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Hindi Indie Songs Jan-Feb 2024

Updated: Feb 23

Chalte Huye - Joell

Written by : Abhishek Shukla & Joel


"Chalte Huey" wraps around you like an already warm blanket on a chilly day. The soundscape is remarkably soothing, lacking any sharp edges—like the softness of an analog photograph. This song, I reckon, must have made the valentines day of many in love.


It begins with a verse that doubles as a chorus, with Joel's melodic 'Nana nana' lifting spirits and lightening hearts. Joel has this “My-Kinda” narrative style, that feels like a story. He starts with two stable chords, leading into a pre-chorus crafted from what I call 'tendency chords,' which then gracefully resolves into a beautiful chorus.


Abhishek Shukla's lyrics add to the song's light and lovely atmosphere. One particular line that stands out is "Rasta nahin, Manzil nazin, acha hua tu hai." The 3 songs in the EP 'Neo Nazmein' are based on the poetry of Tehzeeb haafi & Abhishek Shukla. The arrangement is a thing of beauty, with a muffled snare, an analog synth sound on delay, and a plethora of intriguing sonic elements coming together harmoniously.


In essence, "Chalte Huey" is a serene journey adorned with subtle complexities, offering warmth to listeners. A beautiful song to listen in the night in peace to enjoy it’s true beauty.




Ansunaa Sa - The White Window, Archana Kamath Hegdekar &  Shon Pinto 

Written & Performed by: Archana Kamath Hegdekar &  Shon Pinto 


"Ansunaa Sa" serves as the debut song for The White Window, and it kicks off with a pleasant blend of open plucking, chords, and harmonics. As the song progresses, it gradually unfolds into a catchy pop chorus set in a 7/8 time signature—a unique twist that keeps things interesting.


Transitioning into new territory, the track introduces a fresh blend of elements, including a nice synth bass and a bright dance piano, evoking a cool 90s pop vibe. Archana's vocals are a breath of fresh air, effortlessly carrying the song forward with grace.


The arrangements feel innovative, with each element adding its own distinct flavor to the mix. A standout moment arrives with a brief yet beautiful guitar solo, adding a touch of flair before seamlessly transitioning back into another verse. The key change towards the final chorus and outro adds a nice dynamic shift to the song. While the initial surprise factor is enjoyable, there's a sense that the song changes pace a bit too frequently, which might detract from its overall impact. Nonetheless, its a beautiful debut for The White Window.


@thewhitewindow21 @shonpinto1



Aashista - Khatth, Suparna

Produced by: Shruti Prakash Dash


"Aahista" offers a pleasant acoustic experience with vocals that exude warmth and maturity. The song follows a narrative influenced by Indian classical music, incorporating elements of improvisation throughout. Classical influences are evident, particularly in the subtle pre-chorus that builds anticipation for the forthcoming chorus.


The chorus, with its captivating line "khahishon Ke title jo udthi hai," is the focal point, enhanced by a soft synth arp that seamlessly ties the song together. The male lead singer has this seasoned Zen thing that soothes me no matter how low, high the notes he sings are. As the song transitions to Suparna's delicate vocals, her textured voice shines, especially in the emotive delivery of "manzoor tujhko hai phir kyun ye khamoshiyan." Absolutely beautiful harmonies in that part.


The beats, evolving with each section, add an engaging dynamic to the song. The track reaches its peak at the 3:06 mark with the arrival of the chorus, leaving a lasting impact. It just gets colorful. I imagine the immersive experience an ATMOS mix of this song would offer, Is it too much to ask?


Overall, "Aahista" is an honest composition, characterized by brilliant songwriting, arrangement, and performances. It's a must-listen for those seeking authentic musical craftsmanship.




Meri Ye Raahein - Shane Stephen

Written, Performed & Produced by: Shane Stephen


"Meri Ye Raahein" welcomes us with a gentle guitar intro, showcasing the purity of a clean acoustic sound complemented by vocals devoid of heavy effects. The chorus stands out with a tasteful use of falsetto, adding a layer of depth to the song.


Shane wears multiple hats as the writer, performer, and producer of this track. His soft, airy vocals draw us in, setting a tranquil atmosphere throughout. A pleasant surprise awaits in the bridge, where an accidental chord leaves behind a lingering sense of longing.


The subtle inclusion of tabla here and there evokes a nostalgic charm reminiscent of 90s indie music on MTV, evoking a sense of fond remembrance, at least for some. Behind the scenes, the mix and production deserve commendation for their neatness and subtlety. Each element finds its place in the sonic landscape, creating a harmonious blend that is both pleasing to the ear and soothing to the soul. The result is a polished yet authentic sound that invites listeners to immerse themselves fully in the music.


Overall, "Meri Yen Raahein" is a gentle, enjoyable song that invites listeners to sit back and soak in its soothing melodies.


@shanestephen_



Farishtey - Siddhant Goenka

Written, Performed by: Siddhant Goenka


Siddhant Goenka's artistry transports listeners into his own realm, where characters come alive amidst his melodies.

"Farishtey's Theme" delves into the depths of emotional anguish and broken promises, using rain as a poignant metaphor.


The lyrics, especially the line "Farishtey hai mujhse kahe aa chal tu ghar lot chal," suggest a plea for solace in challenging times and the hope of a brighter future. Siddhant's vocals resonate with a depth that sets them apart from the ordinary voices we often encounter on Spotify.


The song features a mysterious guitar riff and a tasteful arrangement of guitar and drums, allowing the vocals to take center stage without unnecessary theatrics. There's a refreshing honesty to the composition, with a steadfast commitment to its thematic core, devoid of any unnecessary distractions. The song begins with a haunting melody reminiscent of a music box, transitioning seamlessly into the realm of rock.


