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india

Interview: Prithvi Prakash is the caring role model the world needs

Posted on 10 May 2023

Known best for beautiful releases such as Yarn and Balance, we sat down with Prithvi Prakash recently and had one of those genuine chats you just can’t make up. She flows so splendidly and gives the world those tender Butterfly kisses we all needed, on this massively insightful interview.

Hello there. We truly appreciate your time. Please tell us more about how you started in the music world and what fueled your passion.

I’ve been singing since the age of four or five. At the age of six, I started learning Indian classical music when I moved to India and through that I stayed connected with music for the next 10 years. But I think I realized that I wanted to pursue music full-time after I came to Berklee College of Music.

Tell us more about living in India and USA. Which country do you prefer and what are the differences in your opinion?

So I was born in the US and I was brought up in India. I’ve lived about 12 years in India and came back to the US for college. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite but I think I’m grateful for having experienced the culture of two different countries. Living in India had me exposed to a very different music scene. I was trained in Indian classical music and also grew up on a lot of Indian film music. Then I came to the US and I was exposed to the whole Indie scene in the US which is way bigger in the US than it is in India. With that came a whole bunch of genres including EDM, singer-songwriter, folk music and everything in between. I think my experiences of living in both these countries has helped me understand my sound as a musician and opened my mind up to so many different opportunities that I can access in both countries.

Please tell us about your most recent release and the creative process involved.

My most recent release is called Butterfly. The song is extremely special to me. The song is written from the perspective of my parents. One day during the pandemic I was just inspired and the first thought that crossed my mind was how it must feel for my parents to have me grow up and leave the house and go out there to make my own identity after having nurtured me and protected me for all these years. Butterfly is a metaphor for the metamorphosis of a butterfly from a caterpillar and is written from the lens of a mother or a parent watching that metamorphosis and the different emotions they experience while watching their child go through life.

How do you distinguish yourself from other artists?

I don’t think I have ever written a song or produced a track with the thought that I need to be different or I need to stand out from other artists because that really hinders the natural creative process. Having said that, I do bring in little elements of my culture and of my influences that I have grown up listening to into my music. These experiences are unique to me and by bringing them into my music I can only hope that I can create a signature for myself.

How have your experiences crafted your sound to what it is now?

Having trained in Indian classical music for over 15 years the way I think about melody is heavily influenced by that. Along with that I also listened to a lot of AR Rahman, Coldplay and Taylor Swift and this unique blend of such different influences helps me craft a sound that is unique to me.

Where is one venue or festival you’d love to play live?

I have never played a Sofar concert before and I would love to play a Sofar concert or any sort of intimate concert because I think my music is very emotionally intimate. The thought of being able to connect emotionally with all the people in a room through my music is far more exciting to me than playing a large festival with thousands of people in the audience – though, I am not complaining if it happens!

Last, what are your hopes and dreams for your career?

I just want to make good music, really high-quality music and reach new audiences to take my music where it deserves to be taken.

–

Turn this up on Spotify.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Just For Us: Prithvi Prakash flies so high in the awaiting pureness of the friendly Butterfly

Posted on 9 May 2023

Breezing away the darkness and all those sneaky distractions, Prithvi Prakash turns our moods around with a beautifully thoughtful single all about the gliding Butterfly.

Prithvi Prakash is a Texas, USA-born Bangalore, India-raised indie alternative artist and music producer who performs with grace and love on each track.

”Prithvi’s artistic vision involves creating an immersive experience with each song through sonic storytelling.” ~ Prithvi Prakash

Breathtaking for all the right reasons, Prithvi Prakash is a kindhearted angel who sings with a glorious mindset which keeps it genuine. It’s rather hard to dislike a single made with such an understanding of the needs of a lost world who need to see the loveliness of nature again.

Butterfly from Bangalore, India-raised indie alternative artist/music producer Prithvi Prakash is the kind of peaceful melody which should make cold hearts heat up in unison. This is a wonderful track that will ease the wicked worries of current times, to unleash a smile-filled aura to make everything okay again.

Stunning our souls and washing away the pain, is a reminder that the world can be so simple if we just stop and look up.

