Interview with Sonny Singh: Chardi Kala (S2 E77)

Interview with Sonny Singh: Chardi Kala (S2 | E77)

It is not often that I get to see an artist perform live at a record-release party days after our interview. But – that is what happened with Sonny Singh and his Joe’s Pub premiere for the record Chardi Kala. As you can see from the footage below (4K fancy video by the by), it was a beautiful event in front of a very receptive audience.

We celebrate Sonny’s first solo record with an interview this week on Lester the Nightfly. Sonny brings us tracks from the new record and a look at his friend and accomplished singer, Arooj Aftab. We also explore an old track by The Specials. Glad you are here… enjoy the show.

About Sonny Singh

Brooklyn-based Sonny Singh has launched a solo project of boundary-defying Punjabi anthems to uplift & ignite. For the last decade, Sonny has brought his fiery trumpet & vocals to audiences around the world as an original member of the bhangra brass band Red Baraat. His debut solo album, Chardi Kala, was released on May 13, 2022.

Sonny Singh: Chardia Kala

Sonny’s first musical outlet as a child of immigrant parents in North Carolina was singing Sikh devotional music in gurdwaras (Sikh houses of worship). His energy shifted to other types of music as he became a more serious musician: ska, reggae, funk, punk rock, bhangra, and more. In 2003, Sonny co-founded the political rock band Outernational and recorded an album produced by Tom Morello. As a singer and trumpet player, he has been central to the sound and raw energy of Red Baraat since the band’s inception in 2008, touring globally and recording 5 studio albums. Sonny has also performed with notable artists including Michael Franti & Spearhead, Ozomatli, Toshi Reagon, Arooj Aftab, Ankur Tewari, The Ska Vengers, and DJ Rekha.

After listening get to Bandcamp and buy some merchandise, pickup up the record and look for a show near you. We want to support Sonny’s work on stage and off stage as he fights for the rights of the downtrodden. We’re lucky to have men like Sonny in this world!