(From left to right) Ricky Kej, Swati Bhatt and Alif. Photos: Vedam Records (Kej), Dev Bhatt (Alif)
“Spiritual Love” by Ricky Kej
Part of Ricky Kej’s new album Break of Dawn that’s released via Universal Music India’s recently launched wellness label Vedam Records, the Grammy winner draws from meditation and its power in the music video for “Spiritual Love.” While the song based on raag Hemavati has a journeying quality that’s a fixture in the Bengaluru-based new age artist’s music, the music video for “Spiritual Love” offers sprawling sights, each one drawing a comparison to the different chakras that are often highlighted in meditation practices.
“Sher Dil” by Alif
Marking World Mental Health Day with a specific lens on men’s mental wellbeing, singer-songwriter Alif aka Mohammed Muneem Nazir has released a rock ballad called “Sher Dil.” Punctuated by his distinct vocal style and shimmering rock elements, the song also has a music video that is inspired by his love for running, something that’s helped his own mental health. He says in a statement, “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.”
“Kyun Rukun” by Astrit
For every tender, confessional record about mental health, there’s always something heavier that can do the job just as well. Hindustani classical-informed metal band Astrit’s second single “Kyun Rukun” dropped last month and although its approach is from the perspective of sporting athletes, there’s a bolstering message of resolve delivered through modern metal (and a sarangi-informed bridge) that hits the mark. “This track is dedicated to the relentless spirit of athletes, Olympians, and all those who push past their limits. It’s a tribute to the grit, resilience, and self-belief that fuel champions, reminding us to rise through every setback and keep moving forward,” the band says in a statement.
“Home” by Kairose
New Delhi pop duo Kairose’s debut single “Roses” from February this year was more focused on mental health, but it’s clearly something that they’ve carried forward into all their songs. “Home” is the first track that Vasudev Singh and Apoorva Malik wrote together. They say in a statement, “[The song] delves into themes of loneliness, longing, and the deep desire to find a place of belonging.” There’s a catchy, dreamy electronic quality that occasionally bursts into rock, keeping us guessing.
“Embrace” by Swati Bhatt
A reminder for self-care and also talking about self-acceptance, New Delhi-based singer-songwriter Swati Bhatt wrote “Embrace” as a “source of comfort” and released it at the start of the year. Over gentle yet evocative pop production by guitarist-producer Bob Lanzetti, Bhatt sings about walking on thin ice and facing scrutiny but offers the message that we’re not alone. She says in a statement, “‘Embrace’ encourages processing, understanding, and expressing emotions. I feel like writing it helped me to truly embrace and love myself for who I am. I hope that others too are inspired to allow themselves to feel and heal freely, and I want my song to carry that message forward.”
Call You Right Back, I’m in Therapy by Shah Rule
Mumbai-based hip-hop artist Shah Rule keeps it as honest as ever as he gives listeners a peek into his mind on the journey-driven 2023 album Call You Right Back, I’m in Therapy. From the highs of success to the lows of reflecting on his choices, Shah Rule has help from the likes of Abhijay Sharma on the shimmering “2 Sides,” Shai on “Lonely” and New Delhi’s Raga on “Confident,” plus heavy hitters like Lisa Mishra on “The Cure” and Anik Khan on “Lights Camera Action.” Production assists come from a formidable lot – Stunnah Beatz, Zero Chill, Aakash and Katto. All in all, Call You Right Back… is a buoyant party that also allows for introspection, albeit on the dancefloor, for what it’s worth.
Rakshak by Bloodywood
Rakshak by Bloodywood
There’s really no single track we can pick off New Delhi-based folk-metallers Bloodywood’s stellar debut album Rakshak because several songs focus on the importance of mental wellbeing. Released in February 2022 and comprising breakthrough releases that came in the years before that, Bloodywood brought rap, metal and globally-resounding messages on songs like “Aaj,” “Endurant,” “Yaad” and most famously, “Jee Veerey.”
Bubblecars by The Siege
Released in 2019, Mumbai hip-hop artist The Siege made one of the most openhearted rap records in desi hip-hop at the time when he dropped his album Bubblecars. A universe-like story arch across nine songs, the album sees The Siege grapple with his demons, despair at the gulf between his family and himself and contemplating death on songs like “Haath Kaapte” and the title track. It’s raw and confrontational in its tone, making it a future classic.
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