We’ve covered Palak Rannka before in ASBO and it’s about time for a catch up, for readers needing a catch up themselves, here is the skinny. Blending South Asian influences with Caribbean spices, the independent artist Palak Rannka offers a refreshing, genre-crossing sound. A great jumping off point in to the back catalogue is Sukoon Mila which is both soothing and sincere and the cut has garnered over 350,000 streams on Spotify. Embodying love as an inner experience the Hindi-language song’s lyrics land in the lap of lush melodies with the title translating to “I Found Peace,” the lyrics explore the quiet joy and emotional ease that love can bring.
Palak Rannkka is a singer-songwriter from India who blends Indian music with R&B and pop. Her sound is a unique fusion of cultures, emotions, and storytelling, rooted in authenticity and shaped by a deep desire to connect.
ASBO caught up with Palak for an interview “My music is deeply personal. It often tells stories that are close to my heart and aims to uplift everyone who listens to it. If you’ve ever felt too much and didn’t know what to do with those feelings — that’s what my music holds space for.” “If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed and didn’t know how to handle those emotions — that’s what my music provides space for,” she explains. This emotional honesty is a core aspect of her work, and it’s evident that her journey as an artist stems from a desire to connect with others through shared experiences. ”I always say, “Music is the only way my soul makes itself heard.” From a very young age, I felt that my intense emotions could only be translated through melody and lyric. It’s never just been about the art — it’s been about a need to share, validate, and understand mine and others’ experiences.”
Palak draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Alicia Keys, Sunidhi Chauhan, KK, John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, and Beyoncé. She combines R&B, pop, and Indian music to forge a style uniquely her own. “I think I’m a bit of a cultural mix,” she notes, highlighting her multilingual and genre-blending approach. This adaptability shines through in her singing, which she identifies as her greatest strength. “I feel most alive and at ease when I’m singing,” she shares in conversation with ASBO.
What’s your pre-show routine like?
I usually do my vocal warm ups, hype myself up in the mirror (very important!), and take a few minutes to meditate. I ask the universe to use me as an instrument to touch people. That moment of intention really grounds me before I step on stage.
Where do you see yourself fitting in the music landscape?
I think I’m a bit of a cultural mix — my South Asian roots deeply inform my sound, but I’ve also grown up on global influences. I’m multilingual, genre-fluid, and really just trying to stay honest with my artistry.
What genres do you love? And any you’re not into?
I absolutely love R&B, blues, pop-soul, and heartfelt ballads. I’m all about music that makes you feel. I’d say punk isn’t really my thing — not because it isn’t great, but it doesn’t resonate with me the same way emotionally.
What would you say is your greatest strength and weakness as an artist?
I’m versatile vocally and can shift styles easily, although I have my favourites. On the flip side, I’ve feared tech for a while, which held me back from developing strong production skills. But that’s changing. I’m actively working on getting better at it now.
Which artists have influenced your work?
So many! But to name a few: Each of them has brought something to my musical DNA — from soul and storytelling to vocal expression and stage presence.
Who would be your dream collaboration?
Ed Sheeran — hands down. I admire how open he is to exploring different styles and his efforts to support emerging artists. I think we could create something really special together.
What song is on repeat for you right now?
“Everything’s Changing” by Jo Harrop — it’s so tender and beautifully written.
What’s been your biggest obstacle so far, and how did you overcome it?
When I started out in India’s music industry, I knew absolutely no one. I had no clue how to even begin building a career. But I took a leap and moved to Mumbai, threw myself into the chaos, and kept knocking on doors. Slowly, I built connections, a portfolio, and carved a space for myself — which also translated into my YouTube journey. I now have a channel with over 330K subscribers, but none of it came overnight. It took a lot of hustle.
What’s your creative process like? Do you prefer working alone or with others?
It really depends. I love writing with people — that energy, the back-and-forth of ideas — it’s amazing. But when I write alone, I usually start with lyrics. For me, the words always dictate the genre and mood. Once I know what I want to say, the music follows naturally.
What can fans expect from you this year?
Lots! I’m already working on a few bilingual singles that are ready to be released. I also love performing live, so I’m planning to do more touring and festival gigs this year. The stage is truly where I feel most myself.
As “Sukoon Mila” continues to resonate with listeners, it’s clear that Palak Rannka is an artist to watch. With her unique blend of cultural influences, emotional storytelling, and a voice that captivates, she is poised to make a significant impact on the music scene. In a world that often feels chaotic, Palak offers a moment of peace — a reminder that love, in all its forms, is a powerful force that can bring us together.
Listen to “Sukoon Mila” here and discover the soothing sounds of Palak Rannka.
