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 this 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 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. Bhor by Bawari Basanti & Exult Yowl
Delhi-based Hindustani Classical singer and songwriter Mahima Dayal who goes by the stage name Bawari Basanti collaborated with producer and composer Exult Yowl for their latest single Bhor. The Hindustani Classical song has roots in the literal translation of the title in English that is ‘first light.’ It is about that silver line which provides a ray of hope that helps us evolve from our past and becoming the best versions of ourselves. It is about the feeling of finally living the dream you dreamt, or proudly walking a path you chose without an ounce of doubt.
2. Do U Know by Shantanu Pandit
Delhi-based singer-songwriter and founding member of four-piece band Run it’s the Kid – Shantanu Pandit released his latest single Do U Know. This song is the second single from his upcoming debut album Milk Teeth. It is a personal favourite of the artist out of the 10-song album because it features his two dogs. What starts as a melancholic, melodious track reaches its crescendo with the bridge until the song drastically takes an eerie turn before the chorus. This turn makes it appear like two different songs stitched seamlessly together to give the listener the feeling of a bittersweet journey.
3. 6’4 by Anukriti
Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Anukriti released her debut single 6’4. This song is about feeling confused and out of place with your own feelings. 6’4 is a metaphor for people who are out of reach, someone you’d never have a chance with and someone you might not even know. Sonically, the guitar is the only instrument in this pop song that dominates the melody along with Anukriti’s vocals being the highlight.
4. Drop A Tear And Disappear by Postcard 17
Kerala-based singer-songwriter Ananthu Balakrishnan who goes by the moniker Postcard 17 released his sophomore single Drop A Tear And Disappear. This alternative-rock song with Balakrishnan’s melancholic dreamy vocals compliments the juxtaposition of a sad theme this song revolves around. It is about pleading someone to stay and stems from the past experience of the artist of having to relocate from a city by the ocean and in the act, getting separated with his loved one. The music video with its open-ended story gives an interesting narrative to the song.
5. Snakeyard by Mani_ac
Bhopal-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Rajamani Ayyer who goes by the moniker Mani_ac released his second single Snakeyard. This song revolves around the theme of a person who is in an extremely toxic friend circle (read: snakeyard) and tries to get out of it but is unable to and follows the journey of this person. Between clean vocals, growls and a powerful keyboard solo, this metal track sure packs a punch!
6. Star Bird by Rhythm Shaw & Gino Banks
Mumbai-based guitarist Rhythm Shaw collaborated with drummer Gino Banks for his latest single Star Bird. This modern rock/ jazz fusion instrumental track is sure to keep the listener interested with its rhythmic melodies. With this single, Shaw and Banks once again showcase their musical prowess ability to adapt any genre of music and make it their own.
7. 12:20(Barota Kuri) by Rudra
Agartala, Tripura-based singer-songwriter Rudra released his third single 12:20 (Barota Kuri.) This Bengali song narrates the story of a person experiencing a state of mind where they are too tired and broken and all they want is some sleep where they can escape the pace of life but are haunted by their past and memories. It is about learning to accept the science of time and learning to move on. This pop song with Rudra’s soulful vocals over electric guitars is sure to make one think about all of this at 12:20.
8. Madira by Samaksh
Delhi-based singer-songwriter and producer Samaksh released his latest single Madira. This song is about a guy who is drinking and playing the piano while remembering his lover and thinks she is there with him. This smooth Hindi jazz track with soulful piano is the perfect calming track song to relax on a night when you’re staying in. Samaksh’s soft vocals paired with melodic jazz melodies also gives a hint of lo-fi infused with jazz.
9. Like A Love Song by Rono
Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Ronit Sarkar who goes by the moniker Rono released his latest single Like A Love Song. Even with his previous release earlier this year, Sarkar found a way his music sounds and this single follows a similar path. This acoustic song with his melancholic vocals is enough to give you the ‘sab boi hours’ for the day. The music video has been shot and edited by Sarkar himself which isn’t surprising because he is also known as a visual artist under the moniker AwkwardBong.
10. The Specter by The Puncher Shop
Bangalore-based rock band The Puncher Shop released their debut single The Specter. The song is inspired by feelings of helplessness, revenge and guilt. The song has a couple of interpretations but the band also highlighted how the artwork has clues that reveal the theme and behind the song. If the band intended to create a mark with their debut single, they definitely did so with their 10-minute rock track which has slight influences of metal infused with rock and the songwriting which is a story in itself.
11. Chanda by Komorebi
Delhi-based singer, producer and composer Tarana Marwah who goes by the moniker Komorebi for her alternative-electronic act released her latest single Chanda. This pop single makes it her debut Hindi release. This song is a dedication to her grandfather and it is a cathartic expression of grief in its truest form. Marwah’s dulcet, lullaby-type vocals paired with soft soothing beats and an aesthetically peaceful animated music video intend to put the listener in a dream-like state.
12. Brand New Tie by Mukul Jiwnani
Delhi/Melbourne-based guitarist, beatboxer, keyboard player and singer-songwriter Mukul Jiwnani released his debut single Brand New Tie. This song is about a guy who buys a new tie and goes to his partner to ask her for marriage. But, in return, he gets broken up with and kicked out of the house. This fun pop song has elements of blues along with a funky tune and a fun catchy chorus.
13. Warrior by Synicah
Assam-based singer-songwriter and rapper Synicah released her latest single Warrior. This pop song with Synicah’s dreamy vocals and calming electronic beats gives it a calming vibe with a powerful chorus. The music video by Khalid Nazim is equally dreamy with its VFX and visual effects.
14. No Troops by Mafiavelli
Delhi-based hip-hop music producer, rapper, lyricist and mixing-mastering engineer Utkarsh Negi who goes by the moniker Mafiavelli released his latest single No Troops. This hip-hop track throws light on the fact that it is a tough world out there and one simply can’t trust anybody but themselves.
15. 3 Varam by Anohnymouss
Kottayam-based hip-hop artist and producer Anhonymouss released his latest single 3 Varam. This rap track is a blend of Carnatic music with hip-hop music. This unique blend of Carnatic vocals with rap and hip-hop music definitely makes this track stand out.
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.
