Naren's indie round-up - Nov 2021, Ep 2



BY NARENDRA KUSNUR


Raahein By Dear Sunshine/ Sukoon: The Rhythm Of The Soul

Produced by: Dear Sunshine Foundation 

Rating: ****

Raahein is a project initiated by the Dear Sunshine Foundation to support underprivileged and unknown yet talented musicians from the Delhi-NCR region. 'Sukoon' is the first of five tunes being released as part of this initiative.

Featuring 11 musicians playing bansuri, santoor, sitar, guitar, bass, keyboards and tabla, the nine-minute piece is based on raag Yaman. It has been composed by Risshi Sachdev and Mohammed Nizam, who also has a striking santoor part. The video has been shot on the Purana Qila premises.

As the title suggests, the composition creates a mood of serenity. One, however, feels the ending is rather abrupt. The second part of the project, Justaju, is based on raag Jog.


Santanu Ghatak ft Aditi Paul/ Saanware

Label: SharajMusic Originals

Rating: ***

Santanu Ghatak composes and writes this love song, sung by Aditi Paul. The tune uses semi-classical influences and even the lyrics are traditional in style.

"Saanware bata de mohe, bataaoon kya tohe, ke tu na roothe; Saanware yahan bin tere, ujaale andhere, lage jhoothe," sings Aditi.

Aided by Akshay Menon's production, the song has a pleasant vibe. The video could have been more creative, though.


Yogesh Rairikar ft Nihira Joshi/ Kitni Aasaani Se

Label: Self-released

Rating: *** 1/2


Here's a simple ghazal composed by Yogesh Rairikar and sung by Nihira Joshi-Deshpande. Using the standard rhyming format, Dr Sandeep Gupte writes, "Kitni aasaani se woh mujhko bhula dete hain, jaane kis baat ki woh khud ko sazaa dete hain".

Sandra Makin's video has a nice outdoor look. Nihira's voice is perfectly suited for the ghazal format. We had earlier heard her on the salsa tune 'Ishq Manayein Kya', and the new song is an example of her versatility.


Rishaad/ For You

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ** 1/2


On his new single 'For You', Rishaad goes in for a melodic rap style. The song is about the importance of giving in a relationship. "I love you to death but love kills me alright," he sings, though a couple of lines justify the parental advisory.

Rishaad tries to vary his voice at periodic intervals. Though he does that well, the overall structure gets a bit repetitive. Yet, it's something that may work in a club atmosphere, though not too long.


Rajeev Raja/ A Prayer For The Planet

Project by: Music 4 Climate Justice

Rating: ****

Among other things, talented Mumbai-based metal flautist Rajeev Raja is known for his 2013 album Cosmic Chant. His new composition 'A Prayer For The Planet' is part of a project presented by Music 4 Climate Justice, Glasgow.

It's a simple, soothing piece where Rajeev is backed by keyboardist Rahul Wadhwani. The video visuals, edited by Vidit Bhatnagar, go well with the tune.

The project also features flautists from Ghana, New York, Kathmandu and Indonesia. It's another feather in Rajeev's cap.

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