8 Christmas Songs from Indian Indie Artists for Festive Cheer
Whether in pursuit of more streaming numbers or just keen on spreading warm wishes, musicians ranging from Arunaja to Zaeden are out with original music and renditions
“For Christmas” by Zaeden ft Natania
Teaming with singer-songwriter Natania, crooner and producer Zaeden calls on Aakash Ravikrishnan and David Burris for an easygoing, reggae-informed buoyant new song called “For Christmas,” in which two protagonists anticipate meeting for the holidays.
“A Wonderful Christmas” by Isaac Koshy
The Mumbai artist brings out a glistening rock ‘n roll riff and a smidge of punk energy with his groovy new track “A Wonderful Christmas,” fitted with clap-along rhythms and an anthemic style.
“Another Bandra Christmas” by Starring Vanya
Releasing festival-themed singles for a couple of weeks now in what has become an annual tradition, Mumbai artist Vanya Creado aka Starring Vanya offers fanfare and cheer with a dose of hyperlocal lyrics on “Another Bandra Christmas,” featuring clever vocals and Latin rhythms.
“Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer” by Bindu Subramaniam and Rohan Solomon
Keeping in line with what is an annual tradition of collaboration for the season, New Delhi-bred singer-songwriter Rohan Solomon picks up a Christmas classic and finds a new collaborator in Bengaluru-based vocalist Bindu Subramaniam, giving “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” a simple acoustic pop duet treatment.
“Dear Santa” by Kimberley Rodrigues ft Christine Dessa
Offered with an endearing 2D animated video, New Delhi vocalist Kimberley Rodrigues channels her background in musicals (and an assist from keyboardist Christine Dessa and production from ace singer-guitarist Dhruv Visvanath) for an adorable plea to go globe-trotting with Santa.
“Acoustmas (Oh My Dear)” by MoAnanda
Indian multi-instrumentalist and producer Ananda Dhar-James and St. Martin-born singer-songwriter Moana Avvenenti – together as MoAnanda – released “Acoustmas (Oh My Dear)” as a lush, string section-aided Christmas song that includes only a sprinkle of sleigh bells jingling, and more of a heartwarming holiday song.
“Amazing Grace” by Arunaja
Choosing a classic that demands a ton of soul, Arunaja soars exceptionally on “Amazing Grace,” a version which is elevated by the Finnish Alva Church Choir from the town of Kuopio. Arranged and conducted by Ossi Jauhiainen, the sprawling instrumentation of guitar, organ, cello and drums makes for a modern rendition.
“Silent Night” by Yush
Mumbai-based Yush has just been fresh out of the door with his debut single “Carbs (papi player)” but he’s less loverboy and more choirboy on his modern pop version of “Silent Night,” with guest vocalist Roshni Iyer and production from Rahul Kannan.
