From Folk-Pop to K-Pop Collaborations, Rahul Rajkhow Promises a ‘Tune for Every Mood This Year’
The Assam-origin artist traverses hip-hop on his new song “Lau Paani,” while he’s also plotting an EP with Korean artist Jimmy Brown after their first single “Bad Girls”
Rahul Rajkhowa in a still from the music video for "Lau Paani." Photo: Himangshu Arya
From politically-conscious rap to somber tributes during times of natural calamity to songs that celebrate queer pride, Rahul Rajkhowa is doing most of it all. It’s without the sense of desperation and attention-seeking that you might see trend-hunting artists often leaning into, because Rajkhowa sticks to singing about what he knows. A lot of that – going by his dimpled smile, breezy choreography and smooth vocals – comes from being an independent artist who can do EDM, Bihu songs and more.
Although he did sign with Warner Music India to release the single “Toradoi” earlier this year, and his latest song “You Get No Love” with singer Swati Marwal is out via Saregama, bulk of Rajkhowa’s work is not dictated by labels. “The label reps would always tell me to stick to one sound and one genre, But I honestly would not have been true to myself if I did that. I’m here to leave a legacy not just hit the numbers and stay specific to one fan base,” the artist says.
Among his latest is “Lau Paani,” released via Songdew and one that continues his penchant for folk-fusion pop. It’s named after a local rice beer from Assam. Throughout the song, Rajkhowa encourages those listening to pay a visit to their native villages and get back in touch with their roots. From a local’s perspective, he also sings to dispel a preconceived notion about rice beer drinkers being equated with drunkards. Rajkhowa adds, “It basically tells the story of a farmer, who toils and sweats it out in the fields so we have rice in our bowls. Lau Paani to him is a drink of refreshment and not just an alcoholic beverage.” With production from Fauxtail, the song also features Kolkata-based rapper Feyago. Befittingly, the music video shot by Himangshu Arya includes a storyline of Rajkhowa making it back to his father’s local village near Jamugiri. It was a homecoming of sorts, as Rajkhowa recounts about even showcasing the Jhumur dance form of tribes residing around the tea gardens of Assam. He says, “My dad, cousins, aunts, the village elders are all in there in the video and I’m so glad that I have them encased in my musical journey forever through this music video.”
While “Lau Paani” was out in April, Rajkhowa brought May to a close with the announcement of his collaboration with Korean artist Jimmy Brown on the sensual song “Bad Girls.” The Indian artist says he’s been familiar with Korean culture, including K-pop, K-RnB and K-dramas. “My Paperboat band member Yuden Doma Bhutia introduced me to Korean music and K-dramas. I was always in awe of their work ethic, fashion and energy,” Rajkhowa says.
The connect with Jimmy Brown happened online after Rajkhowa’s icy blonde hair was likened to a K-pop artist. “So I just put up an Instagram story asking my fans and friends to recommend me Korean artists I should definitely collab with. A friend (Sneha Choudhury) sent me Jimmy Brown’s music amidst a bunch of other really cool artists,” he says. Soon enough, he DM-ed the singer behind hits like “I Got You” and “Irene” and even got a response.
Steadily and remotely, they worked on “Bad Girls,” which has got playlisted on Korea Radar and New K-pop music playlists on Spotify. “I think that makes me the first Indian artist to be featured on both playlists and the crazy part is I’ve never been playlisted by Spotify India,” Rajkhowa says.
There’s an EP in the works between Brown and Rajkhowa and it’s currently titled Six Mile to Seoul, in a reference to both artists’ hometowns. An India tour between the artists is also slated for October. The Assamese artist is keeping things diverse as always. “I just finished working on an EP for the Endangered Species of India in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Bangalore. The songs are very groovy and hold a very important message too,” he says.
More collaborations and more folk-pop and fusion songs are in the works as well. Rajkhow adds, “From dance floors, to long drives, to workouts, to study sessions my team is working really hard to give you a tune for every mood this year.”
