Meet Prat Verma | Singer-Songwriter & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Prat Verma and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Prat, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in the small town of Jabalpur, India. At the age of 4, I moved to Forsyth County, Georgia. Located around 45 minutes away from Atlanta, I was always drawn to the city. Living in a predominantly white area, I was often questioned by my peers after my annual India trips. “Why do you keep going to India?” “Oh you’re not from here. Makes sense.” Even whenever I started pursuing music late in high-school, the Indian community pushed down my dreams by questioning why I wasn’t spending my time doing “better things” or working towards a more lucrative and less risky industry.

As you can see, from the beginning, I was always looked at as different. Besides the people that truly loved me, everyone basically told me to quit music after high-school. I didn’t shy away from this uniqueness though. Rather than succumbing to the pressure, I allowed it to propel me forward in my musical endeavors. I let the distinctiveness carry me through my music and it eventually became my main goal to create a sound that has never been heard before. Whether it be through my Dad singing in the kitchen, guitar shows since 3rd grade, or captain of my highschool and college drumline, I was determined to use my exposure to various musical elements, cultural challenges, and expressive backgrounds as a foundation for my diverse and experimental approach to creating music.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is a fusion of various genres, and I strive to create a unique sound that resonates with individuals who appreciate attention to detail while immersing themselves in the broader sonic environment. I’m particularly drawn to live instrumentation and production, and I enjoy infusing electronic harmonies for a comforting electronic/live hybrid sound.

However, what truly sets me apart is my authenticity and identity. My commitment as a musician and everyday college student to constant improvement is what pushes me to explore new creative avenues, allowing me to evolve within the music industry. What I am most proud of is the fact that my journey is a testament to the dedication I hold for my craft from the humble beginnings of creating Lofi beats in my bedroom to performing around Atlanta. I make my identity evident in the music I create, and everyday I try something different. Something with layers and perspectives that challenges the barriers of not just Indie R&B, but every genre.

The path to where I am today professionally has been challenging but immensely rewarding. Balancing academic responsibilities at Georgia Tech, social life, and pursuing music required mastering time management. Overcoming doubts from teachers, friends, and even my own internal struggles demanded resilience. The challenges, whether it was navigating the music industry, marketing my brand, or finding my creative process, were at times stressful. However, each hurdle became a valuable lesson that shaped my determination, keeping me positive through all the noise. The doubts and pressures I faced fueled my drive rather than stifled it. Embracing the lows and using them as stepping stones to reach the highs became a crucial part of my journey.

In the end, I want the world to know that my music is a reflection of my individuality, and the veracity I bring to my work is a genuine expression of my passion. My story is one of growth, resilience, and a continuous pursuit of creativity. As an artist, I invite others to join me on this journey and experience the emotions that define my music. I am beyond excited about the future and the limitless possibilities my art holds, and I can’t wait to show the world the projects I’m working on for the year.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Living in rural Georgia for the most of my life, I didn’t really catch the Atlanta vibe until 3 years ago. Staying at Georgia Tech put me in a bubble, but for the last year or so I made it a priority to see what this city is really about, and I can bring some spots to the table.

To be honest, my favorite places in Atlanta would be where I’ve done my photoshoots. Some go to photo spots for the week would be the High Art Museum, Herndon Stadium, Krog St. Tunnel, Little Five Points, Grant Park, and Piedmont Park. If we’re looking to hear some great music, Terminal West, Variety Playhouse, Tabernacle, and even the houses in Homepark down the street from me hold shows every week. For food, go to spots are Rocky’s Mountain Pizza, The Varsity, Cheba Hut, and the infamous West Midtown Cookout. On a night out, local bars like Northside, Orsmbys, and Park Tavern make for some fun as well.

In the end, wherever you are in Atlanta you will feel the culture, persistence, and hectic yet beautiful drive this city has to offer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Some creative collectives I’ve been eyeing recently are GTCreatives and the 1018 Hemphill squad. Both these groups are huge for the music scene for the upper Midtown area. Some upcoming musicians are Ethan Justice, Ryan Hall, and JBlumes.

Website: https://linktr.ee/prat.music

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prat.verma?igsh=MTNucHAwbm5qbnN0YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@prat.verma1?si=fBBF4Wr42Y_RE6xS

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0mjhW3vvtu9qiGFwMlnTYV?si=sK6NUD0PT1WLWdHv2cWW4g

Image Credits
Gabe Gutierrez, Calvin Juguna