Swati Bhatt Pens an Ode to the ‘Night Queen’ in Lush New Song

New Delhi-based, Raipur-raised singer-songwriter Swati Bhatt’s new song “Night Queen” takes inspiration from the parijat flower which blooms at night, offering a lush and pensive yet powerful sonic narrative.

The second song off her three-track EP Embrace – the title track was out in February this year – Bhatt teams up once again with New York guitarist-producer Bob Lanzetti from fusion stalwarts Snarky Puppy to create a journeying track coupled with colorful visuals filmed by filmmaker/photographer Mohit Tiwari.

The artist says in a statement, “When I look at the moon and stars, I feel a deep connection, knowing I’m not alone and that others are facing their own battles. The Night Queen, the muse of my song, embodies this unity through our shared vulnerabilities while also empowering us. You’re not alone; we’re in this together.”

Inspired by the parijat, Bhatt focuses her lyrics on conjuring a “powerful mythical figure” as the titular persona in “Night Queen.” In a press release, the artist describes this figure as one “who oversees, guides and comforts lost souls through a metaphorical darkness.” The release adds, “She symbolizes resilience and whispers tales of self-discovery while navigating the complexities of human emotion.”

When it comes to setting the mood of the song, Bhatt says she drew from the idea of nighttime being a period of “vulnerability” as well as “silence and stillness.” The artist adds in a press release, “[It’s] when we usually reflect on our wins and losses. Knowing that millions of people around the world are doing the same provides a source of inspiration and strength, reminding us that we are not alone and that overcoming challenges is possible.”

In addition to Bhatt and Lanzetti – who plays guitar – on the song, “Night Queen” features harpist Maeve Gilchrist, pianist and keyboardist Julian Pollack, drummer Suyash Gabriel, plus electronic drum work by Jordan Perlson.

Bhatt has often dived into a cinematic sound for her releases, heard as early as 2019 with the single “Land Of Gold.” In 2020, she released her debut EP Rebuild and followed up with a collaboration with Arunachal singer-songwriter Takar Nabam on “Scarlet Skies” in 2022.

Watch the video for “Night Queen” below. Stream the song here.