Singles Roundup #15: Diversify your playlist with these latest tracks

Bhopal-based percussive-fingerstyle guitarist and singer-songwriter Samar Mehdi released his latest single Sukoon. This track, according to Mehdi is a song which has a “blanket energy.” This lullaby-type song perfectly sums up the feeling which Mehdi had intended – the feeling of compassion and love towards someone you love, and to tell them how precious they are.

Shor is an electronic pop project of Rohan Shetty who collaborated with Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Raghav Meattle to release his latest single Zindagi. This track is about finding hope in dire times – while chasing a life that’s free of all societal pressures. Meattle’s vocals and Shor’s edgy beats perfectly exude this feeling.

Jay Visvanath who goes by the alias JVish is a Delhi-based rapper and hip-hop artist who calls himself a “Cultural Loose End.” He released his debut single King which has been produced by his brother Dhruv Visvanath. This track stems from Visvanath’s anecdotes of dealing with anxiety and depression. The track aims to spread the message that it’s okay to live with our demons. The fact that you do everything, even more than others in spite of fighting battles in your head is what makes you a king!

Ahmedabad-based singer-songwriter and poet Dhyani Gajjar released her debut track Asphodel. Taking inspiration from Percy Jackson books, Asphodel is a section of the underworld for souls, who were neither good nor bad, who made no real impact in life, thus weaving a metaphor to the mental state the singer-songwriter was in. This track is a desperate cry that holds onto that last bit of hope when going through a rough phase.

Manas Jha gives an ode to Mumbai’s lost creative spaces through his latest music video for his song Rain which is off of his latest EP Reimagined. This animated 3D music video by Yohan D’Souza reflects the nostalgia faced by Jha now that he is in New York. The video immerses the viewer and leaves them with a longing, nostalgic feeling they never intended to have. Various iconic locations such as Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Churchgate Station, Sea-Link, Powai lake from the IITB campus, a deserted, almost haunted Rang Bhavan which used to be once crowded, and an empty Jehangir Art Gallery are the highlights in this video, with an ending clip of the T2 Terminal. 

Citimall, a Mumbai-based hip-hop rap group released their latest single Cali. This track is the first single of their upcoming debut album. This song is an atypical pop-rap song that narrates the group’s experiences at a party. The track is seen transitioning and zoning into their individual attitudes, with each verse being different than the other.

Noida-based singer-songwriter Raghav Kaushik released his debut single Koi Jaane Nai. Kaushik is also associated with the Delhi-based Hindi rock band Nomadic Jam as the lead vocalist. His music and songs portray the deep connection he shares with the Hindi language, especially with the presence of Hindustani classical elements in his music. His track literally translates to ‘nobody knows’ and it is a first-person narrative which describes the tale of a guy who couldn’t confess his feelings to someone he loved. This song describes the once in a lifetime kind of love.

Mumbai-based artist Shayan Roy released a new single I Miss Going Out (Kinda) during the lockdown which is about the life we are currently going through. This hip-hop track about the emotional and mental toll this time has taken on him but we must still remain hopeful.

Guwahati-based singer-songwriter Sujan Sinha who goes by the alias Suzonn released his latest single Farq Hai. This track depicts the double – faced disposition of the society through an animated video which draws contrast between the lives of two cats, one who is petted and pampered and the other who is a stray. It talks about the dim view an individual possesses about themselves as a consequence of social evils like racial discrimination and classism. The despondency and inferiority complex is expressed in the form of a love song.

Electronic Pop/ Electronic Funk artist Parikshit aka Blu Tin Boy in collaboration with Saayani Palit released a new single Aaja Balam Pardesi. This track is an Indian Classical “thumri” with an upbeat twist and electronic fusion with catchy beats.

Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Utsavi Jha released her debut single Amsterdam/Thousands Miles. This track is an ode to the travels she has had and how it made her nostalgic during the lockdown. Based on her love for travel and backpacking, Jha hopes that this track can take people back to their fondest travel memories or at least be excited to create more. The music video with personal travel clips and Jha’s dreamy vocals almost transports the listener to their own travel memories.

Delhi-based producer and guitarist Raj collaborated with electronica duo Shoals for his latest single Her. The song features fellow producer Sidharth Gupta from Shoals on vocals. This track has been layered with a catchy trumpet and guitar parts to give it a jazz element and has also been paired with hip-hop and lo-fi beats, making it a treat to the ears!  Her seeks to invoke a feeling of belongingness and secure vulnerability in an everchanging uncertain world.

Hervin who goes by the moniker Hervin a.k.a Alien is a Bangalore-based hip-hop artist and rapper. Hervin claims his track to have reminded people of Drake. This hip-hop track has a catchy hook, making it a fun track for hip-hop rap lovers.

Aniket Jain is a Delhi-based producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist and he collaborated with Delhi-based singer-songwriter Jujhar to released his latest song Get You. This downtempo song has been written with the pain of unrequited toxic love. This song has smooth, yet edgy trap beats and a catchy chorus.

Faasley, a three-piece Hindi alt-rock band released their latest single Panchee. This pop-rock track features a groovy bassline, well laid out drums, crisp guitar tunes, to compliment the fresh vocals and melodies throughout the song. This is a song about the journey of all those young dreamers who who wish to fulfil their dreams and ambitions in life.