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Indian Weekly

weekly 8 dec 2024

Top Indian Songs of the week 8th December 2024

If you are a musician submit your new music here.Here are the best songs released in India across languages and genres for the week ending 8th December 20241. MirageVocals, composition : Anjana PadmanabhanLyrics: Vicky HajeriMusic arrangements: Siddhesh Srivastava Language: HindiGenre: Classical-fusionMood: RelaxingI am listening to Anjana Padmanabhan and thanks to a Spotify Playlist called "TuneCore: New Music Friday India", I came across this song. Hrishikesh Majumdar plays the flute solo in the intro and we get a glimpse of this classical fusion track within seconds. Here to give a Western touch are Siddhesh Srivastava on keys, Samarth Talia on bass, Harshil Gandhi on drums and Anjana's fantastic aalaps and ghamakas take us deeper into Raag Jog. This is a melody written by Anjana and all the instrumental arrangments by Siddhesh make this one festive treat.The swaras that Anjana delivers with break-neck speed, and the flute playing the same notes in the background is a highlight reel. The song deviates into another trajectory and probably moves away from Raag Jog when Anjana sings " Kaise Karoon". Manav Lakhani can be heard singing in the background as an additional vocalist. Kudos to Hrishkiesh who plays that breathtaking solo on the flute in the interlude and here we get the classical percussions like the Mridangam and Ghatam played by Ganesh Murli Iyer. This is a masterclass in singing, especially for youngsters looking for inspiration and wanting to perform as a classical vocalist, Anjana is immaculate. The outro with the Keys, flute, heavy drums, swaras and aalaap is a magical end to this inspiring track. The mixing and mastering is done by Prateek Kelkar. @anjanapadmanabhanofficial @ganeshmuraliiyer @samrthtalia @harshil.gandhi_music @siddhesh_62 @majumdar_hrishikesh2. DilshadVocals, Lyrics, Composition: Yawar AbdalMusic Producer: Akash GuptaAdditional Keys Production: Laksh SharmaLanguage: KashmiriGenre: Folk-PopMood: PathosYawar Abdal is a fine artist and I am fond of his Kashmiri indie work, his vocals being the Unique Selling Point. The Accordion and then his touching humming already have transported me into a good place. The Kashmiri lyrics are resonant with Paradise and they sound like a mom's lullaby when Yawar sings along with the gentle acoustic guitars in the background. Indrajeeth Handque plays all the guitars and bass and the stunning music production is by Akash Gupta.The female vocals now add fuel to the fire and when the lead vocalists perform together I am in tears, because of the fabulous notes written here. The strings section adds to the mild pathos and Akash is behind the synths, strings and horns programming. Indrajeeth stokes our deep emotions with his electric guitar solo in the interlude and Akash Gupta delivers a sensational performance on arrangements and production. Laksh Sharma handles all the additional key production with Akash on drums and percussion. This song will stay in my thoughts for a long time and although I don't understand a single word, the language of music does enough.  The tracks are mixed and mastered by Laksh Sharma with vocals recorded at Crukces. Taha Firdous Shah does the translations.@yawarabdal @akashdrums @indrajeeth_handque @lok__fi @crukces @tahafirdousshah3. Dil Ye UdaMusic composition and Vocals: Shayok BanerjeeLyrics: Anyaman MajumdarMusic Production/Arrangement: Pankaj 'Pikon' PaulLanguage: HindiGenre: Light MusicMood: Pathos

