Gear up for the best playlist ever! With the 87th release spotlight, we bring to you our favourite releases (including singles, albums, and EPs) from some of the most talented artists our country has to offer.
1.Bemausam Baarish- Ashwin Advani
Pop singer/songwriter Ashwin Advani’s ‘Bemausam Baarish’ is a song that delves into the vulnerability and insecurity experienced when questioning one’s significance in another person’s life. The song navigates through the different phases of a relationship, culminating in a rough patch where one wonders if they are truly valued or merely an unwanted presence. Filled with raw emotion, it allows the listener to experience the beauty of love in the rain. The strings in the chorus add a distinctive and intriguing touch to the overall production, transforming it into a captivating auditory journey.
2. Wind- Akhil Garg
Delhi-based artist Akhil Garg’s latest single ‘Wind’ is a melancholic yet hopeful piano track that takes the listener to an ever-ending journey that can only be experienced at an individual level. The sonic experience the song offers is to be cherished.
3.Mehfooz- Manïn & faizal
‘Mehfooz’ by Manin and faizal is a soul-stirring melody capturing the heartbreak of a failed love. With haunting vocals and poignant lyrics, it narrates the struggle to salvage a fractured relationship, only to realise that some things are not meant to be preserved. The track is a bittersweet reminder of the resilience of the human spirit amidst the pain of letting go.
4. Swagat (Lo Woh Aagaya)- Gunda ft Rebel 7
‘Swagat’ by Gundu ft Rebel 7 is a dynamic jungle track that seamlessly blends Bollywood influences with poignant rap verses. Opening with an evocative shehnai sample, Gunda’s powerful Urdu vocals set as a commanding tone while Rebel 7’s melancholic bars delve into themes of self-doubt and depression, adding a deep emotional layer.
5.Kohinoor- Siddhant Bansal
Siddhant Bansal’s ‘Kohinoor’ is a poetic personification of beauty itself in its entirety drawing parallels to the legendary diamond. The Mumbai-based singer/songwriter’s track is a must-listen with its beautiful piano intro and vocals.
6. Rencontre- Manthan
New-Delhi – based singer-songwriter Manthan’s ‘Rencontre’ gets its name from the French word meaning ‘Meeting.’ The song itself is about being in love with someone who isn’t right for you, but you let go of those red flags and your sufferings as you’re in love with that person. In short, one is hopelessly romantic.
7. Puzzle Pieces – Soha
Hyderabad-based artist Soha’s ‘Puzzle Pieces’ is an intimate journey that flawlessly captures the essence of sharing a special connection with someone. Pennig the song for her husband as a celebration of their anniversary, the song is bursting with infectious melodies and electronic beats.
8. Graduation- Siddhant Pillai
Pune-based artist Siddhant Pillai’s ‘Graduation’ is a hip-hop album performed primarily in English, with touches of Hindi and Haitian Creole, creating a rich tapestry of cultural exchange. The album features deeply rooted Indian cultural bars alongside the perspectives of Black American artists Chelsea Como, Zoetic and Daryl Gay, illustrating our shared human experiences despite our diverse backgrounds. Each track delves into pressing global issues such as race, religion, gender, and politics, aiming to bridge the gap between cultures and underscore our inherent similarities.
9. Lighthouse Fog- DeepBlue Seas
‘Lighthouse Fog’ by DeepBlue Seas is a hauntingly beautiful album that captures the essence of hope and resilience in the face of uncertainty. The 7-track album takes you on a journey through the darkness, where the fog has obscured our vision and disoriented our sense of purpose. The melodies are haunting, the lyrics are poignant, and the harmonies are ethereal, conjuring up the sense of longing and yearning that defines our human experience.
10.Aur Tum Kya Chahte – Folk Masti
‘Aur Tum Kya Chahte’ by Folk Masti captures the vibrant essence of Goa, weaving together diverse elements from nature, travelers, beaches, musical evenings, locals, delicious food, love stories, and the infectious energy of the Folk Masti. The track blends Flamenco and Latin music styles with layers of brass, creating a catchy dance tune.
11.Kayaloram – Raunaq
Kochi-based artist Raunaq’s ‘Kayaloram’ is about two people in love but stuck in the society that they live in which will never accept their love. One of them is thinking of this love and this very social situation which makes their daily life a fight.
12. Soloma – Zupiter, Shrishti Brahma
Assam-based Zupiter and Shrishti Brahma’s track ‘Soloma’ takes listeners on a serene journey through a village that harmoniously coexists with nature. The song beautifully describes the transformation of a village from a dense forest to a peaceful community where the bounty of nature is embraced. The lyrics invite listeners to experience the tranquility and beauty of village life, emphasizing the importance of living in balance with the environment.
13. Can’t Break A Broken Heart – Sylvester Trio
Bengaluru-based rock band Sylvester Trio’s ‘Can’t Break A Broken Heart’ draws from real-life experiences and captures the courage required to seek connection and love, both within us and with those around us. Written and composed by Sylvester Pradeep along with the musical stylings of Joel Rozario and Prashanth Gnanamuthu, the heavy groove and beautiful harmonies of this song draw you in right from the start.
14. Titli – LAVI
‘Titli’ by Dehradun-based artist LAVI marks the first single from the artist’s upcoming EP. A part of the seldom recognized but much-celebrated class of Hindi drum-and-bass music, the track boasts of Bombay-based musician Sudan’s signature production and LAVI’s enchanting vocals. The song delves into her anguish about being fickle-hearted and getting swept by indecision, like a butterfly in the wind.
15.Honey – Shef’s Kiss
Alternative-rock / pop-rock singer-songwriter Shef’s Kiss’ ‘Honey’ calls out those who dare to feed their own narcissism – specifically those who believe their ‘softer’ personality traits absolve them of their guilt. Shefali dives into the half-ness – the almosts – of a relationship with people like these; endeavouring to feel loved and wanted while ultimately fearing rejection, they reel others in with just enough warmth, kindness, and familiarity before suddenly becoming cold, distant, and cruel.
