Gunda’s ‘2 Gaz Zameen’: A Minimalist Ode to Contentment and Simplicity

There’s a certain thrill in never quite knowing what to expect next, and Tanmay Saxena—now embracing the persona of Gunda, thrives in that unpredictability. In an industry obsessed with labels and genres, Saxena — who also raps under the moniker Tienas — slips through the cracks, deliberately elusive, always a step ahead of the latest trend.

Gunda isn’t just a name but a statement and more like a challenge to the status quo. Saxena doesn’t just create music; he constructs entire worlds, each more audacious than the last. His art is a living, breathing entity, constantly shifting, never settling — just like him.

When Gunda dropped his debut LP named Allah Rakha in February, the Indian audience was introduced with unconventional sounds with a unique blend of experiences. The 11-track album was a journey that borrowed queues from both qawwali as well as house music, a ballsy move that cemented Gunda as a game changer in its field.

Gunda’s latest offering, “2 Gaz Zameen,” is more than just a song; it’s an exploration of balance, simplicity, and the juxtaposition of two worlds. The song explores the concept of contentment, which is expressed in the simple yet deep idea of owning a tiny piece of land and the enormity of the sky. Saxena blends electronic music with classical vocals, their pockets filled and complemented by the rich, organic tones of a harmonium. This blend results in a unique sound that is both minimal and emotionally evocative, highlighting the song’s fundamental idea of less is more.

The artwork accompanying “2 Gaz Zameen” further adds to its cultural and symbolic depth. With its dusky, vintage aesthetic resembling an old postage stamp, the cover features Gunda wrapped in the tricolor, evoking a sense of nostalgia and patriotism. The inspiration for this artwork, Saxena reveals, comes from one of his favorite films, Dev Anand’s Guide. “The flag and vintage look aim to transport you from one era to another,” he says. “I want to take you back in time from 2024. If, even for a minute or two, you can close your eyes and find yourself there, it would mean a lot to me.”

For Saxena, “2 Gaz Zameen” is more than just music; it’s a thought, a feeling. “The music isn’t complicated,” he reflects. “There’s just a harmonium, a piano, and a clap. It’s bare-bones, much like the thought itself. If you can have both ‘2 gaz zameen (two yards of ground) and a handful of sky,’ what more could you ask for?”

In this new release via Azadi Records, Gunda once again proves that his art is not bound by conventional expectations. Instead, it is an evolving narrative, one that challenges the listener to think, feel, and ultimately, experience the world differently.