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weekly 1st dec 2024

Top Indian Songs of the week 1st December 2024

If you are a musician submit your new music here.Here are the best songs released in India across languages and genres for the week ending 1st December 20241. KhaamakhaMusic Composer: Siddharth PanditLyrics: Alok Ranjan SrivastavaSinger: Nikhita GandhiMusic Arranged & Produced by: Siddharth PanditLanguage: HindiGenre: PopMood: RomanticHe is one of the top 3 musicians for me in 2024! Siddharth Pandit take a bow! After a mindblowing album "Azaad Sangeet Season 3" ( I rated it 4.75/5). Now he has a single in the new web series "Bandish Bandits 2", and isn't it just another display of brilliance? Siddharth prides himself on writing beautiful melodies and impressive arrangements, especially when it comes to vocal harmonies. He is the composer, arranger and producer in terrific form, I salute you brother! The Piano plays gently and one of our finest Pop vocalists, Nikhita Gandhi slays it here as the lead. Aastha Mehta is the backing vocalist singing the title "Khaamakha" with such poise and vibrancy. Siddharth's partner in crime Alok Ranjan Srivastava writes words of passion and agony and when it is delivered with Nikihita's tone, the message hits you sharp and deep. The keyboard programming is terrific and gives such an enjoyable Pop single. The best segment is when Nikhita sings the chorus segment in the high pitch, and I feel like my soul just got wings to fly. The chord progression is just ahead of the curve and If you think you can predict what is about to come next, think again! Siddharth bamboozles you every step and every note of the way. He is also the mixing and mastering engineer. The music supervisor is Akashdeep Sengupta.@panditjeee @nikhitagandhiofficial @hashtag.jazbaat @akashdeep.sengupta @musical_swaroop @aastha.mehta2. Ghar Aa MaahiComposer - Ana RehmanLyrics - Shubham ShiruleSingers - Nikhita Gandhi, digVMusic Supervisor - Akashdeep SenguptaMusic Arranged and produced by - Gibson George Language: HindiGenre: Pop fusion Mood: EnergeticWe have the second installation of "Bandish Bandits" and the various musicians involved here inspire young talents that if they work with hard work, commitment and consistency, great opportunities will come knocking. Dilshad Khan's Sarangi intro sets the stage for a semi-classical fusion track and digV strikes you hard with his tantalising voice. His ability to enthral the listener combines beautifully with the strength in the technical aspects of his singing. Ana Rehman shines with this composition and her innate talent is obvious to anyone who has been tracking indie music.Shubham Shirule pens the lyrics and the dynamic Gibson George does the arrangements and produces the song. The fantastic sound design, and the interplay of all live instrumentals and programming, is all thanks to Gibson, and at the helm is Akashdeep Sengupta as the music supervisor. The synths and keys have a huge impact on what we hear, and when we get the energetic drums and digV's swaras, the fusion of two varied musical styles is eclectic. A great pick of lead vocalists, and if digV is authentic and classical, Nikhita Gandhi is westernised, confident and stylish in her delivery. That is what the web series is all about, isn't it?We have some talented live instrumentalists glorifying the song even more like Veljon Noronha on guitars and Shubham Shirule on the flute. After Nikhita's electronic pop lines, we get a classical segment on the Tabla by Ishteyak Khan, Bass Tabla by Chinmay Deore and flute by Shubham. The shift between Western pop and Indian classical music is swift and breathtaking. Shubham, Ana, and Ishteyak are the backing vocalists. digV's aalap feels magical and Nikhita's improvisation "Waiting for you" is a battle of wits. There are traces of Raag Bhimpalasi that I hear in the melody. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Pranav Gupta and the sound engineers are Palak Mohan and Aniruddh Anantha. @digvijaysinghpariyarofficial @nikhitagandhiofficial @shubhamshirule @ana_rehman @akashdeep.sengupta @callme_uzumaki @samindha.wangoo @juhii.g @shreya__chaudhry @chinmaydeoreofficial @ishteyakkhanofficial @veljon6noronha @gibsonbha @aniruddhanantha @palakmohanmusic 3. Hold on 

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weekly 17th nov 2024

Top Indian Songs of the week 17th November 2024

If you are a musician submit your new music here.Here are the best songs released in India across languages and genres for the week ending 10th November 20241. TeardropsVocals, Lyrics, Composition: Ananya SharmaProduced by: Ananya Sharma & Jorge I VazquezLanguage: EnglishGenre: PopMood: RelaxingBefore I start reviewing this song, I would like to mention here that, this is the 3rd song from Ananya's new album 'A Junkyard Wonder' that I am featuring in these weekly written reviews. This happens rarely, so Ananya Sharma deserves a huge round of applause. 'Teardrops' is a fabulous single that brings together some amazing live instrumentalists from around the globe. Ananya writes the lyrics, and the melody and performs the lead and backing vocals in this song. Aidat Witvoet plays the gentle piano and the layers of vocals come like an entourage you cannot miss or ignore. These are praiseworthy arrangements already and kudos to Ananya and Jorge I Vazquez for producing this song with such niceties. Ananya once again excels as a songwriter here with such clear and creative word choices to convey a message. Listen to this line " A sense of forgiveness starts to unleash like a blooming of a rose", with backing vocal harmonies enhancing the last phrase. This could just be me, but when this line comes and ends, I feel like a glimpse of Seal's "Kiss from a Rose" maybe because of the gentle and similar melody and the accompanying backing vocal arrangements. The string section arrangements in the background also could be another reason for that similarity. We have Jorge and Angela Moya Serrat playing the solo violins and the emphatic drums by Anthony Lafond. The string section arrangements are done by the Maestro Albert Palau. The eyes close automatically to enjoy the song when you hear the beautiful melody, vocals and arrangements and the irony is that Ananya just then sings " Your eyes start to open suddenly". The drum arrangements and the Pianos alternate between playing things with tenderness and aggression. This keeps the audience guessing and never for a second do we take the song's chord projection and tone for granted. The bridge section is filled with such goodness but it explodes onto the scene, with lyrics " Weak, you feel the blame, Palms cold and eyes wet, Every second of craving, Happiness and a light head" with some scintillating drums, electric bass by Samuel Keri and absorbing Pianos. The Oud which we hear very mildly is played by Nikos Siderakis and the Marimba is by Robed Fenelus. She ends the song with a much-needed message " You are your own bliss" with the reverberating drums by Anthony. The programming is done by Ananya and all the mixing and mastering are done by Ananya and Jorge with mix assistance from Ishaan Jagyasi, Arina Korenyu, Tanishq Seth, Lars Gardner and Jackie Walter.     @ananyas.music @jorgei.vazquez @nic.hard @ishaan.jagyasi @anthony__lafond @samuelkeri.music @nikos.siderakis @angi_moya @albert_palau1 @jackiewaltermusic @ar_korenyu2. Baat Itni SiComposer: Shekhar Ravjiani Singers:  Pratibha Singh Baghel, Madhubanti BagchiLyrics: Priya SaraiyaArranged by: Shri Deepak PanditLanguage: HindiGenre: Tumri-fusion/GhazalMood: RelaxingI don't remember the last time Shekhar Ravijani composed a Tumri-based melody, but it works like magic. Two ace performers Pratibha Singh Baghel and Madhubanti Bagchi take up the task of lead vocals and we are captivated all the way. The outstanding composer/producer Deepak Pandit handles the arrangements and carves a great jewel from this precious stone. Bhagirath Bhatt plays the Sitar solo with a divine touch and accompanying him is Aklakh Hussain on the Harmonium. Within seconds I am immersed in the melody as Pratibha and Madhubanti battle it out with their abilities and delivery. Sanjoy Das is stunning as the bassist providing the cool western funk all along and Dilshad Khan pitches in with the Sarangi to elevate the pathos from time to time. The rhythm master is Prashant Sonagra on the Tabla and we are entertained with some fabulous interludes and arrangements. The Sitar and Harmonium playing the beautiful melody in the interlude in unison is graceful to hear. The melody has Raag Pilu (Kaapi in Carnatic) influences in my opinion, and Priya Saraiya writes the tantalising words. I hope to hear more from Shekhar in this genre in the coming days. The lyrics are quite interesting with lines like "Maine Gulzar ke gaano se woh chaand churaya". The tracks are mixed by Kuppaiyandi Sethuraman. The song keeps playing on my mind much later after the outro.@shekharravijani @priyasaraiyaofficial @bagchi_mb @iampratibhasingh @deepakpandit_31 @sanjoygtr @dilshhadkhan @bhagirath.bhatt @prashantsonagra @akhlakhhussainvarsi @kuppaiyandisethuraman @sanket.s.tole @kirti_narain @prabhat66 @garuudaamusiic 3. Kasturi

