MUMBAI: Splitting his time between New York and New Delhi, songwriter Prateek Kuhad has become one of the most highly-regarded independent artists in India, especially after the head-turning success of his last release, cold/mess.

And in March, Prateek will begin his biggest-ever international tour – spread across 15 cities in North America. The singer-songwriter will kickstart the month-long tour with performances at South by Southwest (SXSW), one of the creative industry’s biggest events. Other confirmed acts at SXSW include Deerhunter; Sam Fender; Flint Eastwood; BRONCHO; Talos; Amanda Palmer, Viagra Boys, HÆLOS, Ezra Collective, Wyclef Jean, Oh Sees and others.

 “This would be the longest and most intense touring I have done so far in my career,” says Prateek, before adding, “It’s over 15 dates compressed into less than a month, so a show every other day pretty much. Honestly, I’m kind of nervous, but also very excited about bringing my songs to so many new people! I’m touring with my band this time around so I think that will really add to my live set. This is also going to be my second time at SXSW, and we’re playing a couple of really cool showcases there – should be fun!”

Prateek will be performing shows in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston – four cities with the highest concentration of Prateek fans, according to data released by Apple Music – alongside gigs in San Francisco, Seattle, Houston, Portland, Denver, Washington, Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal from 12 March onwards.

2019: Breaking into the US market

The six-track EP, cold/mess – recorded and produced in Nashville – hit #1 on iTunes India Charts upon release in July 2018 and has been streamed by millions of fans around the world. The video for the title track – which featured actors Jim Sarbh and Zoya Hussain – has racked up over a million views since its release on December 4, and has been featured in many best-videos-of-2018 lists including those by Elle and Rolling Stone.

From his American debut at SXSW 2016 – where NPR spotlighted him as an artist to watch – to shows in the UK, Germany and a sold-out debut North American tour in 2018, Prateek has been collecting fans around the world. Equally adept at writing and performing in English and Hindi, Kuhad’s vulnerable charm and poignant self-reflection have attracted fans on both sides of the Atlantic, with fans singalongs in both languages a common sight on his recent international shows.

Prateek Kuhad’s music – an arresting blend that combines organic folk intimacy and lush pop appeal – and the success of cold/mess could propel Prateek towards global recognition, with the upcoming North American tour acting as the perfect catalyst.

A list of 2019 tour dates are below, with more world tour dates to be announced in the coming months.

Prateek Kuhad 2019 North America Tour

March 12-16 // AUSTIN, TX @South by Southwest

March 17 // HOUSTON, TX @ WOMH Upstairs

March 20 // LOS ANGELES, CA @ Moroccan Lounge

March 22// SAN FRANCISCO, CA @ Swedish American Hall

March 24 // SEATTLE WA @ Triple Door

March 25 // PORTLAND OR @ Doug Fir

March 26 // VANCOUVER, BC @ Fox Cabaret

March 28 // DENVER, CO @ Globe Hall

March 30 // CHICAGO, IL @ Sleeping Village

April 01 // TORONTO, ON @ Drake

April 02 // MONTREAL, QC @Le Ministere

April 04 // BOSTON, MA @Brighton Music Hall

April 05 // WASHINGTON, DC @ Songbyrd

April 06 // BROOKLYN, NY @ Rough Trade

April 08 // NEW YORK, NY @ Mercury Lounge