Listen to the latest releases from independent acts
Scroll down to hear new releases on Fresh Indie Fridays by indie artists (clockwise from top left) Warren Mendonsa aka Blackstratblues; Sanchi, Merak and HUYANA. Photos: The Moneta (Mendonsa); Aayushi Bansal (Sanchi); Courtesy of the artist (Merak); Lekha Ratnam (HUYANA)
Blackstratblues – L.I/O.V.E. Vol. II
Just like exactly a year ago, Mumbai/Auckland guitarist Warren Mendonsa is out with a live album for his blue-rock outfit Blackstratblues entitled L.I/O.V.E. Vol. II. The new live album includes songs from Blackstratblues that were performed in 2017 and features the core band; drummer Jai Row Kavi, bassist Adi Mistry, keyboardist Beven Fonseca and of course Mendonsa. Although songs overlap from 2022’s L.I/O.V.E. Vol. I, the latest 15-track offering has its own charm as the band power through tracks such as the splendid “Anuva’s Sky,” the lofty “North Star,” and the pulsating “Renaissance Mission” among others.
HUYANA – “Can’t Fall / Won’t Fall”
Fresh from being part of the Top 24 for Season 2 of NEXA Music, Bengaluru-based singer-songwriter Varshita Ramesh aka HUYANA is now out with the R&B/soul leaning “Can’t Fall / Won’t Fall,” the lead single off her forthcoming debut EP Anxious Attachment. The track includes smooth instrumentation, HUYANA’s honey-laced vocals and captivating lyrics. In a statement, the artist said, “The soulful lyrics reflect the pain and longing of hanging on to the last crumbs of a relationship that has ended.”
Sanchi – “Can’t Help It”
Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Sanchi’s latest offering comes in the shape of the wistful “Can’t Help It.” The emotive indie-pop track includes slow-paced yet dynamic soundscapes, Sanchi’s elegant vocals and more. In a statement, the artist said, “[The song] encapsulates the profound strength of long-distance love.”
Merak, David Marston, MadStarBase – “Up High”
Goa-based electro-pop duo Merak, comprising brother-sister pair Belinda and Brandon Mendes, recently released the reggae electronic track “Up High.” The song is the second single off their upcoming debut EP Manic Mode and features Jamaican DJ David Marston and production crew MadStarBase.
The singer-songwriter’s four-track collection of songs explores heartbreak with an earnest intimacy
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