Fresh Indie Fridays #96 Featuring Raghav Meattle, Anika and More

Short Round – The Heart Of It

Four years on since releasing his nine-track album Favourite Strangers, Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Jishnu Guha aka Short Round is now out with a brand-new three-track EP entitled The Heart Of It. The latest record includes Short Round’s polished songwriting, plenty of catchy melodies and overall, it features that quintessential California rock sound. With three more tracks to follow soon, Guha said in a statement, “I can proudly call [this] some of my best material yet.”

Raghav Meattle, Maara – “Ghulaam”

Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Raghav Meattle and producer Ashish Zachariah aka Maara collaborate on the poignant new song “Ghulaam.” Meattle has grown tenfold as an artist in the last few years and that growth is clearly heard and felt on this track. The song’s plucked strings, well-balanced dynamism and strong vocals stand out throughout. In a statement, Meattle said, “’Ghulaam’ encapsulates the ups-and-downs of every relationship.”

Vernon Noronha – “Shehron Se Duur”

After releasing music only in English until now, Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Vernon Noronha has just put out his first Hindi single in the shape of the upbeat “Shehron Se Duur.” Noronha moves away from his surf sound for this one and into a more rock n’ roll-leaning space. With energetic drums, quick-paced vocals and a feel-good vibe, the song is sure to make you get off your feet and dance. In a statement, Noronha said, “Some people love the city, some are here to just survive, while their souls exist elsewhere. Each time they manage to get away from the hustle of the city, they realize that these clear blue skies, snowcapped mountains, serene villages and tranquil shorelines is what they would finally want to call home.”

Anika – “Banana Cake”

Goa/Mumbai singer-songwriter Anika Bharwani – who goes by her first name – has just released her fourth single in the shape of the calming “Banana Cake.” The song includes delicate acoustic guitar strumming, beautiful string parts as well as Anika’s mellifluous vocals. In a statement, Anika said, “’Banana Cake’ is about how in this day and age, love is slowly losing its weight and meaning. I’m the kind of person that has so much love to give to this world but the world doesn’t really work that way. That can be hard sometimes.”

Shweta Srivastava – “Paradise”

Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Shweta Srivastava’s newest offering is the electro-ballad “Paradise.” The song features futuristic sonic elements juxtaposed with Srivastava bold vocals. In a statement, the artist said, “‘Paradise’ is a song of unspoken emotional contemplations. It talks about the unexpressed emotions we often keep hidden – of love, expectations, and the need for reassurance.”