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weekly 10th nov 2024

Top Indian Songs of the week 10th November 2024

If you are a musician submit your new music here.Here are the best songs released in India across languages and genres for the week ending 10th November 20241. HereVocals, Composition: Ananya SharmaLyrics: Jane Tyson ClementProducer, Recording Engineer, Music Arranger: Ananya SharmaProducer, Co-producer, Recording Engineer: Jorge I. VázquezLanguage: EnglishGenre: PopMood: InspirationalThis is the second consecutive week that Ananya Sharma has been featured here on my weekly list. Ananya composes a stunning melody bolstered by her impeccable vocals and shape-shifting into a magnificent song thanks to the arrangements and musical production. I stand and salute you Ananya for the effort, vision and ultimate output because we live in a world where the easy route to success is filled with mediocrity, yet she chooses to take a path of inspirational songwriting. Jane Tyson Clement writes the lyrics, and Ananya writes the melody and performs the lead vocals. The song is co-produced by Jorge I. Vázquez and Ananya. We can hear the Harp by Rachel Groves mild and mellifluous. Slowly but steadily like a rain that gains its intensity from drizzle to showers, we hear the Violin by Djessy Van Den Dries. It soaks you in misery like the violin is supposed to bringing in the pathos and when we hear Ananya in lead and backing vocals "I stand Here, I stand Here" we feel the body tremble, not with fear but with all the gusto and determination of a person against inclement externalities. The singing and violin solo rise in pitch like a growing spirit and the double bass provides that support like a rock, for the song to stand, thanks to Mathew Baker. The second verse feels even more impactful and Djessy's violin teases you this time around with the playful plucks and kudos to Ananya and Jorge for the astonishing arrangements and production. Daniel Quesada is on percussion and the tracks are mixed by Nicolas Hard. The recording engineer is Tanishq Seth, Ishaan Jagyasi is the mastering engineer. The outro is where Ananya breaks free from her clutches and sings with her heart out, singing " One Wild Song". @ananyas.music @jorgei.vazquez @nic.hard @ishaan.jagyasi @rachel.harpist @djessyswan.music @mattbakerbaryton @dquesada.composer @tanizhqseth_ 2. BeHaya Humre Saiyaan Bedard?Singer & Music: Sanah MoiduttyLyricist: Mahendra Dhirajlal KamdarMusic Production and Arrangement: Prasanna SureshLanguage: HindiGenre: Semi-classical fusionMood: RelaxingSanah Moidutty is getting her game phase on, with an exploration into Hindi indie space in 2024 as a vocalist (check out amazing singles like 'Piya Mere' and 'Ghanan') and now she has composed the melody too. Lalait Talluri lures you with his flute solo in the prelude, and it immediately feels like a cool breeze touching your face and something you have longed for. Shomu Seal accompanies on the rhythm guitars and Sanah joins in and bamboozles you with her stunning voice. The Tabla by Hanif Khan is quick to make an impact and my favourite line is the antara that goes "ka kare ham be-inktiyari dil ki" with some tough landing notes sealed beautifully by Sanah. The melody feels like a whiff of Raag Bilawal to me. Prasanna Suresh who has collaborated with Sanah before, is in charge of the wonderful arrangements and production, so his contribution is much appreciated. The catchy interlude with Lalit playing a beautifully written melody with the chirpy Tabla is worth your time and you can play just this segment multiple times on loop. The sanchari (charanam/stanza) is another excellently written piece, and Sanah is just showing she is an able composer here. The whole team must be congratulated for creating some magic here. The lyrics are penned by Mahendra Dhirajlal Kamdar.The notes, lyrics and vocals are endearing and oozing of richness when she sings " voh lagaaye chathiyan hum ko papi, ghar ke manva nain sauthan saali". Sanah does one better than my expectations with that brilliant bridge section "daga baaz jalaye hamaar jiyarava" with the fantastic accompaniment of the Harmonium, giving an ARRahman-esque Sufi flavour. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Abin Paul and the sound engineers are Pranjal Bora at Neo Sound Studio and Harmony Studios. The people who founded this music label Jukoz Music Pvt Ltd are Mahendra, Dhwanee, Archana and Bhupesh. @sanah_moidutty @mahendradkamdar @jukoxmusic @officialprasannasuresh @shomu_seal @hanifkhan5936 @@lalittalluri @mixwithabin @hanifkhan5936 @archana.kamdar.31 @dhwaneekamdar @bhupeshkamdar 3. MayaviSinger: Sonu Nigam, Sanjith Hegde

