Prateek is a singer-songwriter from Boston, Massachusetts. He first picked up the guitar in middle school, and began writing songs in college influenced both by classic folk artists such as Simon and Garfunkel and contemporary artists such as Jason Isbell and Ryan Adams. After releasing an EP, “Walking in my Sleep,” in 2016, Prateek has finally released his debut single “Emma,” available on Spotify, iTunes, and all other platforms where fine music is sold.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Prateek about motivations, challenges, the latest projects and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I’m from Boston, Massachusetts and I guess I’d call my style of music a little bit new, a little bit used. But the more accepted term is folk.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

Just the sheer joy of it. I’ve been playing music my whole life – started on the piano when I was four, then moved on to the trombone, the trumpet, the clarinet, and finally the guitar. I always felt happy just to play. Then I started feeling that same rush when I played shows and wrote songs. It’s a beautiful thing.

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

This is my first release with other musicians. My last EP was entirely solo, from the songwriting to the playing to the recording to the mixing and mastering. For “Emma,” I brought in a producer and a band, because I was trying to figure out how I can expand the sound and what the songs do. And it worked.

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

You said it right there – oversaturation. I mean the technology’s helped immensely, but it’s helping everybody else too. So you have to always be on your toes and keep working at how you can fully realize your vision while also standing out from the rest.

In terms of how it’s helped me – with everything. I use Facebook to promote shows. I use Instagram to promote my music. As a kid, I used YouTube to look up songs so I could figure them out on guitar.

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

Following me on Spotify (“Prateek Poddar”), Facebook (“Prateek”), and Instagram (@prateekmusic) is a great way to keep up with what I’m up to. You can also email me at prateekpoddarmusic@gmail.com – I’ve got an email list that gives fans a little bit more of what I’m doing and where I’m playing than the social media stuff. Plus, you can always just drop me a line too.

Anything else before we sign off?

I’m heading back into the studio in January, so keep your eyes out for new music in 2018. And thanks for taking the time to talk to me.