Chirag Todi and Dot.’s Funk-Infused ‘Spiced Lemonade’ Has All The Right Ingredients

Ahmedabad-based guitarist and composer Chirag Todi is going from strength to strength with funky, jazzy songs and the latest release brings in New Delhi-bred artist (and actor) Dot. aka Aditi Saigal, on “Spiced Lemonade.”

Produced by drummer Divyang Arora in Ahmedabad after Todi and Dot. exchanged ideas and put down riffs, words and melodies over video calls, “Spiced Lemonade” also runs on the funk juices of Netherlands-based bassist Marc Damania and a synth solo by Nayan Kapadia. A press release describes the song to be about how living in the moment and going with the flow is often the best attitude in relationships. “‘Spiced Lemonade’ takes the listener through a casual day in a romantic relationship where they’re aimlessly spending time together without being concerned about what’s to come,” the release adds. Dot., for her part, says, “Citrus and honey and dew on the grass. That’s what spiced lemonade is all about. Simple things. Laid back romance.”

Todi’s buoyant combination of pop, jazz and funk remains formidable as ever, previously heard on singles like “Love Nobody” with singer-songwriter Ramya Pothuri and rapper, singer-songwriter and saxophonist Ranjani Ramadoss aka RANJ. On “Spiced Lemonade,” Dot. comes in with her inimitable vocal style, reaching the high notes in a seemingly effortless way that she’s known for. The song is part of Todi’s upcoming, collab-heavy album, which will release later this year and is slated to include more indie artists across India going over “diverse genres and themes.”

Beyond the single release, both Todi and Dot. are planning to guest in each other’s upcoming shows to perform the song. The press release adds, “The tour will be followed by the music video shoot which will be released later to re-ignite the song. The video will be out before [Bollywood director] Zoya Akhtar’s [adaptation of American comic book] The Archies movie, where Dot. stars and her music features in the film as well. The music video will be directed by [photographer and filmmaker] Hawwa and will cast [actor] Santana Roach, who are both part of The Archies.”

Listen to “Spiced Lemonade” below. Stream on more platforms here.