Fresh Indie Fridays #19

Yashraj, Dropped Out and Ramya Pothuri – “complicated”

After several years honing her craft in India, singer-songwriter Ramya Pothuri has now moved back to the U.S. and is based in Los Angeles. However, the artist has continued to keep herself relevant within the Indian scene as she’s recently teamed up with Mumbai producer Dropped Out and hip-hopper Yashraj on the calming track “complicated.” With elegant production work by Dropped Out, Pothuri sings blissfully as Yashraj delivers rhymes in Hindi. In a statement, the artists said, “‘complicated’ talks about how we might seem difficult people to love at times, but all it takes is somebody to truly understand us.”

Mr. Keenan – Meaningless

Mumbai-based bassist and producer Keenan Thomas aka Mr. Keenan marks the first time he’s sung on a record on his new three-track EP Meaningless. While he’s left the production minimal, Thomas has used autotune with a clever approach that makes his vocals sound almost like a synth instrument across the record. Talking about the EP’s opening track “Nothing More,” he says, “I had written a poem during a time of vulnerability and channeled it into this very song in a sort of cathartic manner.”

Vanishree Sahu, Ishan Majee – “Way That We Do”

Hyderabad singer-songwriter Vanishree Sahu joins forces with producer Ishan Majee for a fierce new song titled “Way That We Do.” While Majee lays down groovy beats, Sahu delivers a punchy vocal performance with quickfire verses and smooth melodies.

Major C feat. Various Artists – Lockdown Love Riddim

Mumbai DJ/producer Major C brings the “riddim” of dancehall, reggae, calypso and more on his latest collaborative effort Lockdown Love Riddim. The producer calls upon artists General Vypa, Everything Nice, Danish as well as his bandmates from reggae/hip-hop outfit Bombay Bassment; MC Bob Omulo aka Bobkat and bassist Ruell Barretto to create a fun-filled and optimistic record. In a statement, Major C said, “Lockdown has taught us a lot on life, there is one thing that keeps people from all over together is music. In the silence of sound, I put my mind to create a sound that would reach out to everyone.”

Jhalli – “Let Me Be Ur Girl”

Mumbai-based pop artist Aaliyah Qureishi aka Jhalli juxtaposes electronic elements, jazz as well as her versatile voice on her latest offering, the slinky “Let Me Be Ur Girl.” The track was penned for the singer’s ex-boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend, who ended up being a better match for the artist instead. A press statement said, “In a country where the LGBTQ+ community is often discriminated against and a world which often denies the very existence of bisexuality, Jhalli truly feels the importance of representation.”

The track is available exclusively on Apple Music till September 2nd.

Anika – “Hot Air Balloon”

18-year-old Mumbai-bred and Goa-based singer-songwriter Anika Bharwani – who goes by her first name – released her debut single today in the shape of the tranquil “Hot Air Balloon.” The track features lush acoustic guitar strumming, Anika’s blissful vocals as well as a bluesy guitar solo. In a statement, the artist said, “It’s the little things that matter the most. That’s what I wrote ‘Hot Air Balloon’ about. It’s a simple song about the everyday things in life that most of us don’t pay attention to.”

Anoushka Maskey, Cosmic Grooves – “Eventide”

Mumbai/Sikkim singer-songwriter Anoushka Maskey and producer Cosmic Grooves continue their formidable songwriting partnership on the flowing “Eventide.” The song brings together delicate grooves as quaint electric guitar parts and a booming bassline carry the track while Maskey sings effortlessly showcasing her vocal prowess.  According to the artists, the lyrics on “Eventide” paint a picture of a complacent person leading a mundane life, with dreams and ambitions placed on hold.

Sahana Naresh – Shore Out of Reach

Chennai/Seattle singer-songwriter Sahana Naresh’s debut five-track EP Shore Out of Reach gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling when you listen to it with its bright tones and jovial songwriting. There’s a song about Naresh’s toddler daughter (“Milky Hands”), an ode to the union of two souls (“The Only Constant Is Change”) and her love for Chennai’s coast on the title track.

Ketan Mohite – “Manzil”

Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Ketan Mohite’s delivers an exquisite piece of art with his latest single “Manzil.” The track opens with hauntingly beautiful acoustic guitar work as Mohite’s graceful vocals accompanied by producer Kalyan Baruah’s touch lifts the song with harmonica parts, string arrangements, a guitar solo and emotive dynamics. In a statement, Mohite said, “’Manzil’ is a song about the journey of life.”