Chennai Jazz Fusion Act Jatayu Take It Easy with ‘Thoppai Vibes’

Soon after the release of their delectable debut EP Chango Tales in early 2019, Chennai band Jatayu hit the road for one of their widest reaching tours, performing in New Delhi, Mumbai and other parts for the first time.

With the pandemic calling off any chances of more touring, the band buckled down and wrote “Thoppai Vibes” in April 2019. Playing up an easygoing yet nimble jazz groove from bassist Kashyap Jaishankar and drummer Manu Krishnan, Carnatic guitar leads from Shylu Ravindran and a steady stewing atmosphere that gets heavier and darker, the quartet feature violin ace Akshay Ganesh as well on the song. Guitarist (and manager) Sahib Singh describes the track as a “nostalgia trip” for the band that also bears a message for the present and future. He adds, “From the excitement of releasing a new EP, to the rush of live shows in different cities, to feeling content after a great gig, ‘Thoppai Vibes’ captures our headspace at that time and hopes to remind you that no matter what situation you’re in, the vibe is yours to make.”

The accompanying music video also mirrors the band’s state of mind, featuring on the road footage from band trips as well as gigs. The song is a precursor to Jatayu’s upcoming four-track EP, whose title has not been revealed yet. Set to launch in December, Singh says they put out “Thoppai Vibes” since it was different in approach compared to the songs on their second EP.

Singh says that there’s a “very new approach” on their next, which will also feature vocalists compared to what has previously been largely instrumental music. “We’ve done quite a bit of experimenting with how we approach recording and production since it all had to be DIY,” Singh says.

Watch the video for “Thoppai Vibes” below. Stream on Spotify, Apple Music and JioSaavn.