Turn this up deep on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Interview: Upasak Mukherjee tells us more about the Resolution (Berklee Two Track)

Posted on 16 March 2023

We had the pleasure of speaking with Upasak Mukherjee recently and we found out more about Resolution (Berklee Two Track). Finding out more about India, travelling and Valencian orange juice, we hear how epic 2023 has been so far for this talented and humble creative.

It’s a pleasure to sit down with you Upasak. How was your 2023 been so far and what would you recommend as a healthy breakfast?

Upasak: 2023 has been really epic as of yet! I started the year off by taking my temporary leave from Boston and moved to Spain for the coming semester in Berklee Valencia. Other than all things music, I’ve been travelling around Europe and trying to learn about this beautiful part of the world as much as possible. Going with the theme of Spain, a healthy breakfast would be some café con leche and bocadillo with plenty of olives. Maybe on other days, some Valencian orange juice can substitute the coffee!

How has your connection with Berklee College of Music helped your career so far?

Upasak: After getting accepted into Berklee, I have been a part of some amazing collaborations and projects. Other than having uber-talented classmates and professors, some opportunities that arise simply from being a part of the college is mind blowing! I have had the opportunity to collaborate with the Grammy-nominated Indian Ensemble and record for the Grammy-winning producer John Paterno. I have also had the opportunity to collaborate with Rob Lewis and Kala Ramnath ji, both of whom have been part of Grammy-winning albums. I have also been a part of several performances in Berklee’s biggest venue, one of which has been streamed in the Georgetown Literary Festival. Recently, I have been featured on Berklee’s YouTube channel performing two of my tracks, including one original. I am also a board member of the Film Scoring Network club in Berklee and have had the good fortune of interviewing people like John Roesch, who has worked on the sound design of several iconic movies like Star Wars, The Dark Knight, the Matrix Trilogy, etc. Being a student ambassador, I have also represented my college at Interlochen Center for the Arts. These are just some of the things that come to mind, and this list is ever-expanding! I am looking forward to many more exciting things in the future!

What do you miss most about India?

Upasak: The food! After travelling outside India, I am convinced that Indian cuisine, especially Bengali dishes are the king of all food.

What advice would you give to emerging creatives in this industry?

Upasak: Don’t compare yourself to anyone. There will always be someone “better” than you in whatever field you are in. Be curious about what makes other people shine while being grounded in your own strengths. The good thing about being a musician is that it is a group activity. Take advantage of that. Collaboration is always a better alternative to competition!

What was the training like to be a tabla player, producer, composer and student of Film Scoring?

Upasak: I have been a student of the Tabla for a very long time! Learning the art of Tabla playing from my Guruji, Pt Subhen Chatterjee has shaped my entire musical identity. I have been lucky enough to have learnt the traditions of this age-old art from him and my newer musical adventures are definitely rooted in this knowledge. Film Scoring has also been a big curiosity in my musical life, and I am currently learning the technicalities of the art in Berklee. I have also been really inspired by Andrew Huang’s goofy music production videos and after taking his course, I decided to learn the art professionally. Currently, I am doing a major in Film Scoring and minor in Music Technology in Berklee. I regularly compose for scenes and am currently engineering and producing a few songs in the Berklee Valencia studios with my talented friends. Having a deep knowledge about these very different areas of music-making is definitely not easy and it takes a lot of time, effort and practice to get better. I am learning, creating and working hard in developing my craftsmanship in these areas every day and the growth I am experiencing in Berklee is very satisfying!

Please tell us more about Upa Chalupa” and “Tabla Solo (Rela)” by Pt. Subhen Chatterjee.

Upasak: “Upa Chalupa” is the latest in a series of music videos I have been working on since the last year. It all began when Desiree, who was in my harmony class, told me that she wanted to collaborate with me. These collaborations resulted in some Instagram videos that gained a lot of popularity in Berklee and eventually, I applied for the Two Track auditions and got in! “Upa Chalupa” is definitely the most elaborate of my rhythmic arrangements as of yet. It uses many elements from Indian classical music, like Sawaal Jawaab, Tukdas, Chakkardars, etc. I also like to learn and incorporate any rhythmic elements that I find attractive in my own compositions and hence, you will find sections with metric modulation, beatboxing, J Dilla beats, baião grooves, etc. All these elements make the track truly global! The Tabla solo is something that I learnt from my Guruji a few years back. It is a traditional composition in the cycle of fifteens. Even though it is a traditional composition, I incorporated the harp in this track, since the tone and the mood fit perfectly in this arrangement and this combination of instruments is very rare, resulting in another unique soundscape!

