New Music: All OK, Damini Bhatla, Bollyjammers and More 

“Maryade Prashne” by All OK

Kannada hip-hop and pop artist All OK has been known for his everyman approach to music and that comes through more triumphantly than ever on his wholesome new song “Maryade Prashne.” Singing about matters of respect, All OK weaves in everything from the recent run of cricket team RCB to middle class living over a boisterous and infectious horn sample that forms the hook of the song. 

“Chadhe Na” by Bollyjammers 

Singers Classico aka Mayank Nagpal and Arjun Sarkar of DJ-turned-performers act Bollyjammers team up with producer Arjit Srivastava for a club-friendly new song “Chadhe Na.” Bollyjammers have been around for just over seven years, so it makes sense that they know their way around a hitmaker formula – there’s a bit of hip-hop peppered into the buoyant beats and a storyline around a date that turns into a diamond heist. The diamond, although huge, could look a little less fake in the video but that doesn’t take away from the shine that Bollyjammers bring to “Chadhe Na.” 

“Rollercoaster” by Synicah

Assamese artist Synicah returns with a hair-raising new song “Rollercoaster,” assisted by Los Angeles producer Nick Axel Kauffman at his Downfall Studio. Channeling evil spirits of some kind, Synicah takes the cursed daughter narrative and turns it grisly, even incorporating powerful Assamese folk lyrics, which is the centerpiece of “Rollercoaster.” 

“Kho Jaane Ki Zid” by Nitesh Rajesh, Tejaswita Anant

Bhopal artist Nitesh Rajesh strums his uke by a beach in Goa, joined by percussionist Tejaswita Anant on his swaying new song “Kho Jaane Ki Zid.” For the most part, the singer-songwriter is reveling in the beauty of fantasizing a romance that is full of possibilities. In his yearning, yet confident croon going over lush cajon, darbuka and djembe rhythms by Anant, the song journeys into heartfelt, philosophizing territory with ease. 

“Caress” by Swi Krity

Darjeeling/New Delhi singer-songwriter Swi Krity takes the piano-pop, lo-fi route with her recent song “Caress.” Leaning on trip-hop as well, Swi Krity’s swaying vocal melodies make for a memorable hook, with the verses offering more vocal range, the artist hitting the high notes in sublime fashion. “Caress” follows Swi Krity’s 2023 single “For You,” also rooted in eerie trip-hop with more guitar melodies at the core. 

“Hello Master!” by Damini Bhatla, Srirag Vadlakonda, Stanley Sajeev 

Telugu indie artist Damini Bhatla stands a tad nervous but confident nevertheless on “Hello Master!” which is a cinematic pop song about a newly blossoming relationship and how she can find a connection that takes it to the next stage. Joined by producer Stanley Sajeev and lyricist Srirag Vadlakonda, there’s a very present-day pop approach by Bhatla, which mixes playful vocals and melodies with string arrangements and more. 

“June” by Zyakuni in My Backyard

New Delhi indie band Zyakuni in My Backyard are out with a timely (and powerful) rock ballad with “June.” Building up like a song straight out of the Nineties alt-rock movement (or earlier), there are guitar melodies by Rahul Bhandari that spring to life just as deep, soulful vocals from Anushka Datta and Shraddha Jennifer Singh lead the way, backed by a lush vocal choir as well. Their first release since their self-titled debut EP in 2022, “June” sees Zyakuni in My Backyard take a whole new direction and we’re here for it. 

“Main Musafir” by Joel Jossy, Aditya Rao 

Mumbai artist Joel Jossy’s debut single “Main Musafir” is for the open road, sprawling in how it draws from Carnatic music as well as progressive rock. The fusion is heightened by Indo-American artist Aditya Rao’s sublime vocals and Hindi lyrics by Sujeet Anahata Thakur (a longtime collaborator with Jossy), while an English version is also out with “Journey” featuring U.K.-based vocalist Marcello Vieira. While there are arena-ready, chant-along-worthy riffs in the mix, Jossy also amps up the solos to bring the song to a close. 

“Kab Se Kab Tak” by AswaAl, Arthat 

Rapper AswaAl gets real on “Kab Se Kab Tak,” his somber new single that’s produced by Arthat. There’s a downcast, piano-driven hook and beats that lend a very serious outlook to the song and AswaAl speaks his mind within a two-minute running time. He touches upon the hardships of life and not wanting to fight back against challenges, but reinstills faith in the chorus, talking about how one can’t run away from oneself. 

“Same Spot” by Divina Bajpai

Composer-pianist and vocalist Divina Bajpai’s new song “Same Spot” is a cheery, life-affirming take on journeys and perspectives, adding a bit of whimsy alongside radio-friendly pop songwriting. Taken from her upcoming album Tea Party, the artist says there’s a satirical and idyllic aesthetic to her upcoming material. “Same Spot,” with a tip of its hat to Americana with banjo melodies and Bajpai’s assured pop hooks, is as good an introduction to Bajpai as any.