The Creative Healing Power of Music’s Vibration: Kneet's Story of Reclaiming Her Power

FOR EPISODE LINKS & MORE INFO VISIT: https://samhorton.co/blog/ep125

In this episode of Soul-led Creative Women, I'm joined by Kneet, a global independent artist whose music moves between cultures, languages, and truths. Kneet grew up in a strict, tight-knit Indian household where creative expression, especially for girls, wasn't encouraged, and yet music found her anyway, first as a form of teenage rebellion, and later as the thread that helped her find her way back to herself after years of domestic violence and coercive control. We talk about her song "Rise," what it meant to film its music video in the very place where she lost her identity, and how she's turning her story into advocacy for other survivors. 

Three reasons to listen: 

• To hear how one woman used songwriting to reclaim her voice after years of abuse, and what it took to walk back into the place where it happened
• For a beautifully grounded take on creativity as a spiritual practice, across faiths and cultures
• Because Kneet's story is proof that the version of you that had to survive can become the version that leads

Key takeaways:
 

• How Kneet used music as a form of quiet rebellion growing up in a strict religious household
• Why she describes writing "Rise" as an act of reclaiming her voice after coercive control and domestic violence
• The healing power of returning to the site of trauma to reclaim the story on her own terms
• Kneet's view of creativity and self-discovery as inseparable, you can't access one without the other
• How she connects music to vibration and spiritual practice across Sikhism, Christianity, and beyond
• Why her advocacy work, pushing for psychological abuse to be recognised in the courts — flows from the same voice as her music
• A peek into her upcoming, lighter Punjabi and Thai-influenced singles, honouring both sides of her heritage

Reflection question: Where in your life is your creativity quietly asking you to reclaim your identity or voice?
 

 FOR EPISODE LINKS & MORE INFO VISIT: https://samhorton.co/blog/ep125 

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Transcript

Ep 125 - Kneet S

[00:00:00]

So today I have Kneet with me. Kneet is a global independent artist whose work blends cultural expression with the power of voice. Drawing from lived experience, identity, and resilience, her music explores how voice becomes a source of inner strength and connection across cultures. She uses music to honor truth, reclaim voice, and create space for authenticity.

So welcome, Kneet. Thank you so much. I'm so grateful to be here. Thank you for having me. You're welcome. So let's just start with your story. Tell us a bit about your creative journey and how music has become so important to you. Music has helped me in so many different ways, um, not just like happy or sad, but actually through it as well.

It started for me when I was younger, because I grew up in a very tight-knit Indian society where I had strict religious parents. So, um, doing music, especially back, like, you know, in that time, it was very difficult, [00:01:00] especially for women, uh, to express themselves, let alone children. Mm. So, uh, by the time I hit that rebellious streak, excuse me, in my teenage years, I felt like, you know, I

something in music would touch me, and not being able to do it made me question it more. Mm-hmm. So I started to write, mm, and that's when I first felt like I could put my, ... It wasn't the pain of, like, you know, some people really have a suffering, like, when they go through their childhood. But my type of suffering was different.

It was, you know, 'cause of the strictness and the rules- ... and this and that. And so that was my first taste of music, was through, you know, my rebellious streak. Then when I felt like I was able to do it, I started to pursue it further, even though it was looked down upon in my culture at that time.

 I felt like I could be an example for my women and children that, hey, we can express ourself through art, whether it's music, art, fashion. So I started this group called Freedom of [00:02:00] Expression. Mm-hmm. And we do art, music, and fashion together, and had a lot of problems with the family, you know, not agreeing with that.

But I continued on. Um, then I came here to America to pursue it further while I was still doing my education, and things kinda got, ... It took a, a turn that I didn't expect. life got in the way, where from fighting for women and children's rights, I became, you know, the v- uh, victim of domestic violence, coercive control, and it took years of my life.

