Harnoor, the Punjabi music sensation behind hits like Waalian and Parshawan, is back with his latest single, Famous. Known for blending modern R&B with Punjabi melodies, Harnoor opens up about his journey from his breakout debut in 2019 to his new era of music that…Read More
Punjabi music sensation Harnoor talks about his latest single Famous, his journey from Waalian to a new musical era, and how his roots and global influences shape his artistry.
If you’ve ever swayed to the soulful vibes of Waalian or lost yourself in the dreamy melodies of Parshawan and Tareefan, you’re already familiar with Harnoor—the young Punjabi music sensation whose silky voice has made hearts flutter since his breakout debut in 2019. Based in Texas but firmly rooted in his Punjabi heritage, Harnoor has become a household name, garnering over 200 million audio streams for Waalian alone and building an enviable catalog of hits that blend modern R&B with timeless Punjabi melodies.
Now, Harnoor is back with Famous, a poignant and ambitious two-part single that dives deep into themes of love, change, and the bittersweet ache of nostalgia. With its upbeat Pop-R&B rhythms transitioning into a reflective Lofi soundscape, Famous isn’t just a song—it’s an emotional journey. For Harnoor, this track, along with his recent songwriter debut on Letter to My Ex, marks the beginning of a new era in his career, one where his artistic evolution takes center stage.
In this exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Harnoor opens up about his musical journey, the inspirations behind Famous, and what fans can expect from his upcoming EP. As he prepares to unveil a fresh chapter in his promising career, get ready to meet the artist who’s redefining Punjabi music with his unmistakable charm, heartfelt lyrics, and an innate ability to make every note feel personal.
Here are the excerpts:
“Famous” is such a heartfelt exploration of love and nostalgia. What inspired you to write this song, and how does it reflect your personal journey?
I made this song back when I was in a relationship, my partner used to doubt me a lot so I decided to write this song to win her trust and let her know what I think about her.
The song transitions from a Pop-R&B rhythm to a Lofi soundscape. How did you decide on this two-part structure, and what message are you trying to convey through it?
I made this song in Mexico a few years back, Arsh had made that switch and it just went crazy. My composition was fitting really well on the beat.
You’ve mentioned that ‘Famous’ captures the simplicity of past moments. Can you share a specific memory that influenced the song’s lyrics or emotions?
A specific memory from the song lyrics are when she told me that she talks to the moon when she’s lonely and I’m with the stars.
How was the experience of working with Arsh Heer, Shraban, Mike Tucci, and the creative team for this track?
We never interfere with each other’s work, we know our parts in the song and we beleive everyone knows their part the best.
The visualizer for ‘Famous’ offers a glimpse into your daily life. How important is it for you to bring authenticity into your visuals, and what do you want fans to take away from them?
I beleive in honesty, the industry in the west don’t usually hide their flaws and people spend a lot of money just to show off the streets This song was initially going to be just an audio release but I personally wanted a visualizer, I met my friends Pj and tej in Toronto and they killed the visualizer and this is my daily routine whenever I’m not home this is what I do.
With your recent venture into songwriting, starting with “Letter to My Ex,” how has the transition been? How does writing your own lyrics shape your connection with your music?
“Letter to my ex” is the first song I have written in a single day so it’s pretty important to me and this song is also about my first ex, it’s all about connectivity, Shraban made the melody and everything just happened next i didn’t put much effort into it, it was like my mind and heart automatically aligned with the song and the song and the things I have been wanting to say finally came out
Do you find songwriting more challenging or liberating compared to performing songs written by others?
I don’t feel it’s challenging, I think it’s easier writing a song by yourself, composing and singing but when you make a song with multiple minds like “sicko mode” for example with Travis & Drake that song has a lot of writers, so I feel if there’s more people on a song it’s gonna be better.
Can we expect more self-written tracks in your upcoming EP? If so, how are you pushing your boundaries as a songwriter?
100%, in the next EP which will be out very soon, I have written all the tracks in it, i don’t wanna say a lot I want my songs to speak for me, I feel like the audience is really smart these days and every artist should write, Art and big projects are made regularly but your writing is the only thing that will get you respect, wherever I go I want people to look at me the right way.
“Waalian” was a breakout hit that introduced you to a global audience. How do you reflect on your journey from ‘Waalian’ to ‘Famous’?
An artist isn’t big Art is, i beleive “waalian” was a destined song, it’s been a long way since the beginning but the one thing that has stayed the same is my hunger.
What do you think has been the biggest factor in your success since your debut in 2019?
It’s all about the hunger it’s been a long way but this has been the same and i want the same hunger forever, and i want the peace of mind that comes with making good music.
How has living in Texas influenced your music and shaped your identity as a Punjabi artist in a global landscape?
I think Texas is amazing, even Drake is here now, everybody here is genuine, I feel to stay confident you need positive people around you.
You’ve mentioned that this new era will offer more than just Punjabi R&B. Can you share what new styles or themes you’re exploring in your upcoming EP?
I feel like everybody is different, i don’t copy anyone’s style, I’m a good listener and I’m inspired by everyone, in the EP you will learn more about me and i’ve kept everything according to how I view music.
How do you balance staying true to your Punjabi roots while experimenting with global sounds?
Bro it’s in our blood, being Punjabi is so so kind, so humble, we live according to the teachings of our guru and i grew up in Amritsar so I’m connected to my roots, even in the studio whatever I write, i explain it to everyone in the room so they stay connected to the work we are doing.
Your catalog has consistently resonated with fans. What do you hope to achieve with this new phase in your career?
I feel my thinking is on point now and my day 1 fans are still with me, and about my new sound it’s yet to grab my audience.
What role do your fans play in shaping your music and artistic decisions? How do you connect with them while living in the U.S.?
Instagram zindabad!
Your music often captures deep emotions and relationships. How do your personal experiences influence your songwriting?
The writing was very simple, i wouldn’t say I have done something extraordinary. I think every artist feels this way that they are unable to give enough time to their partner and things eventually start look down.
What’s a song from your catalog that you hold closest to your heart, and why?
“Love Drug” is the song i hold the closest recently, before that it was “KILLAH” from the EP “Rhymedy” and before that it was “JULKE” from the EP “WITHDRAWS”.
If you could collaborate with any artist, Punjabi or international, who would it be and why?
Karan Aujla & Drake two biggest names I want to collab with.
