With his 3-track EP, Sandesha, Rajasthan – based rapper Hardbone does something unexpected—he lets his guard down. Known for his intense, hardcore style, this time he’s taken a step back, diving into the kind of music that feels like a quiet conversation.
He describes Sandesha as a “letter” to his listeners, an EP that wasn’t even planned but somehow came together in a way that just made sense.
For Hardbone, this EP was about getting out of his comfort zone and discovering a way to let go. Collaborating with SINASH and Major!, he was able to shape these tracks in a way that matched his vision—a sound that’s simple, direct, and resonates with raw emotion.
“I never thought I’d make something like Sandesha,” he admits, “but sometimes things just click.”
Hardbone’s latest project, Sandesha, is an unexpected dive into uncharted emotional territory. Each track in the EP, from the vulnerability of Kahan Pe? to the introspective plea in Hatasha, unravels a story that’s both personal and universal, tapping into themes of longing, reflection, and release.
Kahan Pe?, the EP’s opening track, wasn’t originally meant to kick off a three-part project. Hardbone explains that the EP was a happy accident—a result of experimenting with new sounds and pushing beyond his hardcore comfort zone. Eventually, he noticed a storyline emerging between the tracks he had created, one that captured the rawness of confusion and longing in an open-ended and vulnerable way.
The EP title, Sandesha, translates to “a letter,” which Hardbone sees as a simple yet powerful symbol. It’s a message he crafted for his listeners to interpret and experience on their own terms, an offering with no frills or excess meaning attached. This minimalist approach shapes the tone of Sandesha, letting the tracks speak directly to the listener without overcomplicating the message.
In the second track, Dekha!, Hardbone reflects on how things began and on the unraveling of a relationship. For him, revisiting these moments is less about dredging up personal hurt and more about observing the situation as it unfolds. Writing is a process of witnessing for Hardbone; he prefers to put situations into words without embedding his personal emotions. This approach allows him to create space for others to connect with the story in their own way.
The final track, Hatasha, closes with a plea to let go of pain, something that comes naturally to Hardbone. Letting go has always been part of his writing philosophy, so ending the EP on that note was instinctive rather than forced. He values simplicity in his lyrics, avoiding complex rhyme schemes and metaphors when they could distract from the essence of a track.
For Hardbone, releasing pain isn’t a milestone—it’s part of the natural rhythm of life. He explains that he doesn’t try to control pain or complicate it. Whether he’s Hardbone or Deepak, pain flows through him without needing intervention or analysis. This attitude is reflected in his music, where he seeks to portray moments as they are rather than manipulate them.
Each track on the EP conjures a distinct image for Hardbone. For Kahan Pe?, his music video captures it perfectly.
The creation of Sandesha was as surprising to Hardbone as it might be to fans of his earlier work. Known for hardcore beats and intricate lyricism, Hardbone ventured into softer, more reflective sounds for this project. He discovered a balance between personal storytelling and commercial appeal, a combination he hadn’t fully explored before.
The sounds of the 2000s and 2010s seems to have left a lasting mark on Sandesha. He compares Kahan Pe? to the energy of songs like O Gujariya and Ek Main Aur Ek Tu and feels that Sandesha channels a similar melancholic vibe as Funk by PAV. These influences create a nostalgic yet contemporary feel across the EP.
Collaborations played a major role in shaping the EP. Hardbone credits his collaborators SINASH and Major! for giving life to the tracks, explaining that their beats were the foundation that helped him achieve the vibe he wanted. Their contributions created a sound that was different from anything Hardbone had done before, blending his lyrical style with a more mainstream soundscape.
Every project brings a new level of change for Hardbone, and Sandesha was no exception. The entire EP was an experiment, pushing him to try new rhythms and formats. For example, he had never rapped over the kinds of beats featured on this project, making the EP both a personal and artistic breakthrough.
Production-wise, Sandesha set itself apart from Hardbone’s previous work. While the lyrics carry a “sad and disappointing” undertone, the beats infuse a playful energy, creating an unexpected contrast that gives depth to the storytelling. This interplay between lyrical darkness and upbeat production adds an extra layer to the EP’s mood.
Looking forward, Hardbone has big dreams. He wants to elevate Indian audiences’ tastes beyond Bollywood remixes and mainstream pop, instead encouraging a deeper appreciation for music with real substance. Along with SINASH, he’s already working on a new project, one that they hope will resonate with listeners on a larger scale.
Despite his individualistic approach to music, Hardbone doesn’t see himself as unique or revolutionary. Instead, he considers himself an artist who draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, from Indian classical rhythms to contemporary icons like Tyler, the Creator. He hopes to make an impact on the entire music scene, beyond just rap.
The reception to Sandesha has been overwhelmingly positive, with listeners appreciating Hardbone’s ability to tackle a “cringe topic” in a refreshingly honest way. While fan feedback is essential for business, Hardbone is careful not to let it dictate his creative process. For him, making music is about expressing himself honestly, not about meeting others’ expectations. with him.