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weekly 3rd nov 2024

Top Indian Songs of the week 3rd November 2024

If you are a musician submit your new music here.Here are the best songs released in India across languages and genres for the week ending 3rd November 20241. Mere Ho TumComposed & Sung by - Raghav KaushikWritten by - Raghav Kaushik, Alok Ranjan SrivastavaOrchestration & Music Production by - Sparsh AgrawalLanguage: HindiGenre: PopMood: RomanticThe morning time is precious for me, as this is when I listen to music, read, exercise, run and do household chores. All these are meditative processes and hence I value them immensely. One such morning, during a jog, I listened to my playlist of new music and this song made its way. The Accordion and the Piano give us a formal invitation into the song and it felt like a sip of coffee to wake me up from my slumber and lethargy. Raghav's Kaushik is that dash of sugar that spikes me into full-on activity and cerebral alertness. This guy is a treasure with his unmistakable singing voice and his ability to write melodies and lyrics of the highest standard.Veljon Noronha plays the acoustic guitar and one of my favourite producers Sparsh Agrawal induces class with his arrangements, orchestration and production. When we get to the pre-chorus segment with the line "khone laga dil khwaabon mein tere, the magnificent string arrangements create wonderment. Raghav Kaushik writes the melody and performs the lead vocals. The orchestration is a work of splendour and I stand in ovation to Sparsh, as he piles upon so many layers in the background. This very European texture is thanks to the elaborate orchestration and the Accordion. The melody is quite beautiful when Raghav writes the lines " roz naye raah chalein", it shows what a fine composer this guy is. Never forget the role of Alok Ranjan Shrivastava for co-writing these amazing lines along with Raghav. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Abhishek Ghatak with Samir Dharap is the recording engineer at Studio 504@raghav__kaushik @veljon6noronha @theghatak @hashtag.jazbaat @sprshagrawal @photoframiac @jdominic96 @harshtokas @tandonyogi @raghavmeattle @firstwav @samirdharap9 2. NayadikalMusic composed, Produced by Santhosh NarayananVocals: Santhosh Narayanan & Arjun sasiRap Verses : Arjun SasiMalayalam Lyrics - Anwar AliLanguage: MalayalamGenre: Rock/MetalMood: EnergeticHe is unstoppable and across India, this has been the case in 2024. Santhosh Narayanan is making music of the highest quality and when that is being recognised in many parts of the country, it gives me great hope, rather than when someone makes music for the sake of Instagram reels. Here is Santhosh performing the lead vocals and I now believe the raw and cracked tone of his works well in metal too just like it fits the folk and gaana/kuthu genre of TN. Anwar Ali penned the Malayalam lyrics, while Arjun Sasi wrote and performed the energetic English rap lines. Telfie is in supreme form with his electric guitars in the prelude. The energy is impeccable and with Aditya Ravindran as the bassist and Siddharth Nagarajan on drums, we feel shock and awe right through. The chorus segment gets Santhosh in the high pitch mode and one cannot help but bang their heads to this metal show. We have heard of the mouth trumpet but the mouth-guitars here are catchy and the melody written for this bit will keep ringing in my ears long and hard. Aditya comes and performs as the backing vocalist.If you thought this was it, think again. Arjun Sasi makes his entry with a smashing and fast-paced rap show that reminds us of crazy American metal bands like Limp Bizkit. Siddharth is busy with drums making his presence felt all the way. Wait for the grunt and the bridge rap section as Arjun says " Gotta load my gun, you better run". Take a bow, Santhosh for the composition, arrangements, production and vocals. Key Royson does the exhilarating video for this song. @musicsanthosh @arjunsasiofficial @directedbykenroyson @drumssiddharth @adityaravindran95 @simeontelfer @anvarali113 3. EcstasyComposer - K J Diliip

