top of page

Tamil Indie Songs - May/Jun/Jul 2024

Kannadi Mugam - Vishnu

Lyrics & Sung by: Vishnu

Music & Production - Vishnu & Jude Niranjan

"Kannadi Mugam" is a rock anthem that taps into the indomitable spirit within each of us. Composed by Vishnu and Jude Niranjan, with lyrics and vocals by Vishnu, this song brings a fresh energy to the Tamil music scene.


It's a straight-up rock song that kicks off right with the chorus, featuring gritty vocals and solid muted guitars. One interesting element is how the guitars, bass, and vocals all hit the same notes yet manage to sound harmonious.


The drums use an open, dead snare and rides effectively, adding to the raw feel of the track. There's also an engaging rap-like portion that brings a nice twist to the song. I particularly liked the line, "..nee yaro pola irukiya, ellame kanavu..." which resonates deeply. I'm sure we have all felt at some point that we are not being ourselves.


The mix and mastering by Jude Niranjan are smooth and balanced, making it a standout indie rock song despite the current trend towards louder, more aggressive mixes. "Kannadi Mugam" is a great addition to the Tamil rock genre and is definitely worth a listen.


@indieartistsriviishnu @jude.niranjan @vibelabstudio


Ulagham - Bebhumika & pixl

Written & Performed by : Bebhumika & pixl


"Ulagham" is a beautiful song that I accidentally came across, and I was taken aback. It is an intriguing track that brings a raw, intimate vibe. The song opens with its not-so-wide guitar sound. Bebhumika's vocals are the highlight, weaving a compelling narrative that draws you in. I love songs that tell stories, and this one does it beautifully.


The phrasing is interesting, with unpredictable improvisations that keep you on your toes. The pre-chorus and chorus, particularly the lines "koodadhu, poradhu, enjenmam unakkaga," stand out with their emotional intensity.


Bebhumika’s voice carries a subtle folk touch, adding an authentic layer to the song. The male backing vocals in the chorus add depth to an already rich composition. The percussion work is impressive, featuring interesting programming that complements the song's gritty feel. However, a tad less pitch retuning would have made it even better, though I'm guessing that was an intentional artistic choice.


Overall, "Ulagham" is a unique track with a lot of heart and creativity. Definitely worth a listen. I find myself looping the song, and then looping the loop.


@bebhumika and @pixl


Aaruyire - Prasanna Suresh & Shakhisree Gopalan

Composed & Produced by: Prasanna Suresh

Vocals Performed by: Shakthisree Gopalan & Prasanna Suresh.

Lyrics: Vignesh Ramakrishna

It feels like discovering a hidden gem. Prasanna Suresh has delivered what I can only describe as an explosive love song. I hit play on this song, with the same excitement as a child unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning, eager to hear Shakthisree’s performance. She sings Aaruyire light and sweet as Madeleines.


Just when you catch your breath after the first verse, Prasanna enters with another beautiful verse, accompanied by tablas. 'Oh kanmaniye unnidam odi vandhene' shows that a melting point in a song doesn't need to be complex or fancy. He steals Shakthisree's thunder in that verse.


The lyrics, composition, and narrative are beautiful, and the production is brilliant. It's refreshing to hear a song that uses techno sounds and a load of stutters and still sounds so smooth, thanks to the production. The use of nadaswaram is a pleasant surprise, creating a cocktail of beautiful elements topped with


It is very interesting to see how Shakthisree sounds different with every composer and mix. It is awesome to see a singer doing 'Kalla Kalavani', 'Railin Oligal', 'Aganaga', and sounding original every time. One of those songs that makes me feel like no one else could have sung it.


A racing chorus, 'Aaruyire, aruyire,' is intense, a kind that I have not felt in a while. The song is filled with a lot of interesting ideas and touches, so teasing that a few don't repeat. I loved the use of synth bass to its fullest—one of the best uses of synth I've heard recently, I should say. And Rupendar Venkatesh's mix is something that I enjoy separately, excellence in every aspect. Truly an essential track.


