Lisa Mishra’s ‘Sorry, I’m Late’ Was Worth The Wait

There’s a noticeable scarcity of female Indian independent musicians at the forefront of the music scene in the country, but Lisa Mishra is effectively challenging that narrative. Her latest album, Sorry, I’m Late, delves into her innermost thoughts, exploring uncharted emotional territory.

Starting with “Lonely,” the lyrics of which induce a sense of introspection and yearning for companionship. The opening lines of the longest track of the album expresses a desire to escape to a place where happiness is reflected in pictures, indicating a longing for a better or happier place than the current reality. The lines “When did alone start feeling so lonely?” and “Hai apne kehenewala na koi” convey a feeling of emptiness despite being surrounded by people or familiar places. The beats of the track simultaneously feature a distinctive rhythm that complements the song’s emotional themes. Furthermore, the usage of guitar arpeggios and atmospheric synth pads creates a great atmosphere, enhancing the song’s overall impact.

On “Love Song,” Mishra and Charan again focus on lyrics surrounding emotional sensitivity and vulnerability as seen in lines such as “Hai nazaakat in palon mei” (There is delicacy in these moments) and “Hai ruhaani raza” (There is spiritual joy). These phrases convey an appreciation for the subtleties of emotions and the real impact of a connection. As for the musical composition, producer Riz Shain focuses on bringing in a blend of acoustic and electronic elements. Personally, what stands out about the production of this song is its ability to maintain a consistent tempo and rhythm, while also incorporating subtle dynamic changes that add depth and variation. These include fluctuations in the intensity of the guitar strumming and brief moments where the percussion drops out, creating contrast and building anticipation for subsequent sections.

The dedication Mishra and her team have poured into this project is evident. Her vocals are remarkable, transitioning from whispers to powerful belts, imbuing each note with genuine emotion and sincerity. If one were to describe her vocals in two words, they would be “warmth” and “clarity.”

On Sorry, I’m Late’s third track, “Roshni,” Mishra brings on Yashraj and Charan. The lyrics of this track touch on the themes of introspection, longing, and the search for meaning amid darkness and uncertainty. What sets this song apart is not only the lyrical content but also the exceptional production by producer Karan Kanchan. The incorporation of rich synth pads, melodious guitar lines, and atmospheric effects is genius. 

The remaining songs on this album, including popular ones like “Saza,” “Aadat,” and “Nasha,” show Mishra’s effort and dedication towards her work. With the assistance of a skilled team of collaborators and top-notch production, Mishra’s project is more than just an album; it’s an experience—evidence of Mishra’s true potential. I’m eagerly anticipating what she’ll unveil next.

Sorry, I’m Late is available to stream on all streaming platforms now. Simultaneously, read Lisa Mishra’s exclusive interview with Rolling Stone India, here.