Naren's indie round-up/ Aug 2025, Ep 4

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Janisht Joshi & AtharvaMusic/ Julie

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Two things immediately strike you about the video of 'Julie', released by Janisht Joshi and AtharvaMusic. One is its really cool video, with a retro look and simple storyline. The second is the song's catchy hook, with the line, "Julie, Julie, Julie, maan ja". 

The song involves a scene being shot, with a man proposing to a saree-clad lady, who first rejects him and even throws his flower back at him. Of course, all well's that ends well. Nothing earth-shattering about the story, but the presentation is superb and wacky, with Ashmita Meghrajani and Vansh Sethi playing the lead.

Janisht's videos have always been above par, examples being 'Nahi', 'Yeh Duniya Jala Do' and 'Kaagaz Ke Phool'. In 'Julie', the.musicians themselves dress in 80s-styled attire, and come up with a catchy song, with AtharvaMusic doing the songwriting. Please note, this is more of a YouTube song than a Spotify or Apple one.

Stunt Doubles/ The Fastest Boxer In The East

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Interestingly titled 'The Fastest Boxer In The East', this breezy dance number is rendered by Stunt Doubles, a collaboration between UK-based DJ Anish Kumar and the New York electronic duo Baalti, comprising Jaiveer and Mihir.

One thing the track definitely has is energy. It begins with a barrage of bhangra-styled rhythms. A male vocal line takes over after a minute, and the female singing follows. Though screechy, they go with the song's effervescence.

An electronica back-up peps up the five-minute number. The song opens the Stunt Doubles Pt 2 EP. The other three have a similar percussion-heavy dance vibe, with prominent South Indian and Bollywood influences. Though they get cacophonous at times, one can vigorously tap one's feet.

Browncoat & Nikhil Chinapa/ 1947

Label: Submerge Records 

Rating: ***

Electronic music producers Browncoat and Nikhil Chinapa get together on '1947', a track released on Independence Day. It isn't the regular patriotic song, but uses a sample of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru's famous 'Tryst With Destiny' speech.

Electronic textures are blended with the smooth sarangi sound of Sandeep Mishra of the Benaras gharana. For options, there's the regular piece and a radio edit.

What's interesting is that Chinapa and his label Submerge have invited budding DJs and producers to remix '1947' and add their own spin. Winners will be added to the Satellite Beach December edition line-up besides getting a release deal. DJs, start thinking!

Mishra & Deepa Shakthi/ Kite

Label: Self-released 

Rating: *** 1/2

Known for her Sufiana songs and Punjsbi spiritual numbers, London-based singer Deepa Shakthi now collaborates with UK folk group Mishra.

The tune uses the kite as a metaphor for freedom, with Ford Collier's whistle and Kate Griffin's cello banjo blending with Deepa's Indi-folk and sargams.

Producer Stuart McCallum, known for his work with The Cinematic Orchestra and The Breath, joins in to create a rustic sound. Mishra is admired for its rich, layered textures, and Deepa's singing matches well.

Heeya Tikku/ Kinara

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

With releases like 'Mere Ho' and 'Bombay Rains', singer-songwriter Heeya Tikku has made a mark on the indie scene. In her new release 'Kinara', she approaches the subjects of loss and heartbreak.

The song has the words, "Main chahoon tujhe mile kinara tera, jo na kabhi tu mera ban sakaa" Production is by Aditya Shukla who uses keyboards, string effects and a dreamy aura, building up the effect in the crescendo.

It's a short song of three minutes. Good for the car or radio.






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