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weekly 27th oct 2024

Top Indian Songs of the week 27th October 2024

If you are a musician submit your new music here.Here are the best songs released in India across languages and genres for the week ending 27th October 20241. Re MannSingers: Shreya Ghoshal & Swanand KirkireComposed & Lyrics by: Swanand KirkireProduced by Kanishk SethCreative Producer: Ankur TewariLanguage: HindiGenre: Light MusicMood: HappyFinally, we get a terrific song under the 'Coke Studio Bharat' series without any gimmicks or excesses. Swanand Kirkire has been in supreme form of late giving us some wonderful music in the indie space and that form continues. Like always Ankur Tewari is the creative brains and producer behind the curation of this project. The melody and lyrics are written by Swanand and he also performs the lead vocals along with Shreya Ghoshal. There are elements of Raag Yaman and maybe some Bihag, if I'm not wrong. Shrey Gupta plays the acoustic guitar and accompanying him is the brilliant Bhushan Chitnis on acoustic and electric guitar as well. The verse gets repeated with the soothing voice of Shreya and we have backing vocalists Devashri Manohar, Pearl Alex, Chinmay Pandit, Shaashwat Pande, Kiara Alemao, Joel Padikkal and Joel Mathew giving some a caressing feeling with the excellently arranged harmonies. Kanishk Seth is the master at work and shows his finesse in arrangements and production. Sabyasachi Deb is playing the Double Bass. The interlude has the inventive instrument stringed Noori, played by its inventor Kavish Seth, giving us textures of a morose Sarod as well. The second verse has Shreya conquering our hearts and delivering the sweet melody with such warmth and splendour. Sanket Pahurkar plays the Jazz Drums and the drum sampler as well giving us some energetic rhythms, like a horse sauntering. The arrangements especially on harmonies are outstanding when we get to the lines " ke palkon ki do khikiyaan tu haule band kar le". The song can elevate our spirits from deep distress to pure bliss. Kudos to the entire team. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Prathamesh Dudhane at Bombay Live Studios with the Think Tank Team being Kausar Munir, KJ Singh and Swanand Kirkire. KJ Singh is the sound and technical supervisor. @seth_kanishk @shreyaghoshal @swanandkirkire @devashrimanohar @kiara_alemao @kavishseth_ @pearlalexsays @shaashwatpande @ankurtewari @sabyasachideb @sanket_pahurkar @bhushan_bhu_chitnis @chinmaypandit.music @cokestudiobharat @universalmusicindia @shrelebrity @prathmeshdudhane @kjpahji @kausarmunir2. Just Like YouWritten & Composed by AnoushkaProduced by Fardeen Siddiqui, Shivam Trivedi, and AnoushkaLanguage: EnglishGenre: Alt-PopMood: EnergeticIn 2023, when I featured the best English indie songs of the year Anoushka had two of her original numbers in the top 20 songs of the year. I have been waiting ever since for her next release and this one is a solid sequel of sorts. Thank you, Anoushka for being so consistent and focused on quality and this song " Just Like You" too will be one of the best Indian Indie songs of 2024. The melody are lyrics are written Anoushka with the fabulous production done as a collaborative effort between Fardeen Siddiqui, Shivam Trivedi and Anoushka. Get your rock phase on and be prepared for some headbanging. Karun Kannampilly plays the drums with rising intensity and Fardeen is making your face melt with the electric guitar riffs. I am finding it hard to write this review, without being able to control my head and feet. Anoushka is undoubtedly one of India's finest vocalists and she proves it every note of the way. The high notes, and the vibrato, are all performed with a slick style. The constant presence of vocal harmonies in the background does give off a Gospel vibe too. That is precisely when I was reminded of the global super hit of 1991 called "Baby, Baby" by Amy Grant. The arrangements are a notch above the rest we have heard all this week and kudos to the trio of Fardee, Anoushka and Shivam for the scintillating production. I felt some smooth horns section too in the background. The way Anoushka extends the "you..you.." is mesmerising. My favorite segment was the bridge where Anoushka sizzles singing " Dont come for me, You best believe" with the backing vocals performing the word "yeah" at the end of every line with some anthemic spirit. The outro with harmonies, horns, electric guitars and drums keeps me wanting much more. I don't know why so many young musicians won't want to be "Just Like you". The recording engineers are Hersh Desai and Aria Nanji at Island City Studios, Mumbai with Hersh on mixing and mastering. @anoushka_sivasankar @_fardeens @shivamtrivedii @karunk @hersh.desai.9 @yashrenukdas @ariananji @studioislandcity @riddhi_sonetta3. Bawla

