Prateek Kuhad on Full Moon Chamber: Dubai concert opens new chapter

Indian singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad will perform at Dubai Opera on 24 October 2026, launching the global Full Moon Chamber Tour. In an interview with Khaleej Times, he discussed the personal journey behind his latest album, the creative process, and what fans can expect from the Dubai show.

Album title and emotional journey

Kuhad explained that the title ‘Full Moon Chamber’ originated from a friend’s observation that his emotions intensify during a full moon. The phrase became a joke about needing a private space to process feelings. Despite compiling a list of about 50 potential album names, this one resonated most. The album explores themes of love, identity, belongingness, and emotional transformation, with the title tying these elements together.

Reflecting on the record’s emotional arc, Kuhad said he was not consciously documenting a specific period. Instead, he wrote about whatever he was feeling or trying to understand at the time. In retrospect, the album feels like a diary. The first half carries tension, while the second half is more settled, mirroring his own journey through uncertainty over several years. ‘I went through a lot of uncertainty for a couple of years. The music industry changed. A lot changed for me personally as well. But through it all, I ended up finding a part of myself that I had lost,’ he said.

Creative process and collaboration

The album marks a departure from Kuhad’s usual solitary songwriting approach. He wrote many of the songs in studio sessions with other writers and producers, challenging himself to be more open. The level of rigour and attention to detail in both songwriting and production remained intact. The process, along with the period of transition, has made him ‘a slightly more grown-up version of myself — with a little more patience and humility.’

Kuhad recorded the album over several years between New York and Los Angeles. He noted that both cities influenced the music indirectly. Los Angeles offered space for reflection, while New York brought a different energy. ‘Every place shapes you in small ways and I think those experiences naturally found their way into the record,’ he said.

Dubai connection and artistic independence

Kuhad has performed in Dubai multiple times and described the city as always welcoming. The upcoming concert at Dubai Opera, an intimate venue, feels fitting for an album with such personal emotion. ‘I started my journey with intimate venues and while arenas have their own magic, this album is very intimate in emotion. I think it couldn’t have gotten a better opening night,’ he said.

Recalling a 2024 interview with Khaleej Times, Kuhad mentioned that flying over the desert fascinated him. This time, the experience will remind him of shooting the music video for ‘If I Cannot Be Yours.’ The visual imagery of the album includes deserts and their vastness, which he finds introspective.

On artistic independence, Kuhad noted that the independent music scene has grown richer, with more voices and a larger audience. He does not see a divide between independent and mainstream music. For him, artistic independence means having the space to experiment and make music as it comes, without forcing a narrative. He is grateful for a team and label that respect that space.

Regarding the pressure of success, Kuhad said he took time between albums to filter out external feedback. ‘I still believe that you have to be internally secure and mentally fortified to be able to still protect your honesty and authenticity with all the opinions around. I think that’s important for all artists,’ he said.

What fans can expect

Kuhad has crafted a setlist that blends old favourites, both in English and Hindi, with songs from ‘Full Moon Chamber.’ He described it as one of his favourite setlists, but declined to reveal more details. The concert on 24 October at Dubai Opera will be the first live performance of the new album. Tickets are available through Dubai Opera and Platinumlist Dubai.