His first release via the Sony Music India-run imprint is a rework of his 2020 Malayalam single “Akalukayo”
Kochi producer Pina Colada Blues aka Kevin Shaji
Kerala beatsmith Kevin Shaji’s electronic project Pina Colada Blues took shape and grew during the pandemic, owing to finding more time shut in at home. By the end of 2020, he had a slew of singles and music videos, the Pina Colada Blues palette including everything from pop to lo-fi to trap and more.
With the success of songs like “Thennale” and “Iravukal/Nights,” the producer teamed up with singer Mridul Anil for the Malayalam song “Akalukayo.” Just as he began toying with the idea of releasing a Hindi version of the track, Sony Music India’s newDay One had him on their radar. “I wanted my first release [on Day One] to be Hindi. I’ve never released a Hindi song before, so I was excited and nervous because I haven’t had an audience in that area before,” Pina Colada Blues says.
The label – which has also signed singer-songwriter Tanmaya Bhatnagar and multi-instrumentalist artist Kasyap – launched their first single with Pina Colada Blues’ soulful Hindi version of “Akalukayo,” titled “Kyun?” Slightly tightened in length and featuring sarangi by Vanraj Shastri and violinist Kiran Manoj, Mridul Anil returns to helm saccharine vocals, with Hindi lyrics written by Ritendra Dirghangi. The producer adds, “This has more emotion to it, I feel – I’ve added new instruments like sarangi so that we have that East-West vibe and tie up those styles.”
With Kerala’s seasoned producer Vivek Thomas taking on mixing and mastering duties, “Kyun?” also received an exuberant music video directed by Sidharth Suresh, showing a couple vowing to enjoy the last days of their relationship mutually.
In terms of working with a label, Pina Colada Blues says he went in with zero prejudices, carrying doubts as well as excitement in his mind. “Once I started working on the first release, I found out they’re quite artist-friendly and I love working with the team. I believe they do work for the artist.”
Although he’s not planning gigs just yet, Pina Colada Blues is more focused on releasing singles and writing more material. “We’re going to figure out the next release with Day One and decide which one to put out next,” he adds.
Watch the video for “Kyun?” below. Stream on more platforms here.
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