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weekly 20th oct 2024

Top Indian Songs of the week 20th October 2024

If you are a musician submit your new music here.Here are the best songs released in India across languages and genres for the week ending 20th October 20241. MaravikaleMusic Composed & Arranged by Sushin ShyamSinger - Madhuvanthi NarayanLyrics - Rafeeq AhammedScore prep by Kalyani NairLanguage: MalayalamGenre: Light MusicMood: PathosSushin Shyam is one of India's finest composers because he can alternate between a modern EDM banger and a time-tested melody with wonderful live instrumentals. But it is these sorts of songs that define his skill, for me, more than an entire album of "Aavesham", which tends to please the larger group of music fans. Sandeep Mohan lays the foundation on acoustic guitars and immediately we are led into the song's intro with Nikhil Ram's soothing flute solo and the violin and viola by Rithu Vishak in the background. Rithu as always handles the one-man string quartet. Madhuvanthi Narayan is the perfect choice as the lead vocalist for this song which needs that texture, mood and delivery style. When she sings the line " smaranakalam mizhineer thumbikal" the notations are beautiful with the added impact of the cello and the doubles bass. Kudos to Sushin and Nivin Raphael for the arrangements and additional music production respectively. The interlude with the acoustic guitars in the lead is just a magical phase, accompanied by Naveen Napier on bass. The stanza is also a further testament to Sushin's composition skills with the lines heading off into a chord progression that I would not have expected like "ariya lipyayy marunnu lokam" and the way he constructs the landing notes into the song's pallavi with "churul neerunnu marulokamathilo thiriya varikal" is a master stroke. Madhuvanthi sings with such poise and her every note impacts you whether it is melancholy or subtle innocence. She mixes the vibrato beautifully without overdoing it. The melody and song's tone remind me Santhosh Narayanan's "Agasatha Naan Pakkiren" from 'Cuckoo'. The interlude gets really haunting with the strings section dominating and the Indian Choral Ensemble performing. Kalyani Nair handles the score prep and is also the Soprano. Sivanranjini Chandramouli is on Alto, Sudharsan Hemaram on Tenor and Shyam Krishna on Bass. The tracks are mixed by Abin Paul and mastered by Gethin John at Mastering World UK. Rafeeq Ahmed writes the wonderful words. @sushintdt @madhuvanthinarayan @kalyaninair86 @gibsandeep @rithuvysakh @nivin_raphael @nikhilramtp @napier_naveen @theindianchoralensemble @sivaranjinichandramouli @shyam_krissh2. Sher DilSongwriters: Mohammad Muneem Nazir, Hardik Vaghela and Aman MoroneyProduced by Aman MoroneyVocals: Mohammad Muneem NazirLanguage: HindiGenre: Alt-RockMood: EnergeticSpectacular rock is what I can call this! Alif a.k.a Mohammad Muneem Nazir is on vocals and his Kashmiri-tinted Hindi vocals are a pleasure to hear. Aman Moronry glorifies the intro with his electric guitars in the background, oozing off in rock tendencies and the influx of energy emerges from Mitchell Murray's drums and Aman's acoustic rhythm guitars. I have always loved Alif's work and they are a big hit when AMan and Alif collaborate. The synths give the song an alternative rock paint and when Alif sings "khazana tum hai" we feel the energy through our nerves and bl;ood stream. The chorus segment is pulverising thanks to the melody, vocals and production and they all go beautifully together cementing well and giving us an enjoyable track. Aman Moroney is the producer and the song is written by Mohammad Muneem Nazir, Hardik Vaghela and Aman Moroney. The solo on the electric guitar is pure bliss and kudos to Aman for a fabulous job there. Alif shows us what singing means, it is about delivering the words with perfect poise, and emotion and when he sings "dil hai jo toota na, sher dil nahi", you get the full message. This is what original independent music is all about, glowing with creativity, quality and creativity. The flowy acoustic guitars with Alif's high-pitched vocals are a great outro. Aman also is the Cellist and Bassist in the song. Aman and Ashish Manchanda have done the mixing and mastering and the recording engineers are Aria Nanji at Island City Studios and Aman. @everythingisalif @hardikv @aman_moroney @mohammad.muneem @misfitsinc @artistefirst @studioislandcity @ariananji 3. Nadiya

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weekly 13th oct 2024

Top Indian Songs of the week 13th October 2024

If you are a musician submit your new music here.Here are the best songs released in India across languages and genres for the week ending 13th October 20241. Hoke MajboorProducer: Akshay & IPComposer: Akshay & IPLyricist: IP SinghLanguage: HindiGenre: Tumri FusionMood: relaxingI have been a huge fan of Akshay & IP and they are a class apart in this sea of mediocrity. I will be listening to the full album of "Taaza Khabar Season 2", but for now I am in love with this song and a lion's share of that compliment goes to the lead vocalist of the band 'Agnee' Mohan Kannan. The song feels like one dreamy Tumri and we have Akshay & IP on composition and music production, with IP Singh writing the heartfelt words. The Tabla and Harmonium with rhythms and keys give us a fusion to behold. The melody reigns supreme and it is also supported by some excellent arrangements, take the Sitar solo in the interlude for example. When Mohan sings "laut aanek ka bahan tha" we feel that this is an excuse to keep coming back to the song, such is the power of great singing, a melodious composition and impactful lyrics. The duo of Akshay & IP excels in their production. How often do we see two varying interludes in Bollywood or any other music these days? The outro is more sumptuous music offered with a Sitar solo. I wish it never ended. There probably is some Raag Bihag in the melody@akshayandip @safirock @akshayraheja @mohankannanofficial @bhuvan.bam22 @rohitonweb 2. Tenu Sang RakhnaMusic Composer - Achint ThakkarSingers - Arijit Singh, Anumita Nadesan & Achint ThakkarLyrics - Varun GroverMusic Producer - AchintAdditional Production - Shalom BenjaminLanguage: HindiGenre: Alt-PopMood: Energetic Yes, I am impressed with some of the songs by Achint Thakkar in 'Jigra'. I had qualms when the teaser was released a couple of weeks ago and the song playing was ' Phoolon ka Taaron ka'. I thought maybe this too will be an album filled with remixes. But this single and the title track are good records overall. Achint who has worked with Vasan Bala over the years, composes the tune and produces the song with additional production by Shalom Benjamin. We are taken into the world of this single with some exquisite guitars and bass played by Achint. I am sold right there as the vocal harmonies step in, in the intro. Anumita Nadesan who has become quite famous in the indie space is the female lead vocalist, and she gives off a 'Jasleen Royal '-esque vibe and tone here. Arijit comes in with a beautiful line written 'raasta ye jaane le chala hai kahan, raasta na maane yu jahan main vahan'. The Piano in the background hits the right notes but things are maintained with some calmness. Achint also joins as an additional vocalist.I love how Anumita performs the line "le chala, hai kahan", with a lag behind Arijit. The accompanying, lead guitars and rhythm guitars are arranged and executed wonderfully. The song enters into a zone where vocalists combine and there is a rush of blood with the line "hun mud aave,  pinjre da panchi hun udeya ve oh" and this part is mesmerising. Kudos to Varun Grover for these excellent lyrics and Parth Pandya who is the music supervisor. The lead vocalists along with backing vocal harmonies, guitars and bass is a fitting end to the song. The kids singing in the chorus are Riti Ganesh, Gaurangi Suresh Veerkar, Dhruva Dipesh Parmar and Rudra Nitendra Rathi. The Choir co-ordinator is Sreerupa G. The recording engineers are Abhishek Khandelwal and Dileep Nair at YRF Studios, with Abhishek also the mix/master engineer.@achintstagram @arijitsingh @vidushak @anumita.nadesan @parthmpandya @nightsongrecords @shalombenjamin @abhimixkardo3. KaliyaanMusic Production: Lost StoriesVocals: Bawari BasantiComposition: Lost Stories, Bawari Basanti

