Fresh Indie Fridays
Hear new releases from independent acts
Scroll down to hear new music on Fresh Indie Fridays by indie artists (clockwise from top left) Kayan, Sandunes, Kiara Chettri, Sri, Gaurav Jagwani and Yung.Raj. Photos: Iyanah Bativala (Kayan); @sumaiapapaia (Sandunes); Courtesy of the artists (Chettri, Jagwani and Yung.Raj); Purna Venugopalan (Sri)
Kayan – “Be Alright”
Mumbai artist Ambika Nayak aka Kayan dropped her first single of 2021 in the shape of the vibrant “Be Alright” today. The track follows last year’s highly successful “Cool Kids,” and sees Kayan collaborate once more with producer ThatKidGoran. While ThatKidGoran delivers an uplifting sonic canvas that includes gentle piano stabs as well as a tight beat, Kayan sings in her staple breezy manner optimistically about better days to come. The singer also released a colorful video – shot and directed by Iyanah Bativala – that sees her performing the song shining in purple on a terrace.
Sandunes – “Shadow” ft. Half Waif
Mumbai producer Sanaya Ardeshir aka Sandunes shared a glimpse of her forthcoming record Nowhere to Stand with the single “Shadow,” and the effervescent and bold song features singer Nandi Rose aka Half Waif. The track opens with a trippy electronica intro before bursting into a bass-heavy groove as Half Waif weaves her vocal melodies perfectly to match Sandunes’ dexterous production. Ardeshir said in a social media statement, “I’m so thrilled we had an opportunity to long-distance-create this and I hope it’s the beginning of a lot more together.” The rest of Nowhere to Stand comes out on June 25th via !K7 Records.
Gaurav Jagwani – “Rough Day”
After releasing a full-length album as well as five EPs since 2016, Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Gaurav Jagwani recently decided to switch things up and put out his first standalone single, the melancholic “Rough Day.” Jagwani worked on the song with long-time producer Lima Yanger. The musician keeps things simple with just a piano, acoustic guitar, light strings in the background, his mellow voice and deft songwriting. Through the track, Jagwani sings about going through a tough period but stays optimistic that things will turn out fine. In a statement, he said, “This song is even more relevant now in these testing times. Not all of us have the greatest of days but sometimes holding onto the ray of hope is all we need.”
Sri – “Tum Aayi Ho”
Mumbai singer-songwriter Srijit Bhowmick aka Sri returns with a brand-new offering titled “Tum Aayi Ho.” The new song includes melodic electric guitar playing, Sri’s Bob Dylan-esque acoustic guitar strumming and singing as well as a catchy chorus.
Kiara Chettri – “Why”
Earlier this week, New Delhi singer-songwriter Kiara Chettri dropped the follow-up to her 2020 debut album 4AM with the emotional “Why.” The pop ballad includes poignant piano parts and elegant production while Chettri showcases the range of her exceptional vocals quite wonderfully. At only 17, the artist is quickly rising as one to keep an eye out for.
Yung.Raj – The Unalive
Mumbai producer Yung.Raj recently released a five-track EP titled The Unalive via Bristol-based record label Gutterfunk. Raj’s clever production techniques as well as his knack for managing to build exotic melodies cuts through perfectly on the electronic record. The artist carefully builds the tempo for each track on the EP, almost treating it like a live set for himself. Raj starts off with a more chilled-out vibe before getting jumpy towards the climax of the record. If you’re in the mood to feel as if you’re back at a gig, dial the knob to 10 on this one and get your freak on.