And seriously, why isn't this trending?


@officialprasannasuresh @shakthisreegopalan @vigneshramakrishnalyricist @rupendar_venkatesh @outflymusic



Uyiralaye - Ashwin Vinayagamoorthy & Shasha Tirupati

Composed & Produced by: Ashwin Vinayagamoorthy

Vocals: Shasha Tirupati

Lyrics by: Kabilan


Ashwin’s compositions have consistently resonated with me, and this one is no exception. It's refreshing to hear Shashaa Tirupati in a non-film context again, especially after the lingering charm of her track "Un Tholil Naan Saaya."


The song dives straight into a memorable melody with an instantly hummable quality and transitions smoothly into the verse. From the start, I was struck by the simplicity of the production. The effects are minimal, allowing the authentic piano and organ backing to shine. The interlude stands out with its vibrant mix of violins, guitars, harmonies, and engaging percussion, including the unique gum-chikum element.


The production is worth noting for its thoughtful selection of instruments, chord progressions, and layering. The bass and backing vocals show a creative touch, while the unconventional percussions add a punchy edge. Shashaa Tirupati’s performance is breezy and bright, adding a special quality to the track. It is a surprise to know that Siennor has played the piano and Synth, his touch is original, as I said earlier


Overall, it's a beautiful composition, well-executed, and technically impressive. Definitely something that I will be listening to, a lot!


@ashwinvinayagam @sashasublime @kabilan_kavi @believemusicindia @haikumusicco @shimmrstudios @siennor.wav



Vaanavil Niraikava - Surya Srini & Swathi Ramachandran

Composed & Produced by: Surya Srini

Vocals: Swathi Ramachandran & Surya Srini

Lyrics by: Jennifer Rajasekhar & Kirthiga Seenuvasan

After writing about “Vaazhvin Ellai Varai,” it’s great to see Surya Srini return with another track that stands out - "Vaanavil niraikava". Even the song title says a lot!


The song kicks off with a trippy guitar intro that sets a distinct tone. Swathi’s voice adds a unique touch, especially when paired with double tracked vocals, her performance creates a vocal texture, something fresh and original.


The narrative of the song is engaging, reflecting a sincere approach to music production. The song’s shifting styles keep things interesting, though the mix could have been a bit tighter. The atmospheric sounds and drops enhance the overall experience, adding depth to the track.


The transition at the 3:02 mark is particularly striking, showcasing how the mix and production can effectively narrate a story rather than just serve as technical components. The tightly packed lyrics are noteworthy, and while the percussion programming could have been more polished, the creative ideas are clear. I also enjoyed the segment at 3:17, which evokes the lively atmosphere of a Tamil wedding.


Overall, this is a compelling and intriguing song.


@creator.surya @steaksauz @jenniferajasekar @krithiga_ifs @rafi_yoke @vignesh_1502 @sanjeevi_easwar and @prabu_grahinsadhu


Thayangamale - Shankara

Composed by: Shankara

Written by: Srividya Sundaresan & Shankara

Produced by: Sebastian lzaciga

Thayangamale is a gorgeous carnatic based composition, composed by Shankara. The opens with a refreshing acoustic setup that feels like catching a live band performance.


The melody and lyrics are solid, though there are moments where shorter syllables seem stretched, slightly disrupting the flow. Despite this, the song stands out for its originality and the strong vocal performance.


Shankara’s classical vocal techniques are a highlight, showcasing his mastery with intricate phrasing and a rich texture that adds depth to the song. His use of classical techniques not only enhances the emotional impact but also brings a sophisticated edge to the performance. The vocal texture is compelling, with a clarity and warmth that complements the acoustic arrangement perfectly.


There are several pleasant surprises in the vocal delivery, adding layers of interest and keeping the listener engaged. Overall, the song's originality and Shankara's impressive vocal execution make it a standout piece.

@kingkantan


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



Please contact theChennaiCurator if you want to add your Tamil Indie song to this playlist.

@thechennaicurator / thechennaicurator@gmail.com


28 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page