Release spotlight #91

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Release Spotlight #91- Acid Electronica, Experimental Rock, Lo-Fi Rock, & More!

Get ready to explore a fresh lineup of tracks that span across genres and emotions. From the high-energy beats of Off The Juice to the soulful fusion in Kaliyaan, this spotlight offers a perfect blend of innovation and tradition. Whether you’re looking to vibe with electrifying grooves or lose yourself in introspective melodies, this collection captures the vibrant essence of the Indian music scene.

1. Identity Monkey – Pluto Monkey

New Delhi-based musician and producer, Pluto Monkey’s latest EP, Identity Monkey, is a genre-defying exploration of downtempo soundscapes, fusing elements of acid electronica and deep psy house. Featuring STREETON (UK) and Inspector Maal (IN), the EP reflects what Pluto calls “new fusion,” a pioneering sound he is developing in collaboration with producers and musicians from India and beyond, pushing the boundaries and possibilities of electronic music.

2. Sanjiv – Davesar

Davesar is Nakul’s artist persona, blending his South Asian heritage with his experiences in New York City. “Sanjiv” is a deeply personal tribute to his late uncle, celebrating the love and cherished memories shared. While reflecting on loss, the song emphasizes gratitude and the enduring impact of those who have touched our lives. Blending the sounds of heritage with a modern, introspective approach, the song is meant to resonate with anyone who has experienced a profound connection with a loved one.

3) Khud se – Naalayak, Firaag

“Khud Se” is a vibrant pop anthem by Naalayak and Firaag, celebrating the journey of self-discovery and the thrill of venturing into the unknown. With its uplifting message of self-reliance and resilience, the track radiates a feel-good energy, driven by an infectious groove. The bassline adds depth to the song’s irresistible, hummable melody, creating a dynamic and immersive listening experience.

4) Take Me Home – Dualist Inquiry ft Ramya Pothuri

Indian musician, guitarist, record producer and electronic music composer Dualist Inquiry shares his beautiful new single, “Take Me Home”. Featuring the lush, dreamy vocals of Ramya Pothuri, her entrancing voice soars over an infectious 2-stepping breakbeat and uplifting, airy synth lines. A perfect slice of electronic pop, “Take Me Home” showcases Dualist Inquiry’s impressive production sounds and evident influence taken from the history of UK dance music.

5) Kugti – Siyum

From Himachal Pradesh, Siyum’s latest single, “Kugti” is the first-ever experimental rock composition in the Pahadi/Himalayan language. Forget traditional folk renditions – this bold fusion seamlessly blends his Pahadi roots with touches of Hindi. Recorded at Siyum’s bedroom studio in Chamba, “Kugti” captures the euphoria of nature, the deep connection with Pahadi culture, and the spiritual serenity of the mountains.

6) Name – Ann Shirley Natasha

Chennai Indie Folk/Pop singer-songwriter Ann Shirley Natasha’s debut single, “Name,” was written during the stillness of the COVID era. It truly comes from a place of deep introspection. A time when she was reflecting on life and its fleeting moments—’Name’ explores the delicate interplay of memories and time, the act of letting go and yet remembering what matters most.

7) Rover – House of Tuneman

Delhi-based producer and DJ Karan Dhingra, better known as House of Tuneman’s latest EP ‘Rover’, featuring two dynamic tracks, Moon Chaser and Maneye, showcases his ability to fuse ethnic sounds with Afro-inspired grooves. Released in the wake of his rising popularity, this EP highlights his vision to blend world music elements with electronic house music.

8) Ye Raat Fir Na Aayegi – Aaditya Lagga, Aaina Padiath

With contemporary production and an old school charm, “Ye Raat Fir Na Aayegi”, is a disco track laid on the foundations of old Hindi disco with influences like Bappi Lahiri and Nazia Hassan. This song brings back that 80s vibe with funk guitars and congos layered with soulful vocal lines.

9) Pretty Please – Vardaan Arora

New York based musician and songwriter Vardaan Arora’s ‘Pretty Please’ is a blends feelings of frustration and flips them into a club-ready dance pop earworm. The melodies are infectious, the bass hits hard, and the lyrics come from a place of honesty. So get ready to dance!

10) Rimjhim – Jaiditya Jha, j.beans

‘Rimjhim’ is a lo-fi rock track that deals with feelings of loneliness using torrential rain as a backdrop. The track pairs gloomy imagery with distorted synths and funky bass. Co-created with j. Beans (Krish Gupta), the track starts off with a description of the narrator’s reluctance to open up to the world and culminates in a grand, cinematic surrender to the rain, symbolising the narrator’s surrender to his sadness.

11) Kaliyaan- Lost Stories & Bawari Basanti

DJ-producer duo, Lost Stories in collaboration with the talented singer-songwriter Bawari Basanti have created a refreshing musical experience with the release of ‘Kaliyaan’, which seamlessly blends contemporary electronic beats with traditional Indian folk influences. The track takes listeners on a soulful journey evoking the feeling of a blissful downpour, while showcasing Lost Stories’ signature sound, layered with Bawari Basanti’s ethereal vocals and lyrical depth.

12) Sher Dil- Alif

Singer-songwriter, poet and a consummate storyteller Mohammad Muneem Nazir, mononymously known as Alif, has never shied away from tackling sensitive issues through his art, and his single ‘Sher Dil’ delicately – via a rock ballad – highlights how societal pressures and loneliness affects men.

13) The Way Home- Lakkshya Quartet feat. Mohini Dey

Contemporary Indian music ensemble, The Lakkshya Quartet brings their latest single ‘The way Home’. A musical metaphor for the journey of life – the song is filled with moments of peace, joy, and discovery, ultimately leading us back to a place of belonging. A key feature of the piece is the engaging interplay between composer K J Diliip and the renowned bassist Mohini Dey. Their solos and “trading” add a dynamic layer to the composition, creating a sense of dialogue and spontaneity.

14) Off The Juice- Dhp & Parimal Shais

Dhp’s rap single ‘Off The Juice’ featuring production talented by Parimal Shais hits the sweet spot for Hip Hop heads. The flow and production blend effortlessly, creating a vibe that’s as intoxicating as the subject matter. The rhythm mirrors the smooth buzz of booze, making it the go-to track for any party or chill session

15) Jaane Kahan Ghum Tum – Akash Kaushal

Delhi based singer-songwriter Akash Kaushal’s track is a beautifully crafted song that captures the essence of longing and the joy of rediscovering love. With its delicate guitar strums and Akash’s warm, feel-good vocals, the track creates an emotional soundscape that is both soothing and uplifting. The song explores the universal experience of missing someone deeply and wondering where they might be in this vast, unpredictable world.

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