Naren's indie round-up/ July 2024 Ep 4 (regional special)

Still from Varijashree Venugopal's video of 'Harivaa Jhari'

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

So far, this blog hasn't reviewed much regional music, barring songs in Punjabi and Rajasthani, and a few abhangs in Marathi. Most often, it was because of unfamilarity with the language, and thus the exact lyrical meaning of the song.

There have, of course, been regular releases of regional songs. So one felt it may be fine to start a round-up maybe once every few months. For the lyrics, one will have to depend on translations or song descriptions found on YouTube. Because they may be followed by those who understand Hindi, songs in Punjabi and Rajasthani will continue to be reviewed along with the regular indie releases, which will be resumed next week. Here's the first lot:

Amrit Ramnath/ Kanavugal Kanden (Tamil)

Label: Sony Music

Rating; *****

The son of singer Bombay Jayashri, Amrit Ramnath is known for songs like the brilliant 'Manase' and 'Nee Oli'. His latest Tamil song 'Kanavugal Kanden' symbolises the contrast between 100,000 dreams and a single reality.

The song arose out of the sudden health setback suffered by Jayashri last year, and is filled with pathos and a feeling of catharsis. It starts with simple guitar lines, and builds up with a string section by the Budapest Scoring Orchestra, with strings arranged by Rithu Vysakh.

The video, directed by Perizad D, shows Amrit on the sea-shore. It is the first single from the EP 100,000 Dreams, due for release in late August. Looking forward.

Ambalika feat. Divya Kumar/ Madol Baje (Bengali, Punjabi)

Label; Self-released 

Rating: ***

Singer Ambalika Mukhopadhya composes this Bengali track 'Madol Baje', which alternates with the opening line of the famous Punjabi song 'Latthe Di Chaadar', sung by Divya Kumar.

The song, produced by the Justin-Uday Duo, has a vibrant folk feel and strong percussion. Sushanta Nandy's flute provides a pleasant backdrop, and there's good use of dotara, banjo and mandolin.

The Bengali lyrics have been written by Manas Mukhopadhya, with additional Punjabi lines by IP Singh of the band Faridkot. It's an interesting mix, though it sounds a bit forced.

Nihira Joshi-Deshpande/ Tumi (Bengali)

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Nihira Joshi-Deshpande is known for her regular Hindi releases. Hailing for Mumbai, she is now settled in Germany. In keeping with her desire to experiment, she released a Bengali song 'Tumi' a few months ago.

Lyrics have been written by Santanu Ghatak. Ashwin Srinivasan produces the song and even plays the bansuri. It's a love song, and one of the lines translates into, "Our story is rather beautiful, and just when it feels it is over, it revives itself again".

Nihira has a very pleasant voice, and she's composed the melody herself. The result is pleasing to the ear.

Varijashree Venugopal/ Harivaa Jhari (Kannada)

Label: GroundUP Music 

Rating: *** 1/2

The talented singer Varijashree Venugopal released the Kannada album Vari in May. A special feature was that it was produced by Michael League of American jazz-fusion group Snarky Puppy.

The video of 'Harivaa Jhari' (Flowing Stream), directed by Soorya Praveen and featuring Preethi Bhardwaj, has a spooky forest look. Varijashree has written and composed the song herself and the lyrics translate to, "I am a flowing stream, I am a shining wave, I am the source to the light of a thousand wishes".

League plays various synthesisers and Pramath Kiran programmes the percussion. Vari's voice dazzles as always.

The Tapi Project feat. Raghu Dixit/ Varsaad (Gujarati, Kannada)

Label: Self-released 

Rating; *** 1/2

Surat-based band The Tapi Project has released its first Gujarati single 'Varsaad', but what's interesting is that it has tied up with Raghu Dixit, who sings a short portion in Kannada.

Vocalist Swati Minaxi uses her typical style to sing about the effect of rains. And with the dual-language approach, the song symbolises the universal nature of the monsoons.

Besides Swati, the Tapi members are Yogendra Saniyawala, Biju Nambiar and Gaurav Kapadia. In terms of style and composition, 'Varsaad' reminds you of their previous song 'Mehsoos'. Swati goes in for high notes at the end. It seems to have been made keeping live performance in mind.

Saroj Kashyap feat. Viyan D'Souza/ Kadala Nodu (Kannada-English).

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Bengaluru-based singer Saroj Kashyap, who has sung English songs like 'Rabbithomes' and 'Nargis' earlier, now goes in for a blend of Kannada and English on 'Kadala Nodu'. She collaborates with singer Viyan D'Souza, who sings the English part.

The song is about love and longing, with Deepa Baraati writing the Kannada lines and Saroj herself penning the English ones. Some of the lyrics translate into "You are now like a dream that haunts me every night, my soul is now giving up".

A highlight of the song is the simple and pleasant composition, with Varun Murali of Swarathma producing and arranging the track. It's a that lingers.