Find an injection of music projects released in October 2024 as we track some of the finest storytellers binding the next chapters of their music catalog –
Smokey The Ghost – ‘His Name Is?’
Bengaluru-based socio-conscious rapper Sumukh Mysore aka Smokey The Ghost has followed up his 2020 mixtape ‘Her Name Is?’ unleashing his concept album ‘His Name Is?’ Defined as “an intersectional feminist concept album made for women to give to men,” the nine-track record loops in collaborations with a starry cast of musicians including the likes of Yuhina (spoken word on ‘His Name is ?’), Meba Ofilia (‘My Home’), Roshini Kumar (‘F Body Shaming’), Pratika (‘Honour Killing’), The Zulu Maverick (‘Dear Men’) and producer Lazer X.
“The goal is to take away the emotional burden from women in explaining the patriarchal tendencies of their men who exhibit subtle misogyny in everyday life to its outright expression of domestic violence,” as revealed via email. The album is centered around themes of gender and dives deep into concepts of arranged marriage, body shaming, and honor killing presented in rap, hip-hop, drum & bass, and a flash of heavy/speed metal.
In a nice twist of satire, Smokey hyped his album on social media, posting, “WARNING: This album is a bad trip, if you are the sensitive variety, PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN. Most men who have heard this album have suffered headaches, ear bleeds, and in some cases even a change of character. Rumour has it that male listeners complained of deep regrets towards their actions from the past, attempted isolation, and were called ‘Preachy’ by other male companions. It is advised that you DO NOT LISTEN. Protect your patriarchy, it might make men cry. But it’s only Love.”
Find Smokey The Ghost on: Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify
Trisha J – ‘Red Velvet’ ft. guitaarin and Arjun Menon
Pune-based alternative/indie artist Trisha J expands on her discography with her new single ‘Red Velvet,’ building towards the release of her forthcoming debut EP. Flanked by guitarist/producer guitaarin (Aarin Kothari) and musician Arjun Menon on this venture, Trisha J deemed the single as “where the allure of danger meets the fragile intricacies of the human heart.” She added, “It navigates the turbulent waters of human relationships and self-destructive tendencies, guiding listeners through the delicate balance of love and inner struggles.”
‘Red Velvet’ sculpts a potent ghostly hard-rock single, fitting seamlessly in the alternative space, opening with eerie sonics over which Trisha J hauntingly lays out the lyrics. Spirited bass yanks, fierce electric guitar parts (riffs, solos), action-packed drums, and haunting vocal textures, all mischievously wielded together breathe life into Halloween-leaning music release.
Find Trisha J on: Instagram | Spotify
Friends from Moon – ‘The End’
Musician and composer Ritwik Shivam’s solo project Friends from Moon launched ‘The End,’ a hard-hitting three-track EP, juiced and jotted by progressive-rock, alternative-metal, hard rock, and searing flashes of electronica. Barreling first is ‘The Circle Completes,’ sewed with slick synth movement, meaty techno onslaughts, and industrial metal elements, layered with the vocal mastery of singer Aaina.
Earlier release ‘Away’ sits next, pursued by ‘The Waiting Time’ which sees singer Pritam Adhikary deliver roaring vocals over pounding drums, gritty guitar riffs, and dreamy synth injections. Talking about the EP Shivam voiced via email, “It’s based in a futuristic world with a combination of low life-high tech which is merged with dystopian and cyberpunk aesthetics to define the soundscape.”
Find Friends from Moon on: Instagram | Spotify
Kim The Beloved ft. Tienas & DHP – ‘Gass Dat’
Alternative hip-hop force from Shillong and Aizawl, Kim The Beloved dropped his second single ‘Gass Dat’ via Azadi Records, reeling in the prowess of producer/rapper Tienas, and rap artist DHP. On this outing, Kim The Beloved slips in a message of resilience, humility, and the significance of kicking off one’s journey at the grassroots level.
Kim The Beloved unshakably and robustly delivers his rap verses with flair ladled over a menacing beat. The single is boosted by stellar performances courtesy of Tienas, and later wordsmith DHP dishing out an analysis of society’s infatuation with material success and external validation. Its music video, masterfully crafted by Anush Surya Kumar sees flashy camera work, quickfire transitions, and rolling headshot takes.
Find Kim The Beloved on: Instagram | Spotify
Alif – ‘Sher Dil’
Poet/musician Mohammad Muneem Nazir, recognized under Alif, marked World Mental Health Day by casting out ‘Sher Dil,’ a song that emphasizes how societal pressures and loneliness impact men. The single serves as a follow-up to his ‘I Am Jaadugar’ song and short film, affixed with a hard-rock aesthetic oozing rhythmic drums, fiery electric guitars, plucky bass tugs, and emotive lyrics.
“Having been in that situation myself, where I was made to feel that I should hide my emotions behind the facade of masculinity… I’m acutely aware of the lack of space for, and conversation around, men’s mental health issues,” said Alif in a press statement about the purpose behind a song like ‘Sher Dil’. He further added, “How do men handle their emotional unrest? Do they look weaker because they cry? What pushes them to be quiet or feel angst? These were some of the questions that I wanted to address via this project.”