Last, how would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard a song before?

Upasak: This sound will brighten your day, make you dance and move, but also, it will make you count beats and look deeply into the rhythm! It will take you on a journey and fill your heart with joy!

–

Listen up on YouTube.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Ira Sharma Interview: Soaking our hungry souls on the stunning Shy

Posted on 26 December 2022

Dual majoring it up and showing us her boss mentality, Ira Sharma opens the door and lets us into her music life and more. Talking about her latest single Shy, her love for nature and letting us into her early years singing, we find out what it’s like to be chasing your dreams no matter the challenges.

Hello there Ira Sharma. Thank you for chatting with us. Where can we find you today and what kind of breakfast usually puts you in good spirits?
Ira: Hey Llewelyn, thanks for having me as a guest on your esteemed blog. I am currently in Delhi, India and my all-time favorite breakfast, that not only fuels my body but also puts me in good spirits is dosa, a thin crepe made of lentils served with sambar, a spicy lentil-based vegetable stew. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t tried it.

Please tell us about your mesmerizing new single called Shy. What was the inspiration for your latest creation and how did the process develop with your producer, Palash?
Ira: “Shy” is the name of my latest single that came out November 26th on all streaming platforms. It’s an electrifying dance pop track produced by my incredible friend and producer, Palash. As students of Berklee College of Music, Boston, we had a Writing Bootcamp, in which we had the opportunity to submit our tracks to executives from major record labels like, Warner Music Group, Universal, Capitol, and so on… So, naturally, Palash and I were down for the challenge, and luckily enough, out of hundreds of submissions, “Shy” made it to the chosen list of songs in the Electronic Dance Music category presented to the Vice-President of A&R, Atlantic Records. I was incredibly grateful to have had the honor of top-lining as well as recording vocals for “Shy.” Our intention throughout this process was clear— to create an electronic house banger with infectious melodies and unforgettable hooks.

The legendary Berklee College of Music, Boston, is your current home. What’s it like there and are you enjoying it?
Ira: Everyday I’m grateful to be a student at the Prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. It was always my dream school growing up and I can’t believe I finally made it here, that too, all the way from India, thanks to my parents for always supporting my dreams. I’ve made it to my fourth year as a Songwriting and Music Production & Engineering double major. If I had to describe what it’s like being a Berklee student in two words, it’ll be “Musical Heaven.” Everyday I get to swim in a sea full of highly gifted musicians from all over the world. I am truly blessed and grateful for being at Berklee.

If you could have any superpower you desire for 24 hours, what would it be and why?
Ira: If I could have any superpower I desired for 24 hours, it would be to communicate with the natural world of plants and animals. That’s because I love spending more and more time in nature and these days, especially, with our obsession with technology, it’s getting harder and harder to find time to disconnect and simply lay oneself in nature’s arms. Besides, I’m super
intrigued to learn about those secrets of nature that are still unknown to mankind.

Your vocals are so crisp and such an ear-soother in this noisy world. Have you always been singing or when did everything fall into place?
Ira: Thank you, that’s so very kind of you to say! I have, as a matter of fact, always been singing, ever since I was a baby, as my mom told me, it started with babbling. Eventually, as I grew up, I naturally took the course of singing: humming melodies, writing poems and singing them as young as 4 years old. Music became an inseparable part of my life so my parents put me into singing lessons at a very early age at Noida School of Rock. There, I received training in Vocal Performance in for over 8 years and also got a diploma from Rockschool London.

What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
Ira: The best piece of advice that another musician has ever given me is to make music that serves people. The very fact, that I have the gift of creating music is a blessing. With that blessing, I have the responsibility to serve my listeners with music they can either relate with or celebrate with. Music has the power to move people and make them feel emotions they’ve never even felt before. With that power, comes great responsibility, for me, as an artist to create music that is true, meaningful and serves my listeners well.