In essence, "Farishtey's Theme" is a sincere composition executed with finesse. It's a rare gem that stands out for its authenticity and deserves a listen for those seeking something off the beaten path.


@siddhantgoenka.official



Humdum - Anushka Gupta, Robin Patial

Written & Performed by : Anushka Gupta

Produced by : Robin Patial

Anushka's voice is a standout feature in this song, radiating warmth and sincerity. The lyrics, crafted from random words suggested on Instagram, carry a sense of intimacy and authenticity. Particularly, the line "tu hai sath mein, na koi shikayathen" resonates deeply in today's context.


The minimal arrangement, adorned with unconventional ethnic tones, adds a unique flavor to the song. It navigates through various emotional peaks and valleys seamlessly, with the inclusion of ethnic elements and woodwind instruments enhancing the overall rhythm and vibe. Anushka's performance is characterized by its cleanliness and depth, evoking a sense of intimacy akin to witnessing someone experiencing a profound moment. The mix and production of the song are commendable, The blend of ethnic tones and woodwind instruments is balanced seamlessly, contributing to the song's overall allure and charm.


Overall, this song offers a tranquil listening experience, perfect for moments of peaceful contemplation. Anushka emerges as an artist to watch in the music industry.


@_anushka_gupta__ @robinnmusic



Chupke Se - Apurva Krishna, Manya Narang

Written, Composed & Produced by: Apurva Krishna

Perfomed by: Manya Narang


"Chupke Se" gently unveils itself with the ethereal vocals of Manya Narang, accompanied by the comforting harmonies of Apurva, reminiscent of the emotional depth found in "Shauk Hai." Opening like a vast, starlit sky, the song gracefully navigates the intricacies of human emotion, pondering the question of why certain feelings arise.


The song's narrative unfolds with a maturity and rhythmic precision, distilling its essence to only the most essential elements. Manya's exquisite performance showcases a delicate beauty that leaves listeners yearning for more of her artistry, while Apurva's backing vocals offer a reassuring presence akin to that of a trusted confidant.


With its simple yet effective arrangement, mixing "Chupke Se" becomes a seamless endeavor, allowing the song to effortlessly weave its way into the hearts of its audience. As it gradually grows on listeners,


"Chupke Se" emerges as a must-listen track from the duo, offering a poignant musical journey that lingers in the mind long after its final note fades away.


@apurvakrishnaofficial @iammanyanarang 



Barsaat - Prismin

Written, Produced & Performed by: Prismin


The vocals and backing vocals in this track stand out as notable strengths, with well-executed pauses and surprisingly analog sounds woven throughout the arrangement. Prismin's vocals carry a raw honesty that eschews unnecessary embellishments, while the heavily tuned and processed backing vocals serve as a complementary layer, doubling as a pad in certain sections.


Listeners are encouraged to pay attention to the line that emerges around the 2:20 mark, where skillful use of backing vocals adds depth and texture to the composition. The inclusion of flute and percussion in certain portions creates an intriguing contrast to the rest of the song, showcasing Dipsne's talent for unconventional arrangement and production.


While the song maintains a consistent root chord throughout, a few deviations could have added additional dimension to the overall sound. Prince Saini's smooth lyricism shines in Prismin's performance, contributing to the song's technical brilliance and honest execution.

In summary, this track is a technically impressive and well-crafted piece of music that merits attention, definitely worth a listen.


@prismin1 @dipsne 



Raaste - Shazvit

Performed, Arranged & Produced by: Shazvit

Composed by : Sayyed Mannan Ahmed


"Raaste" envelops listeners in a warm acoustic embrace, inviting them to immerse themselves in Shazvit's layered vocals, which resonate harmoniously with the song's theme. The inclusion of full tabla usage adds a rich flavor of sound, injecting the track with rhythmic intricacies that elevate the listening experience.


What sets "Raaste" apart is its carefully crafted arrangement, which features acoustic guitar, layered vocals, and tabla in blend seamlessly together. Despite its minimalistic approach, the arrangement manages to engage listeners from start to finish, drawing them into its sonic landscape with each passing moment.


One of the most noteworthy aspects of "Raaste" is its mix, which exudes an organic quality reminiscent of a live concert performance. Indeed, "Raaste" represents a fusion of Western and Indian indie styles, seamlessly blending elements from both worlds to create a musical journey that resonates with chill vibes and wanderlust. Its soothing tones make it the perfect companion for travel and road trips, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.


@shazvitz 


Raaton Me Ojhal - Antara Ansuna

Written & Performed by: Antara Ansuna

Produced by: Sangeeth Peter 

Released by : Firstwav


"Raaton Me Ojhal" possesses a subtle allure that gradually draws listeners into its realm, refusing to release its hold once it has ensnared their attention. Antara's vocals exude a sense of joy and contentment, their layered intricacies weaving seamlessly together to complement the song's classical essence. The harmonies effortlessly intertwine, evoking a similar emotional resonance to that of "Phir Le Aaya".


An interesting aspect of the song is the use of tabla, adding a traditional flair that enhances its overall appeal. The transition to the second verse introduces a new dimension, transporting listeners to a different emotional plane. However, it's the moment at the 3:14 mark where the layers of vocals converge and counter each other that truly captivates, demanding to be experienced firsthand."Raaton Me Ojhal" boasts a mix and master that give a  polished and flawless quality that feels like a dream. 


It's remarkable to consider that such a mature and nuanced composition could emerge from the mind of a young individual. This fact alone commands respect and admiration, further solidifying the song's place. Respect. 



Please listen to these songs, and other artists in these playlists, and Follow





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