New Music: Telugu Rock, Marathi Hip-Hop, Shillong Jazz and More

“ATL BTL FTL” by Rocking.Company

Mumbai’s independent design studio Rocking.Company calls on producer-singer Rohan Rege to collaborate on their debut single “ATL BTL FTL,” which takes from the childhood game of hide and seek and its call of “aatli baatli futli.” Drawing from the nostalgia and child-like naivety of the phrase, Rege and actor Zayn Khan (who stars in the slickly set video production) encourage fluidity and fearlessness, much like when you’re a child.

“Floating” by Andrea Tariang Band

Originally written by Shillong singer and actor Andrea Tariang with late keyboardist and pianist Karan Joseph, “Floating” is now a tribute to the latter, who passed away tragically in 2017. Over a soulful saxophone section from George Brooks, Tariang croons in memory of Joseph and his attitude towards life. The song also features guitars from Tariang’s band – guitarist Gregory Ford Nongrum, keyboardist Ron Cha and bass from Mumbai artist Nathan Thomas. The song is taken from Tariang’s forthcoming debut EP My Time.

“Connection” by The Majolly Project

After channeling goth, rock and prog hues on her 2017 album Please, western classical artist and singer-composer Neecia Majolly turns to breathtaking ambient, new age-esque hues on her latest song “Connection.” Majolly, who also provides sublime keys on the track, is backed by bassists Ravi Nair (from prog band Rainburn) and Shalini Mohan. A melancholic, sparse sort of track, Majolly announced “Connection” will be part of an upcoming EP, which includes “power packed and socially conscious work.”

“Majhi Maina” by Sparsh ft Yugg Bhaawa

Mumbai rock band Sparsh take a Marathi revolutionary song written by social reformer and Dalit literature scholar Annabhau Sathe as their launchpad for a new hip-hop track called “Majhi Maina,” featuring rapper Yugg Bhaawa. Released by Times Music, the track speaks about the situation of Maharashtra youth and how they’re misled and torn apart by politicians. Although generally leaning towards alt and pop-rock, Sparsh do justice to the hip-hop track, weaving in fitting elements.

Lekha by Niteesh

On his second release, Hyderabad singer-songwriter Niteesh Kondiparthi teams up with drummer-producer Navneeth Krishnan for an all-Telugu album. The nine-track fusion album jumps genres with dexterity, retaining the acoustic guitar the center. Surprising turns include the instrumental, sample-employing “Prasthanam” and the violin-led “Kaivalyam,” featuring singer PVNS Rohit. The two-part “Kala” and “Kala Chedire” goes from dreamy soundscapes to Carnatic violins.

“Awakening” by To The Lighthouse

The third single off their debut EP Northern Lights, Bengaluru post-rock band To The Lighthouse certainly believe in the power of a buildup on “Awakening.” Starting off with a voice sample that comes across as a menacing, morphed announcement, guitarists Samir Leonard and Nikhil Farswan offer modern prog riffs and trembling post-rock leads alike over Nishant Raturi’s drum work, plus bass from Abhishek Pandit. Although it takes a while to build, the crescendo on offer on “Awakening” is certainly hair-raising.