My Favorite Music: Nischay Parekh

Nischay Parekh performing at NH7 Pune Weekender, 2013. Photo credit Shalaka Pai.

Says Parekh, “I think as an artist I’m always looking for something brutally physical. Music that just transcends everything we expect and just slices into one’s fabric. I really feel like that’s the biggest test.”

“Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” Marvin Gaye, 1971
Sure, it has great lyrics about the environment. Sure, it is on one of the most important albums of all time. Beyond all that, this song just has a life of its own. An incredible rhythm section, grooving like only they know how, an unbelievable arrangement. Timelessness is definitely a quality that’s dripping from this wonderful song.

“I’d Rather Dance With You” Kings of Convenience, 2004
I must have been 17. This was the first time I was literally forced to move. I didn’t have a choice. It’s so amazing that it was two guys from Norway that got me to do it. They’re great songwriters and have written a ton of other great music. However, this song just made me believe in the power of backbeats and mobility.

“Rock With You” Michael Jackson, 1979
All the elements just work together to make this the perfect pop song. The harmony was the hippest that I had heard at the time. MJ just had it all. A true king.

“I Feel it All” Feist, 2007

Definitely one of my modern passions. This song works on many levels. Feist has this unique ability to tell these huge expansive stories and still make them feel so personal. Impeccably produced as well.

“Dance for You” Dirty Projectors, 2012

“I boogied down gargoyle streets” – possibly the best lyric of the 21st century. These guys create worlds with every note that play. A great band, hyper-imaginative arrangements. Really weird and wonderful.