The journey of an independent artist often requires navigating a complex maze of shifting identities and geographical boundaries. For Pranati Khanna, the frontwoman of the modern-metal act Peekay, this journey stretches from the vibrant streets of Hyderabad to the sprawling creative hub of Los Angeles. Peekay is not just a band. It is a genre-fluid experience that masterfully blends clean, cinematic vocals with djent-heavy riffs and guttural screams.

Moving from vulnerable to vicious in a heartbeat, Peekay channels spiritual unrest, heartbreak, rage, and rebirth into something both brutal and beautiful. The group has opened for heavyweights like Avenged Sevenfold, performed with Jinjer at Bangalore Open Air, and represented India at Singapore’s Music Matters. But behind the massive stages and roaring crowds lies a deeply personal narrative of a woman claiming her space in a fiercely male-dominated arena.

A Kaleidoscope of Musical Influences

Pranati does not believe in creative boundaries. Her musical foundation was built on an eclectic mix of sounds, refusing to be tied down to a single genre. This rich tapestry of influences is precisely what gives Peekay its distinctive, unpredictable edge.

“My influences have been everyone from artists like Frida Kahlo to any metal musician from history,” Pranati explains.

She draws inspiration from the haunting writing of Mikael Åkerfeldt from Opeth to the modern sounds of Spiritbox and Bad Omens. But her muse does not stop at heavy music. Pranati also finds deep resonance in the stories of women in jazz. Legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday helped shape her understanding of vocal expression.

This refusal to stay in one lane is a core philosophy for Peekay. Pranati notes that she has explored pop, R&B, jazz, rock, and even electronic music as a DJ.

“I do not like putting myself in a box,” she says. “Right now, the paints that I am putting on my canvas are darker because the world around me is not a very bright place.”

Metal serves as the perfect vehicle for this darkness because, as she puts it, it is a very honest and no-bullshit genre.

Shifting Perspectives: From Hyderabad to LA

Moving to California drastically altered how Pranati views the world and her art. Living in Los Angeles, a city defined by its global population and stark contrasts, brought her a profound sense of empathy. She witnessed firsthand how people everywhere share similar struggles, regardless of their zip code.

This geographic shift also cured her of the desire to chase fame. In India, she admits to wanting popularity and big stages. However, looking at the world from a broader perspective changed her priorities entirely.

“None of it matters,” Pranati reflects. “All of the shit that we are chasing of like Spotify streams and just dumb shit, like the world could end tomorrow.”

Instead of treating music as a popularity contest, she now views art as a critical tool for survival and awareness. “Art is the most important thing right now,” she urges. With songs like “Sirens” and “Justice Miscarried,” Peekay tackles heavy global issues. Pranati wants to shake her listeners awake, reminding them that constant digital distractions pull them away from the reality of the world. She sees her role as a voice of awareness, urging people to protect themselves and stay informed.

The Architecture of a Peekay Song

The chaotic brilliance of Peekay requires a grounded songwriting process. The magic often starts with a simple riff and a desire to capture a fleeting emotion.

Pranati typically begins by laying out her ideas on Logic. She pulls together samples, creates a basic drum loop, and records a guitar riff. Once she adds a bassline and layers her vocals, the foundational structure of a Peekay track is born.

The real transformation happens when she sends this blueprint to Jonathan Edward, the band’s producer and guitarist. “He takes that and he blows it up,” she says. Every massive track the band has released started as a humble entry in Pranati’s songbook before being elevated into an explosive sonic landscape.

When it comes to lyrical content, Pranati relies heavily on her immediate emotional state. She writes about whatever overwhelms her in the moment. Lately, the condition of the world provides more than enough fuel for her fire.

Finding Her Voice as a Woman in Metal

The path to finding her voice was paved with years of hard work. Pranati started her career in India as a cover artist, playing hotel gigs and jazz standards to make ends meet. Balancing a demanding schedule as a graphic designer with her commercial music gigs left very little room for original songwriting. The biggest early challenge was transitioning from a working cover musician to a respected independent artist.

Through sheer consistency and determination, she carved out her space. Now, she uses her platform to speak about women’s issues, domestic violence, and mental health struggles. She views Peekay as a lens through which the modern Indian woman can be seen and heard.

“I consider myself as one mouthpiece, one representative of every woman in the world, that does everything, struggles constantly, is abused every single day,” Pranati states. “But she still has love in her heart.”

For young women looking to find their place in the metal scene, Pranati offers practical and grounding advice. She emphasizes the importance of protecting your body, especially when learning to scream. She encourages aspiring vocalists to learn yogic breathing and treat their vocal cords with respect.

Most importantly, she warns against the trap of social media envy. “Stop comparing yourself. Comparison is the thief of joy,” she advises. Her ultimate mantra is simple: take your time, be kind to yourself, and let your authentic voice emerge naturally.

Listen, Learn, and Stay Aware

Peekay stands as a testament to what happens when an artist refuses to compromise. By merging diverse art forms, speaking truth to power, and protecting her creative integrity, Pranati Khanna has built a musical project that is as thought-provoking as it is head-banging. If you are looking for music that challenges your worldview while delivering crushing guitar riffs, Peekay deserves a spot on your playlist. Take a moment to explore their discography, listen closely to the lyrics, and allow their art to shift your

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