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weekly 6th oct 2024

Top Indian Songs of the week 6th October 2024

If you are a musician submit your new music here.Here are the best songs released in India across languages and genres for the week ending 6th October 20241. Mera Yaar PuranaWritten, sung and composed by Mansa JimmyMusic Produced By: Vaibhav PaniLanguage: HindiGenre: Sufi- fusionMood: DevotionalMansa Jimmy is a singer with immense potential and it feels amazing to see her in a new release, especially with the 'Merchant Records' label. SOundchk Season 2 continues to impress and inspire and now we have this stunning track composed, written and performed by Mansa with Vaibhav Pani elevating it and projecting it onto us thanks to his musical production. The sound design feels like an AR Rahman production with the keys by Elroy Vincent and the Sufi-styled melody that follows. The initial segment of the melody is where I hear some Raag MaandShikhar Aggarwal plays the flute solo and the Tabla by Fareed Hussain plays gently alongside. Kushagra, Kanika Pandey and Elna Maria sing as backing vocalists leading up to the lead vocals by Mansa. Be prepared to be blown away by this enthralling vocal exhibition. The devotion comes through in the lyrics, melody and vocals but the sound design and arrangements reign supreme at every juncture. The verse is constructed beautifully as well and here I do sense some Raag Yaman. Mohd Iqbaal intervenes with poise and surety on the Harmonium and the flute arrangements too are exquisite. When we get back to the songs Sthayi and Antara we feel pure divinity with Mansa singing "ishq ka rog sayana, maane na deewana". The tracks are mixed and mastered by Tejus Srivastava at Blue Productions. Vaibhav goes crazy on keys, synths and rhythms in the interlude as he takes us into a synth/electronic pop-based trance mode. The bridge section "jise laagi man ki laagi", feels exhilarating and wait for the vocal harmonies and the thumping drum arrangements as well. As we head into the outro, Shokhar sizzles with a stunning flute solo in the background and we float into the heavens as the song comes to an end. I live and write for music like this!@mansa_jimmy @shikhar_flute @elroyvincent @kushagradudejasings @kanika_8kp @mehra_krish @merchant_records @salimsulaimanmusic @iqbalnizami0786 @vidhipoddarmusic @nidhi_ketan @sherishshaikh @tusharmahajanofficial @vaibhavpani @bonnygosain @shivansh.j 2. Allah Ke Pyaare NabiMusic Composed & Produced by: Salim SulaimanSingers: Richa Sharma, Salim MerchantLyrics: Kamal HajiMusic Co-Produced: Raj PanditLanguage: HindiGenre: Sufi fusionMood: Devotional'Bhoomi' for 2024 is here and I always look forward to this collection of great music, fantastic collaborations and ingrained purpose. It is already a masterstroke to get Richa Sharma ji to perform this devotional track in praise of Allah. Salim and Sulaiman weave some of their magic The lead vocalists are Richa and Salim and this is the 2nd time I am captivated by her after "Mirza" from the album 'Maidaan' in early 2024. The intro has Richa calling out into the heavens and when she sings with such power and poise I cannot help but close my eyes and surrender.It sounds like Raag Bilawal when the title line is performed by Richa and Salim and the power of the song intensifies with the backing vocals of Raj Pandit, Shivansh Jindal, Aditya Kalway and Keshav Anand. The guitar by Rhythm Shaw paints a mild stroke, and the energy surges with the Tabla by Naeem Sayyed. Aslam Dafrani's Dholak, Harmonium by Muheet Bharti and Raj Pandit make the interlude swell with admiration for the Almighty. The singing is flawless with Richa singing in the baritonish register and the accompanying Piano by Jarvis Menezes and intervening electric guitar by Nyzel D'lima are excellent decorative elements in this beautiful song. The song was produced by Salim, Sulaiman, and Raj Pandit, with Salim and Sulaiman composing the stirring melody. The lyrics are penned by Kamal Haji. The chorus singers are Umesh Joshi, Janardhan Dhatrak, Dattatray Mestri, Deepti Rege, Archana Gore and Preeti Rege. Kudos to the bassist Ralph Menezes and Salim for playing the unique Handpan sounds. The recording engineers are Aftab Khan, Raj Pandit and Tejus Srivastava at Blue Productions. The tracks are mixed and mastered by Aftab Khan at Headroom Studio with mix assistants Vatsal Chevli and Elvis Fernandes. @salimsulaimanmusic @richasharmaofficial @kamalhaji_ @salimmerchant @rajpandit17 @nyzeldlima @ralphmenezes @mixedbyaftab @rhythm_shaw @ujmusic28 @naeem.sayyed0913 @jarvisintune @vatsalchevli @shivansh.j 3. Hairan - Siddharth PanditPerformed by Alok Ranjan Srivastava, Siddharth Pandit

