Inder Paul Sandhu: Stories from a soul survivor

SINGER INDER PAUL SANDHU DISCUSSES HIS MASTERPLAN TO MAKE MEANINGFUL MUSIC

by ASJAD NAZIR

BRITISH talent Inder Paul Sandhu has maintained a brilliantly high standard with the soulful songs he has released.

Whether it was his recent single Monster or his awesome EP The Colindale Tape, the singer-songwriter has delivered a cool combination of meaningful lyrics, deeply soulful vocals and artistic music with a commercial edge.

One of the best kept secrets in British music has cross-generational appeal and is getting better with each release.

Eastern Eye caught up with the remarkable Inder Paul Sandhu to discuss his music journey so far, soulful sound and future plans.

What is it that led you towards your soulful sound?

Growing up, I was exposed to a lot of different music in my household, but hip hop and soul music in particular were like that pretty girl in school you couldn't take your eyes off. She's been with me since childhood.

Which of your tracks is closest to your heart?

It would be Cold from my most recent tape The Colindale Tape. It was only after writing it I realised just how much of myself I poured out. It's like my heart exploded! I never intended for it to be heard by anyone, but it did and ended up being made the track of the month on BBC – mad respect to Sunny and Shay for that. It's crazy though, my frame of mind at the time wouldn't have allowed me to write that song if I knew people were actually going to hear it.

Musically, where do you draw your inspiration from?

Everything Asjad, honestly! I’m always observing. Life is art, man, and in every alive or dead thing, you see that art.

How important is it for you to have meaningful lyrics?

Instrumentals aside, it is everything, absolutely everything, because without substance music is just fast food. Music is a spiritual tool for warfare, healing, declaration and joy, and by virtue of that, it demands substance.

Have you learned anything about yourself through your songs?

Yeah, no matter what my circumstance is, be it good or bad, I can always make a song out of things and sing for that matter. They have also shown me just how much of my observations and feelings I haven't spoken about with myself, others or even God.

What do you enjoy more, singing or the process of creating?

Definitely singing and certain parts of the musical and visual production; those are the divine aspects for me. I find them fun. The rest, in my opinion, is weaving through the red tape of man and I’ve seen enough of that in myself. Just to clarify, by red tape I mean human nature.

How are you able to generate so much emotion in your voice?

Pain and desire really. Suffering and trials are inevitable in this life and I empower myself by using them as fuel for the sound. Desire comes in where I desire to make God proud, as well as my mum and dad.

What can we expect next from you?

I’m putting out a new tape in the next three months called The Renaissance Tape. We're currently just finishing up the production stage with an amazing band out in Houston, Texas, called Tonecrafters. I know people are going to love it. There’s going to be a whole bunch of flavours on this tape – think Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac and Oasis, all on the same project.

What is your musical masterplan going forward?

Hopefully, perform my next tape throughout the UK, as well as my previous tape, and then set my eyes on the states. We’ve already finished production on my tape after The Renaissance Tape, which I know is back to front, but between these two tapes the world is truly my oyster. I am still trying to get my music into TV and film, which is another area I got my eyes set on. With that being said, though Asjad, one of my greatest strengths in my musical journey has been not having a plan and bulldozing my way into any and everywhere. It’s how I live! Shoot from the hip and all that.

Who would you love to collaborate with in future?

Jimi Hendrix and Ray Charles would have been amazing because they were true geniuses and masters of their own lane. If I were to choose from the land of the living though I’d say Lauryn Hill; I believe her to be one of the greatest songwriters ever. Her song Adam Lives In Theory is unmatched, and her unplugged tape is heavenly. King Krule would be cool to work with too, now that I think about it.

What music dominates your playlist?

I would say rock, gospel worship and r’n’b, but, to be honest, I listen to everything. Music is truly too magical to confine my ears to any one sound. I could go a whole week with just listening to Pavarotti and then spend the next week listening to Black Sabbath.

Who is your own musical hero?

I don't have one to be honest, and I admire many artists but there are really none that I have promoted to a ‘hero’ status in my heart.

If you could ask any question to an artist, alive or dead, who would it be and what would you ask?

DMX! I would ask him what were some of the revelations he had from his walk with God that he didn't get to share with the public. Rest in peace X.

What is the first thing you will do when lockdown is fully over?

I would probably go to a concert or a venue where I could hear and see some live music act or I may just keep my head down until my own show. I might have said too much there.

Why do you love music?

It’s one of the few sincere soundtracks in life we have left in a world where much is synthetic and made for profit.

www.ipaulsandhu.com