Delhi-based guitarist and producer Raj (Rajkanwar Sodhi) has made a name blending jazz, neo-soul and downtempo beats, racking up millions of streams in the global chillout and lo-fi scene. With his new 7-track EP Weather Changes Moods, out from German label 55 Music, Raj takes a confident step onto the dancefloor. This project marks a natural progression of his sound, evolving from laid-back hip-hop instrumentals to a more uptempo, house-driven palette while retaining the melodic warmth and atmospheric touch that define his music. As the title hints, Weather Changes Moods guides the listener through a spectrum of vibes, much like an ever-shifting sky of musical weather.
Blending Jazz, Soul, Funk and Disco
True to its “genre-fluid” promise, the EP seamlessly fuses elements of soulful jazz, funk grooves and even hints of disco under an overarching deep house umbrella. Raj draws inspiration from the current global jazz-house wave, artists like Chaos in the CBD, Tour-Maubourg, Berlioz, and Dublon have clearly paved the way, and filters it through his own sensibilities. The result is a collection of tracks that hit the cozy feels and are yet undeniably danceable. Lush Rhodes-style chords, mellow guitar licks and rich basslines set a smooth mood on many tracks, while snappy four-on-the-floor rhythms keep your head nodding and feet shuffling. Each song stands as a little “mood piece,” carrying its own distinct atmosphere, but together they flow as a cohesive journey from start to finish.
Crucially, Raj doesn’t abandon his roots in mellow, ambient-leaning production. In fact, it’s those lo-fi and ambient influences that give Weather Changes Moods its unique character, preventing it from being just another run-of-the-mill jazz-house record. There’s a subtle vinyl crackle here, a dreamy pad or distant rain sound there, small textural details that add depth beneath the grooves. These touches imbue the tracks with a laid-back, late-night vibe, inviting listeners to not just dance, but also daydream a little on the dancefloor. It’s a balance of energy and chill that reflects Raj’s signature style.
Adding to the EP’s rich sonic palette is a lineup of global collaborators, each adding their own flavor. Raj teams up with horn collective Soul Food Horns on two tracks, infusing lively brass sections that instantly brighten the sound. Saxophonist Mauricesax contributes silky sax solos that lend a smoky, soulful edge to the tracks he features on. Meanwhile, German producer Sven Wegner co-pilots a couple of cuts, his house expertise meshing with Raj’s live guitar work to reinforce the record’s club-friendly credentials. Despite the star power of these contributors, Raj remains very much at the helm, the collaborations feel integrated, not just tacked on for novelty. His guitar playing especially acts as a unifying thread throughout the EP. Whether churning out catchy funk riffs or laying down gentle chord comping, the live guitar adds an organic warmth to the electronic beats. The interplay of programmed grooves with live instrumentation (horns, sax, guitars) gives Weather Changes Moods a bit of a jam-session feel at times, enhancing its soulful, human touch.
Journey Through the Tracks
From the opening bars of “Fallin”, the mood is set with a breezy blend of jazzy chords and a toe-tapping rhythm. As the intro track (a collaboration with Sven Wegner), “Fallin” eases the listener into Raj’s world of mellow house, it feels like the musical equivalent of a cool morning breeze. The energy picks up on the next track (featuring Mauricesax on saxophone), which radiates a sunny, upbeat vibe and playful horn melodies.
The EP then hits its stride with “Break The Ice”, where Soul Food Horns take center stage. True to its title, this song cuts through any haze with bright brass fanfare. The horn stabs and funk-tinged groove bring a retro flair, recalling 70s soul in a modern house context and instantly getting bodies moving. In contrast, its follow-up “Do It Alone” presents a more introspective late-night atmosphere. The horns return but in a subdued manner, softer swells and gentle harmonies, riding over a slower, sultry house beat. This mid-EP dip into moodier territory (furthered by the hazy, time-melting aura of “Don’t Know What Day It Is”) offers a reflective breather in the tracklist, inviting you to sway with eyes closed.
All that introspection makes the uplift of “Touch The Sun” even more satisfying. Co-produced with Sven Wegner, this track arrives as a feel-good high point, a jazzy house jam built around funky guitar riffs and a driving rhythm. Raj’s guitar work shines brightly here, adding a human touch that elevates the electronic groove. It’s arguably the emotional peak of the record, exuding an infectious optimism as if the music itself is reaching for clear skies. Finally, Weather Changes Moods closes out with “No More Waitin”, the sole solo Raj track. Its tone is warm and hopeful, blending a gently propulsive beat with melancholic yet uplifting chords. As a closing statement, “No More Waitin” feels like the resolution of the journey, the moment the clouds part, and perhaps a wink from Raj that he’s done waiting to share this evolved sound with the world.
With Weather Changes Moods, Raj successfully bridges the gap between the cozy intimacy of his earlier works and the pulsating energy of the club. Each track offers a distinct flavor, but as a whole the EP remains remarkably cohesive, unified by a warm, easygoing vibe that indeed feels like passing through different “weather” moods across its runtime.
In many ways, the EP’s global collaborations and international release underscore Raj’s growing reach. From playing major Indian festivals like Magnetic Fields and NH7 Weekender, to releasing music on a German house label, Raj is solidifying his place on the world stage.
In sum, Weather Changes Moods is a vibrant showcase of Raj’s versatility and vision. It invites listeners to groove, to chill, and to get a little lost in their feelings, all at the same time. As the global jazz-house wave continues to swell, Raj has carved out his own nook in it, one that’s as welcoming as a cool breeze on a hot day.