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weekly 29th sep 2024

Top Indian Songs of the week 29th September 2024

If you are a musician submit your new music here.Here are the best songs released in India across languages and genres for the week ending 29th September 20241. AasmaanComposition and Production: Sterlin NithyaLyrics, Vocals: Sireesha BhagavatulaLanguage: HindiGenre: Semi-classical fusionMood: RelaxingSterlin Nithya is one of the first students to graduate from AR Rahman's KMMC, belonging to the first batch of this prestigious institute. I have been aware of her work and her contributions in the space of indie music, but finally, I am here to feature her single amongst the best in the nation. Here is this amazing track and it moves into zones and styles thanks to Sterlin's vision as a composer and arranger. The prelude has my soul already stirring with the Veena solo played by Anjani Sreenivasan, and the Cello along with the Harmonica providing various textures. SIreesha has been outstanding in the last couple of years singing for stalwarts and legends like Amit Trivedi and AR Rahman. Kudos to Sterlin for getting SHalmali on board here as she delivers brilliantly from the very first note. Siva Krish is playing the gentle keys and the production is kept minimal other than the intermitten Veena and Harmonica. "Aasaman Zameen bankar paas aa gaya hai" she sings with so much sweetness and a noticeable tease. Interestingly Sireesha has penned the lyrics too. The anu pallavi has this slightly faster tempo which keeps things very interesting for the listener. I was blown away when she sang " seediyon par" with such an amazing ghamaka and it feels like her voice is getting down a flight of stairs, so well done Sterlin for the notes that land like that and Sireesha for picking the words 'seediyon par' and singing with incredible ease and poise. As I hear this melody I am reminded of songs like "Malai pozhuthin mayakathile" by MS Vishwanathan hence I wonder if there are influences of Raag Chandrakauns. We have this massive shift in the interlude to Western Classical music from an Indian classical set-up as we hear some amazing choral and strings section arrangements in this musical theatre-like production. The choral arrangements are done by Sterlin and I am convinced of her abilities and commitment to music when I hear all the vision and effort for an independent single. Sterlin's appetite is endless as she introduces the Santoor and Clarinet in the arrangements once we get to the stanza and every cell in the body gets nourished with such a melody and ravishing vocals by Sireesha. The classical guitar too makes its way in the background and the landing onto the pallavi is one more highlight with notes that go " hosh khoke hi zindagi mili". Sundar Raj is the recording engineer and the mixing and mastering of all these vast layers are by Grammy Award-winning engineer PA Deepak @thesterlinnithya @virgo_originals @sireeshabhagavatula @veenaanjani @krishsiva6 @padeepak @chosenchapters 2. RunningPerformed by Aksomaniac, Fatboi Raccoon, ShreyaWritten by Abhishek K S, Aron Kollassani Selestin, Rajsri A S(Shreya), Raveen VenkateshProduced by Aksomaniac, Fatboi RaccoonLanguage: EnglishGenre: PopMood: GroovyFeaturing someone new, for the first time is what drives and excites me. This is a groovy pop single that ticks a lot of boxes for me. I must thank Drishti of Robach Music Group for reaching out to me and sharing this song just when it was released. We have Aksomaniac, Fatboi Raccoon who have produced this single and one of the elevating factors for this song is its sound design, arrangements and production. Moving onto the songwriting part the credits go to Abhishek K S, Aron Kollassani Selestin, Rajsri A S and Raveen Venkatesh. Finally, the engaging vocals belong to Aksomaniac, Fatboi Raccoon and Shreya. I love the emotions that flow when we hear " I'm running away from something, Spare my lungs" with the tantalising guitars in the background. The accompanying rhythms and vocal harmonies are perfectly arranged and executed. The melody is so beautiful and you can sway your head to the lines " Fight these demons even, one up on my feelings even" When Aron on lead vocals sings " I freed them " it feels like a Middle Eastern pop song which usually has some stylish and excellent vocals and vibrato. Shreya then gives us even more reason to cherish and celebrate this wonder of a song with her vocals. "I hope my ways don't interfere, I'm not pretending to keep you here, as you run all the way" and when I hear this my heart is pounding and I surrender to the beauty of the melody, lyrics and singing. The chorus, post-chorus and even the outro mesmerise me with the harmony arrangements and strings section in the background. @aksomaniac @shreyx.exe @fatboiraccoon @circle_tone @

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