It took a lot of, um, a lot out of me. It's took me off track. I lost identity, you know, my own self identity. and then fast-forward to, uh, more recent times, where I slowly learned to pick myself up- Mm-hmm ... through, uh, like that's where the strength came back in, by surrounding myself with the right people, finding out who I am all over again.

that's when I found my strength to write the song again. Me and my producer were talking, and he [00:03:00] encouraged me to put it back into song like I used to. And that's how that song Rise came about, and it literally tells the story of what happened to me when I came over here. So that was my way of reclaiming my voice back.

 Yeah, so powerful. Beautiful. Thank you. So when you, sit down to create music, you know, do you feel like you're expressing something or discovering something? I think it's all part of the creative process, 'cause you discover, you create. I think it's like one and the same. You know, like I'm putting something in there while I'm discovering these certain type of feelings.

Or even when people listen to the song, they are discovering. So the creative process doesn't, doesn't stop at me releasing the song. I think when people hear it, they're still their own directive and how they align it with their life- and how they take the beauty out of the song. That's the beauty of create- the creative process and the music and, you know, yeah, I love it.

Yeah, yeah. So, in, you know, the work that I'm [00:04:00] doing, like I often talk about how creativity reflects the relationship we have with ourselves, right? So both the highs and the lows, the setbacks and the growth. So where have you seen your life journey mirrored in your music? Yes. So definitely since I'm just like starting off again and my music journey now is starting again, it's taking a whole different life than the songs that I made back then, for sure.

 'Cause back then I didn't have this lived, you know, life wisdom or maybe even the pain that I had to go through. So back then my music was more happy and fun. Okay. Whereas when I came out with Rise, it's like a whole different narrative. You know, it's like a- It's deep. Yeah, totally different.

And the thing that I love about this song Rise even more, if you can believe it, is that the music video, I was able to go back to the place where it first happened. Where that narrative created for me. Where this whole started, where I started to lose myself, [00:05:00] identity. So going back there- 

to reclaim who I am and rewrite that story from what the truth is- ... that was such a powerful moment for me. Mm. And do you think you would've been able to access that if, you know, you hadn't been i- trying to navigate it through music? Mm, I think music definitely let me tap into a place I don't think I would have been able to touch that deep.

Yeah, okay. Because ... Right. Like, I feel like through the music I was able to heal myself in such a way. It was so deep. It was like you said, I'm able to tap into that special part. But I think for everybody, they have special something that ... For the- for me is music. For somebody else it could be something else.

Yeah. But I, I truly believe everybody can find that healing point within themself, and once you touch that point, it gives you that strength back. Mm-hmm. I know I 100% believe you can always find that strength in you. Mm, mm. So [00:06:00] what do you think, needed to happen within you and your creative process for your music to really feel authentic and true?

Like, I believe that everything happens for a reason. Mm-hmm. So I think if I didn't go through what I went through- ... in the last decade, I would have never had the song Rise. Yeah. Okay. Right? I would have never became who I am today- ... in order to be able to put that pain and that story. It gave me my story.

Yeah. Okay. It made me who I am today. 'Cause 10 years ago I wasn't this person. Mm-hmm. You know? 100% for sure. I got the type of strength I never thought I would have. You know when they say God doesn't give you something you can't handle? I, I do believe that. I'm very, uh, spiritual. So I feel all of that was bestowed upon me so that I learn to be resilient for maybe other people that are not able to be.

 I can, I'm, I could be the symbol of strength. I could be the voice of advocacy for children, like, [00:07:00] as, like, you know, you mentioned my petition before. You know, like, if I felt like I'm helpless to help my own kid, how else can I do it? So I felt like at least this other way my voice could be heard somehow.

You know? Yeah. I, yeah, I feel I need to keep on, the focus on the right direction. Yeah. And almost, like, even though, you know, there, there's painful elements and, you know, obviously, um, some sort of trauma and, um, some, you know, difficult life experiences, it's almost like that actually feeds the creative inspiration to create the music, right?

So that's so beautiful and powerful. Do you agree with that? Yes. I do. Because I feel like, you know, as the pain feeds the creative process, everything else also, c- feeds different parts of the creative process. Yeah. Like, I do have my second single that is more like a Punjabi tune. Okay. So it's like a happy, lovey song.

