Kanika ’s recent release “Lucky” marks a significant evolution in her artistic journey, receiving widespread acclaim for its mature vibe and sensual style, which has resonated with her audience, gaining her new followers. The feedback has inspired her to delve deeper into her creative instincts, crafting music that feels natural to her without overthinking the audience’s expectations.
The studio session for “Lucky” was a transformative experience where Kanika embraced a playful approach, liberating her from creative constraints. The use of steady pacing and the Indian flute (bansuri) in the arrangement reflects Kanika’s intent to evoke a sense of sensuality and sophistication.
Unshackled by cultural limitations, Kanika’s personal growth has empowered her to explore her artistic identity. She seamlessly weaves elements from her Indian heritage, particularly inspired by the sounds of Rajasthan, such as the flute and sarangi, instruments deeply ingrained in her childhood memories.
Dreaming of a collaboration with SZA, Kanika anticipates a fusion that blends her multicultural background with the American singer-songwriter’s unique melodic songwriting. As she continues to evolve, the artist also reveals her excitement to experiment with the UK garage sound, infusing it with her Indian influences, hinting at more innovative music on the horizon.
Now that “Lucky” is out, how have your fans and listeners responded to this new expression? Has their feedback influenced your perspective on exploring further into this sensual style?
Honestly, what’s been amazing is how my listeners can hear the growth and maturity as an artist. I’ve received a lot of love for the new vibe and a lot of new listeners too. This has definitely encouraged me to explore more. Also, the feedback has influenced me to trust my creative instincts more, and to make what comes naturally to me.
The new release showcases a playful side of you. Can you take us through a moment in the studio where you felt this new energy come alive, and how it translated into the final production?
Absolutely! It was just another day in the studio and I was trying out different sounds and ideas. I found myself in this rut where I was constantly thinking about what the audience will think and what might work better. Because of this, I was denying what I really wanted to create; and that became “Lucky.” Allowing myself to make music without thinking about 100 things is what allowed me to be playful with it and let the ideas flow.
Can you delve into some of the specific choices you made in the instrumentation and arrangement to bring out certain emotions and set the atmosphere for “Lucky”?
I consciously kept the pace steady to really hone in on the feeling of slow movement. The most special part for me is the Indian flute (bansuri) in the post-chorus. I personally feel the flute is a very beautiful and romantic instrument. It adds this sensual, yet sophisticated touch to the song.
In sharing your recent song, you’ve taken a significant step in embracing your artistic identity, unbound by cultural constraints. Can you share more about this personal evolution?
As you grow older, you experience more things in life and relationships. Life teaches you a lot about yourself and that’s exactly what’s been happening with me over the last couple of years. I have been understanding and embracing a lot about myself. This has answered a lot of questions about what kind of artist I want to be, and what I want to represent and talk about. It’s been incredibly special.
Considering that your songs beautifully intertwine diverse cultural elements, can you share a memorable moment or experience during your visits to India that profoundly influenced a specific track or element of your music?
I have been visiting India since before I can even remember. We would always visit my father’s hometown in the state of Rajasthan, in the middle of the desert. Every time we would arrive, there would be these flute players performing for us. It’s such a special, distinct sound that I always remember.
Another instrument that I often use in my music is the sarangi, which is a string instrument, also native to Rajasthan. These sounds are part of my childhood, so it’s very natural for me to incorporate them in my music.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, to create a fusion of sounds that encapsulates your multicultural influences, who would it be and why?
My absolute dream is to collaborate with SZA! I’m incredibly inspired by her, especially as a songwriter. Her melodies are so special and creative. In India, melodies are a very big part of music. I am so intrigued to hear what she would create on a production using these sounds, whether it’s the Indian flute or the Sarangi.
As your style evolves, are there any genres you’re looking to explore or integrate into your sound?
Lately, I’ve really been into the UK garage sound; it’s been fun to experiment with that genre, and adding my Indian influences to it. I may even release some of it sooner or later, which I’m super excited about, so stay tuned!
Watch the official visual below:
Listen to “Lucky” here:
