Hear Chennai Singer-Songwriter M.S. Krsna’s Jubilant New Tamil Song ‘Odathey Oliyathey’

Chennai-based singer-songwriter and composer M.S. Krsna sings about identity and happiness with steely yet jovial resolve on his latest track “Odathey Oliyathey.” The Tamil song from the indie artist—who has also notched up credits for soundtracks in the Tamil film industry —condenses his advice into a simple hook which translates to “Don’t run, don’t hide.”

Krsna says in a statement about his new release, “The song […] is a heartfelt song urging the listener to not run or hide from the good things that are coming their way. It is a song about the light which comes to uplift ordinary life with its touch and love. The song raises the question of life and what the life force is spent upon.”

Joined by bassist Napier Naveen, drummer Rahul Muralidhar, vocalist-producer Gooth and Ahmedabad-based Protyay Chakraborty helming mixing duties, Krsna lends breathy vocals and folksy melodies on “Odathey Oliyathey.” Flittering acoustic guitar parts and samples of gleeful laughter add to the mood, making the song a shot of vibrant pop which doesn’t miss its mark when it comes to philosophizing as well. Making the most use of ornate Tamil lyrics, Krsna sings “Thananthaniya inge nadakka/Paatta paadi sernthe selvom /Oru murai sonna oore paadum” (To walk the realms of this earth on our own, we may as well sing this song and march together toward the light). The goal clearly was to make a song that will evoke song and dance but also “eventually ponder and put a smile on your face,” as the artist describes in his statement. “It really is about light that comes for you no matter what, bearing the gifts of life!” he adds.

“Odathey Oliyathey” follows Krsna’s 2021 single “Piravi” and his Instagram-famous Reel series In Reel Life, which he converted into an album. Simultaneously, the artist also stepped into the studio and worked on songs and background score pieces, assisting composer Girishh Gopalakrishnan for Tamil films Mookuthi Amman and Nishabdham. Last year, he was among the top 10 artists selected for Compass Box Music’s singer-songwriter contest, getting to record his song “Maranthathey” in a live session.

Keen to make the most of his single release, “Odathey Oliyathey” also has a music video coming up, directed by Chennai filmmaker and editor Ken Royson. But before it goes up on YouTube, it will premiere at a Metaverse wedding reception in February, for a Tamil Nadu couple’s Hogwarts-themed celebration.

Listen to “Odathey Oliyathey” below. Stream on more platforms here.