Yeah. So yeah, I think, like, different things in your life gives different, meaning to your [00:08:00] creative process. Yeah. That's beautiful. That's so good. And do you, you know, like, do you feel surprised through your, through creating your music? You know, like, you get unexpected things coming up that you didn't consciously know that you were sort of carrying or holding onto or still processing?

Um, yes. I think that I'm learning a lot as I go. For one thing, I'm learning about myself more and more every day. I don't think I'm done discovering who I am. Yeah. And the music just helps enhance me, you know, like who I am even more. Yeah. But I don't think that journey's even in the midway yet. I think I'm just getting- It's the life journey, right?

It g- it's- That's it ... it's a lifelong journey. Yeah. There's no stopping. Yeah. That's so cool, isn't it? It's, like, the, it's limitless in that way, and so expansive. Yeah. So that's a beautiful way to, you know, view your creative journey, I think, so yeah, beautiful. So you speak about, identity and culture in your work, and you sort of touched on it before in terms of your childhood and the strict [00:09:00] upbringing.

So how do you feel like music has, um, really helped you connect to that culture and own your identity in a, in a deeper, more empowering way? So I think that's how I think I kinda did it with the second single- Okay ... where I did it more Punjabi style almost. Yeah, okay. Like catering to my people almost.

Okay. Like- Or celebrating. Celebrating your roots. Yes. Yeah. Yes. But then I have a song that's like Bangkok to New York, so catering- Okay ... to my Thai people,

you know? Mm-hmm.

It's just fun, like blending. I think that people now are more, uh, open to like, you know, women doing like art, 'cause I know it's different now back home in Thailand than it was when I left like a long time ago. Okay. So I've seen like women in the arts, in the arts field nowadays, which is so beautiful to see.

Mm, mm. Yeah. That's beautiful, isn't it? Um, we're, we're evolving, aren't we? So creativity and art, you know, are, are part of that, and how we're, more accepting of each other [00:10:00] in lots of ways, and also in art. So yeah, that's really powerful. Um, so why do you believe then that honoring, our creativity is so powerful for healing and empowerment?

What is it about creativity and the creative journey? So I think creativity and discovering yourself goes hand in hand. Mm-hmm. Because I think in order to touch your creative side, you have to be vulnerable with yourself. You have to open up to yourself and allow yourself- Yeah ... to, like, for example, like for me personally speaking, the lyrics and the music and the beat, right?

So I can't resist that. I have to get internal. I have to allow myself to get to know myself on that level in order for me to get to that creativity. Yeah. So I think knowing oneself and creativity definitely goes hand in hand. Mm. And it's an honesty, don't you think? You know- Yeah ... being honest with yourself.

'Cause sometimes we know deep down that something's not right or we're sort of- Yeah ... you know, [00:11:00] betraying ourselves, but actually then being honest with that is, like, the, the missing piece, isn't it? Yes. I think you put it perfectly. Mm. It's actually like being in, that in sync with yourself that you're that honest with yourself.

Yeah. You're right. I think that's exactly it. Yeah. Yeah. Cool. So, do you believe that... You sort of did mention it before, but do you believe that creative flow helps us connect to something bigger and, you know, a connection to spirit, the divine, you know, God, you know, whatever your belief system is? Do you believe that creative flow helps us get there?

You know, I love that question. Um, because... Yeah, I do. Because, um, if you notice, in no matter what religion, 'cause I personally believe all religion, you know, leads to the same God, like, 'cause there's- Yeah ... only one God. So I think that if you notice, in every religion, there's music, right? Mm-hmm. Like, in my Sikh...

I'm Sikh, so there's, we play music in our gurdwara. Mm-hmm. In Christianity, in any religion. Mm-hmm. So I think that, music is about vibrations, [00:12:00] right? Mm. It's about, and it's about the... 'Cause, like, in Sikhism also, like, we do the chant, right? And I think that that vibration is really what it's all about. Mm. At the end of the day, yeah.

