Catching Up With Karan Janjua

We sat down with the senior designer turned R&B innovator Karan Janjua for a quick chat about the creative process, visual aesthetics, and what this new chapter means for his sound on the Single ‘Dil Nah Lagda’. Here's what he had to say.
Fresh off his highly anticipated release under Sky Level Productions, Janjua’s brand-new single, "Dil Nah Lagda," swaps traditional high-tempo Bhangra beats for a moody, atmospheric R&B sound. Teaming up with heavyweight producer Vynom and lyricist Raizada, the track is a masterclass in late-night melancholia, complete with a stunning, high-fashion music video directed by Simar Pangli.
About the Song
What was the exact moment or feeling that inspired "Dil Nah Lagda"?
The inspiration came from that universal feeling of late night restlessness, when the world quietens down, and when you’re sitting alone your thoughts about that someone special get incredibly loud. I wanted to capture the exact ache of missing someone so deeply that your heart simply refuses to focus on anything else.
How would you describe the vibe of this track in exactly three words?
Melancholic. Atmospheric. Soulful
Why did you choose a late-night R&B sound over a traditional high tempo Bhangra beat?
High tempo Bhangra is no doubt amazing for the dancefloor, but 'Dil Nah Lagda' needed space to breathe. The slow, hypnotic rhythm lets the vulnerability in the heartfelt lyrics take centre stage and allows for that deep internal emotional connection to be felt.
What was your favourite lyric to sing in this track?
The hook 'Dekha nah jadh tenu ve mera dil na lagda...' It’s simple, raw, and hits the emotional core of the song instantly.
Behind the Scenes
How long did it take you and Vynom to lock down the final beat
Several sessions. Working alongside Vynom is always an organic, evolutionary process. Initially, the ‘Dil Nah Lagda’ started out as a hip hop. However, after recording the initial vocal drafts and spending a few focused sessions refining the overall direction, the track naturally evolved into a smooth R&B vibe. From there, Vynom meticulously tweaked the bassline and adjusted the atmospheric pads until the contemporary UK R&B production perfectly complemented the heartfelt, traditional Punjabi lyrics.
What was the most challenging scene to shoot during the music video production?
The sync, maintaining the emotional intensity in the heavily styled, solo shots. When you're trying to convey deep emotion and longing on camera while staying perfectly in frame for the cinematic visuals, every look and movement counts.
How did your professional background as a senior designer influence the look of the music video?
As a senior designer I look at every music project as a complete visual audio identity system. I don't just see a song as an audio file, I look at how the vocals, the concepts, and the visuals all connect. My design background makes me approach every music project through constant experiments. You sketch, you prototype, and you test different ideas. If a specific concept works, awesome. If it doesn't, it’s not a failure, it's just a lesson and a stepping stone that I carry straight into the next release
What was the energy like on set working with director Simar Pangli?
Having collaborated with Simar Pangli across multiple projects, the energy is inspiring and positive. I’ve seen first hand that his work ethic and commitment to high end delivery are never compromised. Working with director Simar Pangli and his entire team is always a fluid experience. Simar has an exceptional eye for cinematic composition and framing. He excels at maintaining a highly disciplined, professional set while ensuring the environment remains comfortable, and collaborative for everyone.
Artist Insights
Who is your absolute dream collaboration in the global R&B scene right now?
Honestly, the list is endless! But collaborating with a prominent Western R&B artist would be incredible. Blending their signature, late night R&B structures with smooth Punjabi melodies would create a massive cultural crossover.
Is "Dil Nah Lagda" a standalone single, or is it leading up to a larger EP or album?
Right now, 'Dil Nah Lagda' stands as a definitive recognisable marker of my evolution. It shows my versatility from earlier tracks like 'Dhua Jatt Da' and 'Snapchat', but it's definitely laying the foundation for something larger that explores this moody aesthetic.
What do you want fans to feel when they listen to this track late at night?
I want them to feel completely immersed in their emotions. Whether they're thinking about that someone close to their heart or just driving through the city lights, I want this track to be the soundtrack to their quietest personal moments allowing them to feel and process those deep internal thoughts.
"Dil Nah Lagda" is more than just a single—it's a bold statement of intent from an artist who refuses to be boxed into one genre. By effortlessly blending contemporary UK electronic elements with soulful Punjabi poetry, Karan Janjua is carving out a distinct, sophisticated lane that is entirely his own.
A massive thank you to Karan for taking the time to chat with us! "Dil Nah Lagda" is available to stream right now on Spotify and Gaana, and you can catch the sleek cinematic visuals over on YouTube. Make sure to follow Karan Janjua and Sky Level Productions on social media to keep up with his upcoming drops.
You can follow Us at Follow @Simply_Bhangra






