5 New Indian Singer-Songwriters to Hear Live
You’ve listened to their music online, now it’s time to get a ticket to their shows
Singer-songwriters (clockwise from top left) Shrae, Shikhar Chaudhary, Anika Bharwani, Priyanka Nath and Brecilla D’Souza. Photos: Courtesy of the artists; Aarohi Mehra (Bharwani); Chinmayee Telang (Nath)
Since the pandemic, a new crop of young Indian singer-songwriters have emerged who’ve been releasing music of their own. Now that live gigs are back in full swing, these artists have also begun performing extensively. Here are five musicians whose acts we think you need to catch live.
Anika Bharwani
Having only started releasing music last year, Goa/Mumbai singer-songwriter Anika Bharwani already has three tracks under her belt. Her most recent offering is this year’s pop song “Behind the Sky,” produced by Mumbai singer-songwriter Tejas. Bharwani’s earnest songwriting and heartfelt lyrics are sure to get you emotional at one of her gigs.
Priyanka Nath
We’ve heard Hyderabad singer-songwriter Priyanka Nath grow as an artist with every release she’s put out since 2020. The talented young musician has a fine ability to write pop melodies around emotional topics that, when combined, make for a powerful listen. Nath is often seen performing in and around Hyderabad’s gig circuit. Be sure to catch her music when you’re in the City of Pearls.
Shikhar Chaudhary
Bhopal singer-songwriter Shikhar Chaudhary’s 2022 debut single “Moonbrain” has been the stuff of dreams for a young up-and-coming indie artist. The song has gone on to receive over 17,000 streams on Spotify alone. The musician’s tender vocals and deft musical sensibilities shine through his work. A definite act to hear live.
Brecilla D’Souza
Mumbai singer-songwriter Brecilla D’Souza’s singing chops are heard brilliantly well on her 2021 debut single “Know Your Hail Mary.” D’Souza has been a staple over the last year performing live at either cover gigs or even with other acts she’s affiliated with such as soul/R&B band My Kind of Blue, vocal trio Queendom and folk group Folkswagon. If you’re in the mood to hear splendid singing, head to one of D’Souza’s next gigs.
Shrae
Over the last year, Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Shrea Suresh aka Shrae has been playing shows left, right and center whether as a solo artist or with her experimental/jazz band Jazzafools. Shrae’s sophisticated songwriting, controlled and dynamic vocals as well as her smooth melodies and captivating lyrics can be best heard on her 2022 debut single “A Game For Two.” Want to hear scats and a great voice? Then a Shrae gig needs to be added to your calendar.