I think that's what, how music heals or how m- It's the vibration. When you, when you put yourself into that tone, into that, that, a tone to that vibration of the universe, I think- Mm-hmm ... then that's where you find your peace, you know? And I guess everybody's tone is not the same. Yeah, okay. That's really powerful.

 I also went to Christian school my, like almost my whole life. Mm-hmm. And in the church you can still feel the energy from the choir- Mm ... you know? Doesn't matter if you're st- sitting in the gurdwara or in a church, you know? That vibration is still the same for me personally.

Yeah, yeah. So I ... Yeah, when it comes to that, I think it's universal as I think you've heard they say music is universal. Mm. But really it's vibrations that is actually in tune with the universe that's [00:13:00] universal. Mm. And that's probably why it's so powerful. I mean, I'm not really into the, the, the volume aspect of it, but when you go and see s- music live, you know, it's got a different energy to when you listen to it- Yeah

like, um, recorded. Recorded. Right? Yeah. 'Cause you get to s- that person exuberate that energy along with just the sound itself. Yeah, yeah. You know? Yeah, feel like it in real time. Yeah. So good. Thank you. And I think I saw, uh, an Instagram post where you had your music featured in Times Square. That must have been a very energetic experience as well, 'cause Times Square itself is energetic, right?

It's got such a big energy. Yeah. And then to see that and have that playing out would have been amazing. It was super exciting. Like, I'm very grateful. You know? I hope that that's a beginning to something good, because once I feel that my journey for music is to lead me to something greater, which is advocating, you know, for [00:14:00] mental abuse, for psychological abuse, and all that to be recognized in the court system.

Mm-hmm. And definitely to empower people, you know, to be strong and not to give up on themselves. So seeing that for me, it was a beginning of a journey- Yeah ... that I want to. So it was definitely a blessing, you know? Yeah. I thank. Yeah. And that's your overarching theme, right? So your, your music is kind of an expression of you reclaiming your voice and guiding, you know, other people through, through that power and that energy.

Yeah. but then also, you know, your other work in terms of this more advocacy stuff, supporting other people, is really also about them reclaiming their voice, right? And, and helping them speak up and be heard. So- Yeah ... it's the same theme. Yes. Uh, like for me the two is the same. Yeah. I'm putting them together.

Yeah, it's the same theme. It's, like must be, um, a huge clue and make you feel so, um, empowered, you know, as part of your purpose and your contribution that you can make here. So yeah, it's so [00:15:00] powerful. Thank you so much. I hope everybody feels that energy too when they listen to the song, when they watch- Yeah

the video, they see my journey. That no matter if somebody tried to erase your identity- Yeah ... the minute you find yourself again- Yeah ... you can definitely climb back up and do it again. Mm-hmm. I've been ... Yeah. And, you know, bigger, better, you know, different. Yeah. Yeah. As the best version of yourself. Yeah. Or the better version.

Yes. Yeah. Or the, the, the growth version of yourself. You know, we- Yeah ... we're constantly growing. We're still gonna keep growing. Exactly. Yeah. Yeah. So for all the women out there who are curious about using creativity to honor their truth and reclaim their voice, what powerful message or question would you like to leave them with today?

Like I said earlier, that I want them to constantly believe in themselves. Mm-hmm. Never let anybody dictate who you are or even try to question who you are. You need to look internally and believe that you can do it. [00:16:00] And if there's something that you feel, that's your creative. If you feel something in your gut, that's your creative side probably pushing you to do something.

Mm-hmm. And believe. Don't let somebody else tell you who you are. That's very, very important. Mm. So powerful. Yeah. Beautiful. So how can people get to know you better, Kneet, and get a real feel for your music and the work that you are doing? So on my social media, it's Neat Music, K-N-E- ... E-T Music. And for Spotify and Apple Music and all, just my name, Neat, and my music will be on there, the interviews and new videos.

Excellent. Thank you so much for coming and chatting with me today. I love your energy. Thank you so much. Yeah. Thank you,