It’s been more than a year in India that the music industry had to put an indefinite halt on all live shows. These live shows were a massive source of income for most musicians but instead of being frazzled, they came up with various alternatives in the past one and a half years. While some really started digging and being accepting of these online shows, some buried themselves deep into their work and releasing original music. While we did get a glimpse of what could be the new normal in the music industry for a couple of months, we are back to square one now.
The only consistent thing in the industry has been the constant new releases by established as well as new musicians. We, at The Indian Music Diaries, recognise this talent by creating our bi-monthly compilation of the latest releases in the music scene.
1. Mahal by D₹V & Kreon
Delhi-based rapper Dhruv Rajpal who goes by the moniker D₹V released his latest track Mahal with producer Kreon. D₹V’s crooning vocals along with Kreon’s synth and guitar-driven electronic production gives this track a laid-back, chill vibe.
2. Fish by Prathamesh Tambe & Sayantika Ghosh
Kolkata-based multi-lingual singer-songwriter, music programmer and vocal producer Sayantika Ghosh who also goes by her moniker Ghoshpop collaborated with Mumbai-based singer-songwriter and producer Prathamesh Tambe for their latest single Fish. The ‘fish’ is a metaphor of our sentiments that reveal the inhibition of traversing the path less travelled and yet it is the willpower of self that changes it all. This song has hints of dream-pop soundscapes which Ghosh is known for and Tambe’s smooth catchy vocals. In every way, this song spears to be equivalent to a coming-of-age journey with ones’ sentiments.
3. Ye Waqt by Akshay Nandakumar
Delhi-based singer-songwriter Akshay Nandakumar released his first single Ye Waqt after a three-year-long hiatus. This song is a response to the fatigue of going through the same routines of the ‘stay at home’ lifestyle and it captures his frustration of not being able to break out of the constant feeling of uncertainty. Nandakumar’s laid-back yet and mature vocals, with a catchy chorus and his smooth guitar solo, make it the kind of song you’d want to groove onto but also reminiscence about the time we have spent at home.
4. Khamaroosh by Thiscomfort
Thiscomfort, a solo project of Sahil Bhatia, one half of Burudu released his single Khamaroosh. This track is inspired by club-friendly tunes with groovy music, a prominent bassline and quirky, medium-paced synth beats. With this project, the artist aims to explore his sound and move onto another avenue of music expression.
5. Dil Mera by Vismay Patel
Assam/Gujarat-based singer, composer and lyricist Vismay Patel released his latest single Dil Mera. This song is about a story of a couple who are no longer together and one of them is dealing with the aftermath of a breakup. This pop song acts as a textbook heartbreak/break up song with a catchy hook and Patel’s heartfelt lyrics and vocals.
6. Aamad by Nerak ft. Unaradhana x Prod.by Shinji
Pune-based rapper Vishal Gaikwad who goes by the moniker Nerak released his debut single Aamad in collaboration with Bangalore-based vocalist Unaradhana and Mumbai-based producer Shinji. ‘Aamad’ meaning beginning is a song about the rappers’ life journey describing his trials with life and a constant urge to fit and be loved took him down the self-harm road. What makes this debut rap stand apart is how melodic it is and Unaradhana’s vocals between the rap verses.
7. Fire / Snow by Sudan
Mumbai-based multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer and one half of indie alternative duo Khoya Firdaus – Pritpal Sudan aka Sudan released his latest single Fire/Snow. Just like the title, the song goes through two contrasting feelings; conflict and resolution. Know for his work around electric guitars blended with electronic elements, this song revolves around the same, like a ballad with two distinguished parts, each better than the other. The first part, which is the conflict has laid-back, mellow electric guitar tunes, dull piano and comforting lyrics which is followed by an electronic section that leads into the second part of the song; resolution which is upbeat until it reaches its crescendo.
8. Bow Down by RSHN & VENOM23 Ft. Eyepatch
Chennai-based producer Roshen Giridhar who goes by the moniker RSHN collaborated with fellow producer Eyepatch and Chennai-based rapper and producer Vikas Murali who goes by VENOM23 to release their latest track Bow Down. With Venom’s lyrical prowess, raw electronic hip-hop beats, ferocious punchlines and hard-hitting drums, this track is as aggressive as can get. Through the track’s lyrics, Venom aims to embody his cut-throat competitive spirit.
9. Warm Waters by MLLN, Bleu Orb
Bangalore-based neo/soul Jazztronik producer Rahul Peter who goes by the alias Bleu Orb collaborated with vocalist Milan Bhatt aka MLLN for his latest single Warm Waters. This song is on the theme of summer and living carefree. Musically, this track is as jazz as can get where Orb shows his prowess as a jazz musician and also as a pianist with a sweet piano solo in between the song.
10. Summer Nights by Trosk ft. Agnes Cecelia
Mumbai-based artist Ritesh Prajapati who goes by the moniker Trosk released his latest single Summer Nights in collaboration with Agnes Cecelia on the vocals. Just like the name suggests, this track is a euphoric summer-time anthem. Catchy electronic beats and easy-flowing vocals give it a pop vibe and make this track a perfect one to listen to when chilling with friends or on a summer road trip.
11. Letting You Go by Sulfurcloud
Pune-based alt rock band Sulfurcloud’s single Letting You Go is the third single from their debut EP Brand New Life. The four-track EP revolves around the narrative of a girl character and her different phases in each song. In this song the girl experiences hardships and realisations forcing her to let go and move on. This lyrically heavy ballad is more melodic compared to the rest of the tracks.
12. Porixima by Sasanka Das ft. Daisy Barman
Delhi-based singer-songwriter Sasanka Das released his latest single Porixima whose lyrics are written by Daisy Barman. This release marks his first Assamese song. This is a love song that means loving without any boundaries. Catchy guitar strumming seems to be a style observed in most of his music and this song isn’t different along with Das’ clean mature vocals.
13. Hip Hop Ka Pandit by Skandh
Lucknow-based rapper Skandh released his latest single Hip Hop Ka Pandit. Through his music, he aims to erase the stereotypes people have in mind of Uttar Pradesh people and its culture. He takes a dig at how religion acts as a cover for their criminal doings. Through his bi-lingual track how people often associate Uttar Pradesh with religious traditions and activities, sometimes in a notorious way too and also pushes how own people to accept hip-hop.
14. Honey by Alan Ebe
UAE/ Chennai-based singer-songwriter Alan Ebe released his latest single Honey. Ebe’s RnB influences can be seen in this track with funky guitar riffs and smooth ‘honey-like’ vocals. This track is for everyone who is taking a minute to disengage. It is also for all the friends, family and lovers who decided to stick around and support. This song is all about having fun with a sad song and laughing at all our jokes even if no one is laughing. This laid-back chill song is perfect for when one feels nostalgic and just wants to be with themselves.
15. Sab Ruk Sa Gaya by Trishita Recs
Mumbai/Kolkata-based vocalist Trishita Recs released her latest single Sab Ruk Sa Gaya. This song describes the mental health ramifications of an ongoing pandemic. It talks about how it is okay to reach out for help and not be completely okay during these times. Trishita’s melodious vocals and influences of semi-Hindustani classical music make this song a soulful track for the listener.
With the future of live music still bleak, musicians can definitely use all your support. Stream their music, encourage them, give feedback, support them in any way possible. After all, music is what has helped in getting us through this year full of uncertainties.