Last, do you have anything cookin’ music/tour-wise in 2023 that you can share with us?
Ira: In 2023, I am planning to do several shows in Boston as well as the Greater Boston area. Besides that, I am focusing on finishing my debut EP. After its release, I’d certainly have more tour dates announced on all my socials, so definitely stay tuned for that!

–

Hear this fine new single on Spotify. See more on the IG page.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Searching on Google: The Groovaban find that motorcycle on the cruising new track A Retro Dude

Posted on 11 October 2022

Feeling all happy and good after a long journey to get there, The Groovaban leads the way and shows us what it takes to find that merry place you shall never leave without a fight on A Retro Dude.

The Groovaban is a Kanchrapara, West Bengal, India-born indie RnB solo singer-songwriter and music producer who started his creative journey when he was 16.

With a chilled style that is never too much to stomach, The Groovaban shows us the way and into that guiding light to take all that stuffy darkness away. Bringing forth so much quality and hope, this is a touching song that will be stuck in your head for ages.

A Retro Dude from Kanchrapara, West Bengal, India-born indie RnB artist/producer The Groovaban is such a delightful song to brighten up your day. There is so much grateful charm here to truly admire, that seems to have a magnetic effect and put us in a better mood.

When you know what you want, everything changes forever.

Hear this new single on Spotify and see more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Back At Home: Jamie Kudo awaits that special moment again on debut Supernova

Posted on 5 August 2022

Knowing that their love will be strong forever despite the distance, Jamie Kudo shows us an indisputably quality release via his debut single to take your heart for a flight on Supernova.

Jamie Kudo aka Sid aka Siddharth Bhambure is a 20-year-old London, UK-based indie pop singer-songwriter who makes those emotional songs from his bedroom.

”This track is like the first sip of whiskey that you drink taking off on a plane headed to a place you don’t know for two, maybe
three or four years, looking out and watching your city get smaller in the distance.” ~ Jamie Kudo

Showing so much potential that is brimmed with a real vocal brilliance, Jamie Kudo reaches up to the sky and would climb up mountains for this special human who he treasures so warmly. With intricate lyrics that grab your attention rather swiftly, this is a delightful song to play loud when you need some reassurance that all will be okay when you’re finally together.

Supernova from the Mumbai, India-born, London, UK-based pop artist Jamie Kudo is a rather wonderful song that will have you thinking so deeply about missing someone special so much. Craving that genuine connection, tender touch and showing what it takes to be love sometimes, this is a stunning experience that will take you for a real ride and help you see so much clearer.

Sung with a magnetic appeal, this is a hugely promising debut that shall open your mind up to long-lasting possibilities.

Hear this deep song on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Srujanika is inspired by those who support her busy journey on ‘For You’

Posted on 2 August 2022

Vowing to be great and to show others that anything is actually possible if you have that fire burning bright when others are napping, Srujanika knows exactly why she does this and opens up her bedroom studio door with her latest aesthetic edit called ‘For You‘.

Srujanika is a Kolkata, India-based indie singer-songwriter who currently studying towards a Health Arts & Science degree while also following her music dreams.

”From going to school to saving money to pursuing music, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.” ~ Srujanika

Leading us into current times while she waits for her next project to be mastered, Srujanika sings with such emotion and has dropped a reminder of what she is capable of. With serene class and a vocal depth that is such a wonderful listen, this is a raw track that has a genuine message to uplift yourself with if you have been overly stressed lately.

‘For You‘ from Kolkata, India-based indie solo singer-songwriter Srujanika is a really lovely single from an authentic artist who does this to make others happy. Her lyrics guide us deep inside her life and show us why she is loved throughout the world, as a musician who always keeps it real and relatable. Filled with honesty and packed with her likeable vocals, this is a dynamic single with plenty to remember.

See this delightful new video on YouTube.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Moosa Saleem feels like something is missing that is so hard to explain on ‘Confide’ (feat. Jeremiah de Rozario)

Posted on 13 June 2022

Knowing that the radiant love could be so much stronger than it currently appears, Moosa Saleem doesn’t want the spark to be lost in the sky with the incredible new release ‘Confide‘ (feat. Jeremiah de Rozario).

Moosa Saleem is a multi-talented Kashmir, India-born singer-songwriter, author, filmmaker and composer who makes that ear-warming music to heal your tired soul.

