Sun Deep is a genre-defying Indian artist from Oklahoma who masterfully fuses cultures through his captivating music. Seamlessly blending genres, he combines traditional Indian melodies with contemporary Western elements, singing and rapping in Hindi with his own unique style. Through his diverse compositions, Sun Deep bridges cultural gaps and invites listeners on a journey of self discovery and connection.
How did you get started?
I am originally from India and music has always been a big part of my life. From the amazing music of Bollywood to 90’s-2000’s pop music of India. I also got into dancing during my high school days in India so music became a bigger part of me as a listener and admirer of it. I did not start producing music until 2019. Between the year 2006 (when I moved to the U.S.) and 2019, I was mostly focused on getting degrees but I always enjoyed listening to music and the more I think about it, music has never left my sight. My wife took me to The Roots concert in Oklahoma in 2018 and my life changed after that. Hip-hop was not a big part of my life. I occasionally liked some rap/hip-hop music during my university years but I was always into progressive rock and alternative rock. My early influences, which show up in my sound now, were Radiohead, Porcupine Tree, Tool, Sigur Ros, A.R. Rahman, Amit Trivedi. When I saw the DJ for The Roots go crazy on a beat machine, I was mesmerized. I always thought you have to be classically trained to do anything in music, or you have to play a certain instrument to be an artist. I realized there that music is music. I have always enjoyed interesting compositions and genre-blending in music, especially from some Indian artist like A.R. Rahman and Amit Trivedi. So I bought a midi keyboard at the break of that show and the rest is history as they say.
Did you always want a career in the music industry?
To be honest, I never thought about it. I wouldn’t say it is a career yet but I am getting there and enjoying every second of it. I am a Geophysicist/Data Scientist during the day at my work and musician at night. I got into production/songwriting in 2019-2020. I started as a bedroom producer and I am still a bedroom producer, the bedroom has just changed over the years.
What are your most recent successes / placements / accomplishments / projects and or career highlights?
My music video for my single “First Light” won the best R&B music video at California Music Video Awards and was an official selection for deadCenter Film Festival 2025.
What is your favorite Oklahoma music venue, music store, or recording studio?
Music Venue: Resonant Head is an amazing place to perform. Everyone there is amazing to work with.
Music Store: Guestroom Records
Recording Studio: Gilson at 33rd Street Studio is AMAZING. He is mixing/mastering my upcoming album and he made it sound amazing.
What are some of the benefits of having a music career in Oklahoma?
Living here is cheap. There are a lot of great artists in town that are undiscovered and have amazing talent.
Favorite quote (if applicable) and why?
“If you want to shine like the Sun, you must first burn like the Sun” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (Aerospace Scientist and Former President of India)
This quote has always resonated with me. It beautiful captures the idea of dedication and hard work to achieve what we want to achieve in life. You have to put in the hours to be good at something you love.
What are you working on now or next?
I am currently working on finishing my next album, Ghar (translates to Home). The final mixes are in and everything sounds amazing. I am planning on releasing this album on July 22. More details on the release party to follow. I also have a few more music video ideas I am working on to promote the album.
Where can people keep up with you and your work?
Instagram: @sundeep_music
YouTube: @sundeepmusicofficial
Each featured individual or business is given the provided questions to answer in their own voice. Other than formatting and grammar, the answers are personal to each featured voice, and are not provided by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office.
