British punk rock sensation Yungblud, who recently graced Indian shores for a high-energy music festival performance, has expressed a strong desire to collaborate with prominent Indian musicians. The artist specifically named Talwiinder and Hanumankind as potential partners, highlighting his admiration for their work.
Yungblud's Artistic Vision for India
In a candid conversation, Yungblud shared his deep appreciation for Indian talent. "I love Talwiinder and I love Hanumankind's 'Running Up' video. He really wanted to encapsulate his vision of India," he remarked. The musician revealed concrete plans for his return, stating, "When I plan to come back in September, I want to spend a month here in Mumbai and he (Hanumankind) said he will show me around." This extended stay underscores his commitment to forging genuine connections beyond a typical tour schedule.
Regrets Over a Short Visit and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on his recent trip, Yungblud admitted dissatisfaction with the brevity of his stay. "I don’t like going to a place when it’s so short like this. Coming in to play the festival and out. I would have stayed for longer if I didn’t have to go back for the Grammys. I would have stayed for three weeks. I wanted to bring my father," he explained. His words reveal a personal longing to experience India more deeply, beyond the stage.
An Authentic Mumbai Experience, Sans Bollywood Preconceptions
Unlike many first-time visitors who arrive with a Bollywood watchlist, Yungblud approached Mumbai with an open mind. "I wanted to come here, I wanted to get a list. I wanted to find a real connection with Mumbai. I didn’t want to watch a movie on a plane. I wanted to watch it in the theatre in Mumbai, I wanted to watch it while I could smell the city," he said. This perspective highlights his quest for an immersive, sensory-rich experience of Indian cinema and urban life.
Empowering Indian Artistry Through Merchandise Collaboration
During his festival appearance, Yungblud also launched a pop-up merchandise collection in collaboration with an Indian designer. He emphasized that this initiative was driven by cultural curiosity rather than commercial motives. "I love to learn about the art, about the artistes, about the food, about everywhere I go. I was like let me empower Indian artistes. I have a massive platform. I have so many fans that will buy," he stated.
Yungblud further elaborated, "Yeah, I could come to Mumbai with a normal T-shirt, but why would I do that? I wanted to embrace the culture. I want to embrace the artistes. I wanted to learn about the artistes, about the language and the hype and everything. I’ve never had more colourful merch ever, really." This move not only showcases his support for local creativity but also his dedication to integrating Indian aesthetics into his global brand.
Yungblud's enthusiasm for Indian music and culture signals a promising cross-cultural exchange in the entertainment industry. His planned return and collaborative intentions could pave the way for innovative projects blending British punk rock with diverse Indian musical influences.