Sending our emotions into overdrive with smooth vocals and a backdrop that shall have you sensing you’re listening to something rather peacefully special, Moosa Saleem and Jeremiah de Rozario hold our awaiting hands and take us on a cinematic journey that you will find hard to forget.

‘Confide‘ (feat. Jeremiah de Rozario) from Kashmir, India-born singer-songwriter and composer Moosa Saleem is one of the more beautiful songs you will probably hear all year. There is so much quality oozing from the fabrics of this fantastic experience that is all about wanting that true love to continue and never falter. With many obstacles crushing our dreams because of previous unimaginable circumstances, this is a track that shall have you feeling so reflective as you float back into your romantic life.

Sometimes you just need to speak up before the door closes, and it’s all over before you know it.

Listen up to this new single on Spotify and see more on the IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

ku:hu shows us that striking moment when you knew it was over on, ‘by your side’ (feat. wroi)

Posted on 28 May 2022

With an honest tone and introspective lyrics that have been made with such care and tenderness, ku:hu brings us into the picture that is content about the final decision to stop something that isn’t working on, ‘by your side‘ (feat. wroi).

ku:hu is a Vadodara, India-born London, UK-based queer non-binary RnB/Lo-fi musician and photographer who created this new single with a few mates while at Berklee College of Music.

”Their love for music stemmed from the influences surrounding them growing up, such as Hindustani classical music and pop/rock music. This love for music further blossomed through classical piano lessons under the instruction of Australian pianist, Elaine Fenn, where her speciality in performance was from 20th-century western classical music, especially serialist works by Arnold Shoenberg and jazz works by George Gershwin.” ~ ku:hu

Bringing us a single that is so distinctive and packed with a stirring vocal experience that might have you feeling somehow sad and relieved at the same time, ku:hu leads us into a new experience that so many of us shall relate to. Your ears might be perked up and your thoughts on overload, from an insightful artist who has that inventive style that you can’t help but admire.

‘by your side‘ (feat. wroi) from London, UK-based queer non-binary RnB/Lo-fi musician ku:hu is an enchanting track that brings us into a true moment that might shatter fragile hearts. The vocals are completely enthralling and shall change your mood altogether as there is such a reflective edge here, from an artist who is uniquely exhilarating and is always looking to make music that is completely real.

There is so much to close your eyes to as we are taken on a vivid journey, to where the moment is cherished but the closure is probably for the best.

Hear this wonderful new track on Spotify and follow the IG for more.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Nav’s Hook sold his will for that glimmering happiness that turned unexpectedly cold on, ‘A Merry Dance’

Posted on 30 April 2022

Known best for his soulfully nostalgic performance on 2021’s ‘Letters‘, Nav’s Hook returns with his new single that is sure to get us all thinking deeply about those romantic moments you will never forget on, ‘A Merry Dance‘.

Nav’s Hook is an India-born and based, Cyprus-raised, indie alt-blues singer-songwriter who has lived in many different countries all over the globe.

”Cyprus was the beginning of my musical experience where as a teen I regularly tuned into a British radio station called BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) where anything and everything “British Rock” was played. Of course, later time spent in America only furthered my passions into the kind of music I always wanted to make.” – Nav’s Hook

After being inspired to make this song while reading an old archived article, Nav’s Hook returns to our lives with another truly excellent release that is made with his signature intelligent style. His powerful vocals are rather soothing and filter calmly in your throbbing heart, with a lyrically advanced single to learn from.

”You’re surrounded by everyone who witnesses your descend, where in a fit of resentment you question the very idea of holding someone sacred, or having any faith in anything or anyone at all. Finally, accusing all that’s real around you to be a complete lie.” ~ Nav’s Hook

‘A Merry Dance‘ from Cyprus-raised, indie alt-blues singer-songwriter Nav’s Hook is an honest single with a brilliance all over the place, about feeling like you are out in the freezing cold now as the candles are out, and real-life starts to take over. Falling for that selfish soul is hard to take and we are carried on an incredible journey by a true storyteller, who is always looking to learn and evolve throughout this astonishing journey to the top.

Realizing that everything you thought true was a lie, is a suffocating feeling that can damage your soul forever if you let it.

See the visuals for the new single on YouTube and visit his IG page for more insights.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen