Watch Kayan’s Fresh Music Video for New Single ‘Cool Kids’
Actor Mrinal Dutt features in the clip for the Mumbai-based musician’s latest offering
Mumbai-based musician Ambika Nayak aka Kayan. Photo: Ronit Sarkar
Mumbai musician Ambika Nayak is an artist that dons many hats. She fronts R&B/alternative act Kimochi Youkai, is one half of live electronica duo Nothing Anonymous and even releases solo material under the moniker Kayan (her surname spelled backward). “Every process is different but has taught me a lot,” says the artist.
Nayak’s latest offering – produced by ThatKidGoran – is a seamless tune that ties in R&B instrumentation, hip-hop beats, a glossy guitar hook and more, while the vocalist strings together her effervescent melodies and signature delivery over the music. She says, “What you can hear in the vocal writing is a mix of my influences, the artists I listen to every day and what I feel is a distinct Kayan vibe.” The track itself stems from a place of understanding according to the artist. “Understanding that someone wants to fit in or seek validation but also telling them it just won’t matter in the end. You do you,” says Nayak. “Cool Kids” has been mastered by electro-jazz outfit Ape Echoes‘ Sid Shirodkar.
The song’s accompanying video – directed by Rahul Datta from Starving Artist Films – features actor Mrinal Dutt alongside Nayak. The glitchy animation and low lighting add to the charm of the clip as the vocalist sings throughout the video as if she’s speaking to Dutt who falls into the role of wanting to be a “cool kid.” She says, “I play the voice in his head, trying to talk to him through the video but completely ignored.” However, towards the end of the clip, we see that Dutt does acknowledge Nayak’s words.
Recently, Nayak signed with Mumbai-based management and event agency Third Culture and is now planning for more collaborations and music videos next. The artist says, “Our visions aligned so smoothly and that’s what has me thrilled.” Away from music she’s also been modeling and acting too. Nayak adds, “I have so much to share and say and I’m lucky to have so many different channels to do so and now backed by a team to help me put that together in a more refined manner. Only upwards and onwards from here.”
Watch the music video for “Cool Kids” below and stream the song on Spotify.
