating experience. We wanted to create a song that blended Punjabi and English lyrics seamlessly, while capturing the essence of our individual styles.
Collaborating with Jay Sean on Surma Surma was a wonderful experience that bridged the gap between Punjabi and R&B sounds. The fusion of Punjabi lyrics and R&B grooves resulted in a track that showcased our shared love for both genres.

Have collabs helped improve the quality of music per se:
They improve the quality of our music because two minds come together to create something unique. It brings the best of diverse perspectives, musical influences, and creative approaches to the table. That environment encourages me to experiment with new musical elements, resulting in exciting compositions.