Naren's indie round-up/ Sept 2022, Ep 1

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

The PropheC/ Secrets

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Indo-Canadian singer and producer Neal Chatha, who goes by the name The PropheC, has been consistently churning out catchy Punjabi songs for over a decade. His first single 'Sohni' made him popular among the expat audience.

The new PropheC release 'Secrets' again falls in the bhangra-pop space, with a catchy hook, strong choruses, vibrant rhythms and smart production. The lyrics talk of knowing the secrets a lover keeps in her heart.

The song is reminiscent of the group Stereo Nation, with its Indo-global feel. Hector Toro's video is an asset, shot in snow-capped locales with The PropheC and model Esha Jas. The melody and visuals are in good sync. In fact, The PropheC has had some fantastic videos earlier too.

Mirande Shah/ Krishna Nee Begane 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

In 1996, the Colonial Cousins Hari and Lezz gave their own twist to the traditional Kannada bhajan 'Krishna Nee Begane Baaro'. While many artistes have rendered it, the latest version by Ahmedabad singer Mirande Shah is worth checking out.

Mirande has a pleasant voice, and does justice to the 15th century Vyasatirtha composition in raag Yaman. Vijay Tambe's bansuri adds to the aura, and Shubham-Saurabh do a good job on programming.

Mirande appears in traditional attire in the video, which also features child star Little Amogh. Sanjukta Sinha's choreography adds value. The song was released on Janmasthami but can be played any time. 

Gauri Pathare & Dr Shashank Katti/ Gajawandana 

Label: Times Music Spiritual 

Rating: ****

Among the releases timed for the Ganesh festival, there is 'Gajawandana' by classical vocalist Gauri Pathare. The music has been composed by sitar maestro Dr Shashank Katti, with Marathi lyrics by Gururaj Sadhle.

The opening lines are, "He Gananayak Varada Vinayak, swaramaya tuchi omkara; Mangalamaya tava gaaooni stavaney, bharoo de mama mana gaabhara". The written lyrics are part of the video.

Besides footage of Gauri singing, the video has shots of artisans at work. It's done stylishly.

Raghav Chandra/ Limitless 

Label: Self-released

Rating: ***

The son of popular violinist Sharat Chandra Srivastava, Raghav has released his debut single 'Limitless'. As the track suggests, it's been inspired by the fact that music has no boundaries.

Composed in the Kafi that, it starts with a melodic violin line before getting into brisk improvisation space, and returning to the main melody. 

Though he's trained in the Hindustani classical tradition, Raghav has been exposed to different genres through his father, who's played with the bands Mrigya and Parikrama. Good way to start.

Zachary Ray feat. Siddharth Basrur/ Danger 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Prolific songwriter Zachary Ray has released his latest single 'Danger', this time teaming up with popular Mumbai vocalist Siddharth Basrur. The song is about finding someone to cling to in times of danger.

After singing about the negative things surrounding us, Basrur sings, "But when I think about your face, all the pain goes away, I feel like I'm alive, can breathe, can rest here in one place".

The song has been released with a lyrical video which has repetitive images. But the lyrics are smooth and create an impact.