In this special episode of The Raj Kaul Podcast, the tables are turned as host Raj Kaul is interviewed by his wife, Ruby. This is Part 1 of an honest deep dive into the early years, the local legends of the West Midlands, and the hidden influences that shaped a #1 artist.

Inside the Episode:

• The Geography of a Journey: While deeply connected to the "Aston Massive" through family roots, Raj clarifies his upbringing in Lozells and his pivotal move to Handsworth around age 11.

• The Saturday Ritual: A look back at Hi-Fi in Handsworth, the legendary hub where Raj and his cousins would hunt for the latest Bollywood and Bhangra cassettes.

• The Ghostwriter Connection: Raj reveals the massive influence of his Massi (maternal aunt), a talented ghostwriter for major bands who co-wrote hits like "JD Varga".

• Writing a Hit on a Bus: The raw story of composing the career-defining hit "Tere Na Te Glassy" on a notepad while sitting on a bus at just 18 years old.

• The Gospel Era: Before the Bhangra charts, Raj spent five years pioneering a unique Punjabi Gospel sound, leading a live band through festivals like Handsworth Park.

• Live Music vs. "Train Tracks": Why performing with a live band offers a freedom that backing tracks—which Raj describes as being "stuck on rails"—can never match.

• Industry Revolution: Fed up with the "dead ends" of traditional playlisting, Raj announces his new UK Punjabi Top 50 and Punjabi Top 50 playlists to give independent artists a real platform.

Join the Movement:If you’re an artist fed up with struggling to get playlisted on Spotify or the radio, search for Raj Kaul on Spotify or message him on Instagram to get your tracks on these new community-driven playlists.

Subscribe and stay tuned for Part 2!