New Music: Kannada Electro-Pop, Jazz from Pune, Hip-Hop from Jaipur and More

New Delhi folk-rock band Chaar Hazaari. Photo: Courtesy of the artist

Mood Swings EP by Shaikhspeare

Mumbai’s seasoned hip-hop artist Shaikhspeare is no stranger to poetic license, given his penchant for hard-hitting rap. But now, the founder of the Bombay Lokal crew showcases a different side to himself on Mood Swings EP, starting right off with the wavy, introspective R&B/trap flavored song “Berukhi,” produced by Apollo Mars. Beatsmith Muntazir takes the production just a step further on “Khwahishein,” the shimmering flourishes allowing Shaikhspeare to ruminate like he’s never done. The vibe changes on the emphatic “True Pain” with Gravity and Neil C.K., plus the disco detour “Mamacita” and the stoner-trap song “Smoke Outta Window.” He swerves on “Marathon” and brings in Ahmedabad rapper Siyaahi, Al.Husxain and Harshal Beats for the storming drill tune “Bombdabad.”

Nightwing by 779B

Pune-based guitarist, bassist and composer Jayant Sankrityayana teams up with multi-instrumentalist Shreyas Iyengar and Easy Wanderlings vocalist Pratika Gopinath (plus guests like pianist-composer Rosemarie Eilert and percussionist Varun Venkit) for a new jazz project called 779B. Right from the opening track “Tonight,” we’re treated to scintillating storytelling that’s well measured. That includes the Eilert-led piano piece “Dreamtime,” the groovy “Circle” and the swaying cadence of “Requiem.” Gopinath leads ardently on “Don’t Get In My Way” and the trio locks into a mesmerizing closing jam on the title track.

“Gangsta Party” by The Flying Turquoise Panthers

Bengaluru-based The Flying Turquoise Panthers take a page right out of Nineties gangsta rap on their latest single “Gangsta Party.” It’s finessed by keyboardist Rohan Kamath and powered by vocalists DHP and STEVIE, who really feed off of each other’s energy, addressing women in the club (which is where they presumably are with this kind of bop) and showing a soft spot for singer-songwriters in their own wry way.

“Hojayega” by Debo Sanyal, Dr. Kritika

Producer-vocalist and synth-pop artist Dreamhour aka Debo Sanyal launched the label Storeroom Co. in mid-2021 and they’ve been making leaps ever since, functioning as a collective of artists and a platform at times. Sanyal teams up with singer-composer Dr. Kritika on their latest release, the Hindi electronic/pop-punk track “Hojayega.” Featuring guitarist Anuj Gurung ripping out a warbly solo at the end of the track, there’s an instant earworm quality in the vocal refrains, which talk about going with the flow, whether that means there’s an earthquake or alien abduction or anything else.

“Khushi 2” by Hemanth Jois

Guitarist-composer Hemanth Jois reimagines his Kannada hit song “Khushi” from 2020 with a sequel of sorts, more perhaps for the sake of visual storytelling. Joined by singer Chethan Naik and the same children’s choir, Jois takes the club-ready EDM route. The euphoric track follows the emotional story of a grandson and his grandmother in her twilight years who celebrate life together. Director Rakshith Thirthahalli captures everything from nature treks to ice creams in the winter, showcasing a heartwarming relationship.

“Rubaroo (acoustic)” by Chaar Hazaari

Originally from their 2017 self-titled debut record, New Delhi folk-rockers Chaar Hazaari tap into the pureness of their song “Rubaroo” for an acoustic version. Although there’s pain and yearning, Chaar Hazaari uses the three-minute track to create a cinematic setting, aided by melodica and string sections to sound straight out of a poignant tale of love.

“Khayal” by Bad Trip Symphony ft Jitansh!

Jaipur hip-hop duo Bad Trip Symphony have launched the lead single from their upcoming third full-length album. Co-produced by beatsmith Jitansh, there’s a shimmering, EDM rhythm that drives “Khayal.” Rapper BadLuck and rapper-producer rbbt lay on steadfast verses but the track’s drop adds for a refreshing twist on their style of hip-hop.

“Shmoyo” by Jayanth Potharaju, Joel Prithvi ft STEVIE

Tormented by the rat race, Chennai pop artist Jayanth Potharaju gets an interdimensional message to change his path in the video for his latest single “Shmoyo.” Produced by Joel Prithvi and featuring a rap section from STEVIE, the electro-pop/hip-hop song shines a light on the frustratingly monotonous life we’ve lived in lockdowns and how they dream of breaking away.