After a significant hiatus marked by personal challenges, Kurran Karbal is making a powerful comeback with his new single "Happening for Me." As the second double-sided single from his forthcoming album Dumb and Dhamma, this track showcases Karbal's resilience and evolution as an artist. Known for his previous success with Kurran and the Wolfnotes and the alter ego project Munkey Junkey, Karbal now embarks on a solo journey that promises to be his most authentic and introspective work to date.
Kurran's musical journey began in his youth, after a move from New York to Abu Dhabi. There, he taught himself to play guitar and piano, eventually expanding his skills to bass guitar and vocals in punk bands during his adolescence. His talents soon led him to the UK, where he signed his first major record deal at just 21. Over the years, he collaborated with notable producers like Stephen Street (The Smiths, Blur), Youth (Killing Joke), and Jim Abbiss (Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian). His versatility even extended to writing music for Adventure Time and collaborating with the Manchester hip-hop band OMA on a viral cover of Mac DeMarco's song.
Despite his success, Karbal faced immense personal struggles, including a second cancer diagnosis and the loss of his fiancée. These hardships led him to seek solace in India, where he immersed himself in spirituality and meditation. It was during this period of introspection that Karbal began writing Dumb and Dhamma. The album, set for release in Autumn 2024 via the non-genre-conforming label XYZ123, is a reflection of his journey, blending uplifting and animated tracks like "Maybe In Another Life" and "Annica" with deeper, more introspective songs such as "Elysium" and "Yasmin, I Love You."
"Happening for Me" is a testament to Karbal's resilience and artistic growth. The track is a melodic blend of indietronica, indie pop, and alt-pop, offering a glimpse into the rich soundscapes of his upcoming album. With a story to tell and 15 tracks to share, Kurran Karbal is poised to be a standout indie artist in 2024 and beyond.