Find Alif on: Instagram | Spotify
Apurva Kedia – ‘Kitni Haseen Hai Zindagi’
Ranchi-born and Mumbai-based vocalist and music composer Apurva Kedia has followed up her April release ‘Chal,’ with a fresh singer-songwriter ballad ‘Kitni Haseen Hai Zindagi.’ Commencing with crisp acoustic guitar and tidy fret movement, Apurva’s soothing voice is fanned over flowing piano arrangments, the music is deliciously supported by an orchestral-esque string score and delicate vocal harmonies.
Via this single, Apurva calls for listeners to reflect on their life’s journeys and appreciate the happy as well as challenging moments. ‘Kitni Haseen Hai Zindagi’ is Apurva’s third original music release, with her debut EP ‘Love, Loss and Life’ currently taking shape.
Find Apurva Kedia on: Instagram | Spotify
Rono ft. Aarifah – ‘Gulaabi Rahi’
Post his widely appreciated single ‘Stranger,’ singer-songwriter Rono powered up yet another captivating music release in ‘Gulaabi Rahi,’ fusing 80’s indie and alternative influences. The single courses through bleak keys and guitar chords, gradually ascending in tempo shaping a foot-tapping production with drums, and rhythm guitars, commanded Rono’s mellow vocals.
On this number, the multi-instrumentalist shipped in the vocal mastery of Aarifah (on backing vocal harmonies), drums via Suyash Medh, and frequent collaborator Taab Arshad who chipped in with the lyrics and directed the music video. “The song speaks of an unfed love and the sorrow of fighting to let go of something that you fought so hard to get,” shared Rono via press release.
Find Rono on: Instagram | Spotify
Janisht Joshi – ‘Nahi’
Kicking in with breezy string work, Janisht Joshi let loose his freshest tune ‘Nahi’ via Robach Music, an exploration of intentionally steering clear from emotions, and prioritizing self-preservation over vulnerability. Featuring producer Timothy Thampy, the music boasts a tidy balance of acoustic structures and see-saws through a raging techno detail before jumping into a hard-rock presentation.
“This is my first real rock song, and I’ve let myself create something that feels true to me, without worrying about what ‘works'” disclosed the artist via a press note. Janisht also lauded praise at collaborator Timothy Thampy, admitting “He’s made this song what it is with his production skills and ability to deal with my ‘old-man’ explanations of technology.”
Find Janisht Joshi on: Instagram | Spotify
Yohan Marshall and Alyssa Mendonsa – ‘Kaali Raatein’
Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Yohan Marshall adds yet another splendid collaborative effort to his music ledger via his newest Hindi-worded single ‘Kaali Raatein,’ flexing his vocal chops with singer Alyssa Mendonsa. Co-written by Yohan Marshall and lyricist Neeraj Patil, the song kicks off with strummy guitars and gentle key stabs as Alyssa’s dulcet vocals chime in over the acoustic melody.
Post the staunch vocal bellowing segments from Marshall, the single ripens to a heavier rock ballad with thumping percussive action and electric guitar riffs also glimpsed on Yohan’s earlier release, ‘Bawara Mann.’ The song is described as “an emotionally charged exploration of friendship, faith, and the struggle to escape oneself” via a press release.
Find Yohan Marshall on: Instagram | Spotify
G Hill’s Finest – ‘Poppin’ & Shoppin’
Emerging from scenic Garo Hills in Meghalaya hip-hop duo G-Hills Finest led by rappers KiDo AlpH and Riozer TR, drive forward their latest single ‘Poppin & Shoppin,’ a forerunner to their debut mixtape. Stitched together with lyrics in English and Garo over a lethal beat, the duo lyrically reminisces about the rich culture and spirit of Garo Hills while also fiercely spitting bars about thrifting, the path to self-acceptance, and vanity as well as being scrutinized for one’s appearance.
Its music video, directed by Ludzs Nongbak and assisted by Amsrang Chada, captures visuals of daily life (scooter rides, carrom board game, skateboarding, the legendary Yamaha RX 100 motorcycle) and also supplies the translation for the heavy-themed lyrics. “We love to put our heart and soul into the music we make, we write the life we live,” expressed G-Hills Finest.
Find G Hills Finest on Instagram | Artsourced on Spotify
Lakkshya Quartet – ‘Ecstasy’
Lakkshya, the Bangaluru-based contemporary Indian music quartet, continues to map the route toward their approaching debut album. Post their recently concluded European tour, the foursome has unhooked the album’s title track ‘Ecstasy,’ roping in seasoned percussionist B.C. Manjunath, who adds enchanting flavors of the Mridangam to the composition.
This piece skilfully merges traditional Carnatic music with contemporary influences, pushing forward an accelerated tune packed with racing string sections, and delicious Konnakkol exchanges between B.C. Manjunath and musician Sunaad Anoor spooned over dainty key elements.
Find Lakkshya on: Instagram | Spotify | Website
DROP2O – ‘Rahe Hum Jaage’
Hyderabad-based musician Joshua Roy, who releases music under the moniker DROP2O, unshackled his second single ‘Rahe Hum Jaage,’ off his upcoming EP ‘Lost Perfume.’ Hooking in producer Neev Bruv, DROP2O initially serves up a rabid of rap bars over light acoustic guitar strokes before bouncing into a heftier beat, all furnished with melodic textures.
A well-dressed melodic rap offering, ‘Rahe Hum Jaage,’ delves into narratives of toxic relationships and the struggle to break away from them, folded with emotive lyrics and DROP2O’s passionate rapping and crooning.
Find DROP2O on: Instagram | Spotify
Listen to all of these songs and more on TFword’s official playlist –
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