Fresh Indie Fridays #52

Parekh & Singh – “Sleepyhead”

Kolkata/Dubai dream-pop duo Parekh & Singh’s newest single “Sleepyhead” retains the pair’s melodic songwriting, breezy vocals and catchy parts, while sonically they bring forth acoustic guitar, keys, synths, a slick groove and more. The song is also accompanied by a music video that showcases an artist who has a confusing relationship with social media and uses sleep as a coping mechanism. In a statement, the duo said, “[It is] an ode to a lifetime of procrastination. Laziness and reticence have been constant companions, sometimes to our detriment but usually to our artistic advantage. The inevitable friction that is created between poetry and commerce, dreams and deadlines is the subject of this song.”

Gatha – “Flora’s Song”

Dehradun singer-songwriter Gatha Akashkamini – who goes by her first name – released her poignant debut single “Flora’s Song” today. The artist’s emotional and pleasant vocals shine throughout the song as delicate keyboard work from Anirudh Varma and guitar parts by Shrikant Biswakarma cut through on the ballad. In a statement, Gatha said, “‘Flora’s Song’ was conceived on a dull Wednesday afternoon, a product of fleeting feelings of hopelessness and confusion. I took the chance to not let one bad day make me feel dispirited and decided to give myself a pep talk on feeling better. So, this song is essentially a conversation with oneself – it’s called ‘Flora’s Song’ but really, it could be anybody’s song – whomever it finds, probably on a dull Wednesday afternoon.”

Wick3d – Free Wick3d

New Delhi artist Aatman Panda aka Wick3d’s just-released seven-track debut EP Free Wick3d explores soundscapes ranging from electronic to bass music, while also throwing in dream-pop elements inspired by artists such as Kanye West, Travis Scott, Drake, Daniel Caesar and Beach House. According to the artist, the music is largely inspired by “the idea of an unshackled life, with no limits or brakes.”