Naren's indie round-up - Nov 2021, Ep 3

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Mahati Subramaniam/ How We Feel

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Music is in Mahati Subramaniam's genes, being the granddaughter of ace violinist L Subramaniam and singer Kavita Krishnamurthy Subramaniam, and daughter of vocalist Bindu Subramaniam. At 10, she's released her first video.

'How We Feel' is a motivational song for children, as Mahati sings, "Don't forget about how we feel". The song has a catchy hook. In the video, she also plays keyboards and violin, besides doing a gymnastics routine.

Mahati has composed the tune and written the words herself. Surely, it's an impressive creation.

Nikitaa/ Farewell 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Los Angeles-Mumbai singer-songwriter Nikitaa has just released her 12-song album High Priestess. While she has earlier put out some singles as part of the build-up, her new song 'Farewell' is about a relationship gone awry.

"I think that it's time we say farewell", sings Nikitaa as the song brims with angst and helplessness. Ria Punjabi's video, featuring Delton Dsouza as male lead, goes with the song's emotions.

Nikitaa has also collaborated with American duo Flyana Boss on 'Boomerang'. Check it for Amna Abbas' brilliant video cartoon graphics.

Druv Kent/ In Your Name

Label: Self-released 

Rating; *** 1/2

India-born, Singapore-based Druv Kent has invariably displayed a good sense of composition and a pleasant vocal style. He's now released the video of 'In Your Name', and continues in the same vein.

"Don't build those walls so fortified, tear 'em down from inside, lay down your weapons with no shame, don't let this happen in your name", sings Druv, as he's backed by guitar, keys, bass and drums.

The video has some remarkable shots, like the one with smoke rising from within a heart-shaped enclosure (in picture above), or a placard saying 'Save Earth'. Overall, the song scores for both its writing and its visual appeal. 

DJ Shilpi Sharma/ Satrangi Piya

Label: Artist Originals 

Rating: ***

Known for her Bollywood remixes, DJ Shilpi Sharma is out with her first original single 'Satrangi Piya'. The love song has been sung by Samarth Swarup and Prakriti Kakar.

It's a melodious track backed by a romantic video featuring Shilpi and Arjun Menon. Kunaal-Rangon assist on the composition, using mellow orchestrations, aided by guitars and harmonium.

Kunaal Verma's lyrics use sunlight and shade, the moon and stars as metaphors. It's an easy-going relaxed number.

Badshah ft Nikhita Gandhi/ Jugnu

Label: Universal Music

Rating: ** 1/2

Sorry, but I plead guilty for four of the 70 million views Badshah's new song 'Jugnu' has got at last count. And those four 'organic' views happened only because I had to review the song.

The song has a peppy beat, alright, and I may shake my two left feet if this plays at a pub. The co-singer Nikhita Gandhi is fine too, and the model Akanksha Sharma dances much better than me.

But you have the same dark glasses, dance steps and choreography that have existed since video killed the radio star four decades ago. On top of that, there are lyrics like, "Duniya meri dark si mein light si ek jal gayee, yeah!" Obviously a tubelight like me will never get it.