When the winds of change blow, they bring with them the scent of a time lost to us. As we keep evolving the landscape of our industries, it might not be too surprising to observe that history might just have repeated itself. About 30 years ago, the rise of Indiepop gave way for Alisha Chinoy, Euphoria, Lucky Ali and Falguni Phatak to become household names. They did something different and unique, and it struck a strong chord with the people as they unknowingly stood at the threshold of a technological revolution.

Soon enough, Bollywood established itself as the pinnacle of all singing and songwriting success, almost establishing an unrelenting hegemony. But times don’t take long to change! The wind of ‘self-sustenance’ has passed over a youth which is building stronger international bonds and bravely choosing to follow their deepest passions. I think we can safely say: A new era has begun.

Mumbai-born, Ludhiana-raised Anuv Jain is one of the trailblazers of this wind. With six hits in ‘Baarishein’, ‘Ocean’, ‘Riha’, ‘Maula’, ‘Guzara’and  ‘Alag Aasman’; he has certainly supplied us with creativity in spades. All his releases have each crossed 1M+ streams on Spotify and other platforms. But believe it or not, up until a few months ago, Jain treated music only as a hobby and not unlike many people he found his calling during the months of Lockdown. 

“I initially saw music as a hobby, a side hustle but a few months ago I quit the family business and got into music full time. It was one of the hardest decisions that I’ve ever taken (saw Imtiaz Ali’s Tamasha the day before hah). That split-second decision changed the course of my entire life and put me on a completely different path. Let’s see where this takes me!”

Anuv Jain

But How Did Music Happen To Him? It seems that he has always harboured a strong creative outlet. If not for music he would have preferred to be a comic-artists and storyteller. He credits being entranced by a guitar performance for having fallen in love with the instrument. Fortunately for him (and us!), his mother always desired for him to go into this stream and the rest is history.

Released yesterday his latest single ‘Mishri’ features a theme of holding onto somebody even if you can’t be with them. Interestingly enough, ‘mishri’ was stored as a word bank for his song ‘Riha’. However, fans showed it so much love that it manifested itself as its own piece. All his songs contain imagery of the night sky, the stars and dreams, can you find them here?

Competitive and creative by nature, Anuv enjoys playing and watching Tennis and Football and works restlessly to deliver quality in its highest strata. Quitting a job in Pune gave him much-needed propulsion to discover himself. In the end, his message to us is clear: Face your fears of failure every single day and work hard.

We all have our dull days when we need the motivation to just get off our beds. Days when everything just feels too difficult. The small moments of joy escape our appreciation. On days like this, good music is the way to go.

Soothing melodies combined with words that speak directly to your heart have the ability to flip your mood by 180-degrees. Sometimes, all you need is for someone to tell you that it’s going to be okay, no matter what. And then, remind you of the little things that bring you happiness, the little moments. There are so many original songs that will touch your hearts bringing you pure joy.

Here are some original songs for you, to simply remind you of what you already know – the importance and beauty of all the little moments of life.

Anupam Roy composed an original piece titled, “Manzil” which directly translates to destination. But the entire song revolves around the satisfaction of the journey. As he phrases it in the description of his YouTube video, “Where you end up is not that important but how you do it is.” He promotes kindness and love to all, through his words. The bright beats with soothing music and gleeful animation just adds to the entire aesthetic.

Our next artist with one of their upbeat original songs is actually an independent rock band named Raahie. On the 25^th of July 2020, they uploaded a wholesome video for their song “Beparwaah Dil”, which I assure you, will melt your heart. The original music video clips of their fans and families – including adorable babies and old people – spending time together during this current panic. If happiness could be put in one video, it would be this.

As much as artists require an audience, I wouldn’t be wrong in saying that all of us need art in our life perhaps just as desperately. This unique year is gently nearing towards its dusk, but the global panic was certainly relieved by many different permutations of art coming together. The realm of Original Compositions was definitely one of them. More and more fresh voices are taking the centre stage as we go through a paradigm shift in how we view art as a whole. This wave has inundated India in the most beautiful way possible, leaving us with a tidal rise in Indian acoustic and indie music

So many people are boldly incorporating instruments such as the ukulele and animations into their work. The limit of creativity is now limitless.
So let us cut to the chase and present you with three masterful compositions that might just find a permanent place in your playlists.

On July 30th, Anuv Jain released a song called ‘Alag Aasman’. Combining his soulful voice with eye-catching graphics and the Ukulele, he has certainly created a masterpiece. And that is clearly reflected by it getting 1M+ views! The song is an ode to the strength and commitment of couples who stay far apart.

A few months ago, on the 25th of September, artist Ashu Shukla released a single called ‘Phir se Shuru’. With a fluid voice and deeply touching lyrics, the song is about ‘reinitiation of love’. It’s all about finding the emotional strength to start over and give in all you have to the one that you love. 

And of course, last but not least, we have Dil Lagana by Girish Nakod featuring Kaprila. Released on the 20th of May, this song is a contemporary and fresh booster for all those who yearn for somebody they do not know yet. Using stunning animations and graphics, this is another one for the books.

Happy Listening!

We all connect to that one song, but we have different stories. A song that means heartbreak for you, could mean love for me. Every artist, every musician has a story. When they sing, when they create music, they are telling you their story. While sure, the words may stay the same; maybe the general emotion remains constant, but the story changes. Their voice, the way they emote, the melody – these are what set apart covers.

If you like to listen to original renditions of music offering you something special and unique, something extra-ordinary, you’re in the right place!

First up is Shoddo Khan, with a heart-wrenching acoustic cover of the Ae Dil Hai Mushkil – the title track. There’s something very authentic and unique about his version of the song. Maybe, it’s the fact that there are no added sound effects or fancy camera work And that is what makes it truly beautiful; Just something about watching him with his guitar singing his heart out. With over 165k subscribers on YouTube, I would definitely recommend you to go check out his music, simply for the rawness of his husky voice as he sings with all the pain and love in the world.

But if you are someone who prefers unique renditions with high-quality music videos, Prince Pratap is your man. Originally from Dehradun, Prince Pratap sings not only Bollywood but Punjabi and Sufi music too. He always adds his own twist to the songs he covers, making them stand out. He also makes sure to give his audience the best quality videos with brilliant sound and lighting. You can see the effort he puts into his music, making them his own. Check out his version of Oh Oh Jaane Jaana clicking the link below!

Last but not definitely not the least, we have our two musician brothers, Jalaj and Rajat from Chandigarh with an unconventional yet remarkable cover of Lata Mangeshkar’s Humne Sanam Ko Khat Likha Hai. They merged their original rap verse making the cover beyond unique. In fact, the rap flow is so seamless that it just fits into the song. While adding to this timeless song, it still somehow feels true to its original self. To conclude, I think you should check out all these artists and you can start with JalRaj by clicking the link below!

We feel so much through music. The notes on the piano, strums of the guitar, beats of drums, maybe an occasional flute and just the right words placed in the right places – all these pieced together to evoke emotions deep within you, taking you back and making you feel all those memories and moments. The music, the words, everything feels like it’s meant for us, it’s our story. These original compositions will take us on a melodious journey.

Have you ever loved a friend? Just been in love with your friend, your best friend. And been so afraid to tell them – because what if you lose your friendship? What if you can’t handle the rejection? What if they leave – you can’t force them to stay. So, you keep the truth hidden, the words aren’t uttered. They don’t know and you continue to suffer. Irrevocably in love with them, constantly hurting. That feeling is what ‘Tumse Mohabbat Hai’ is all about. Jalaj and Rajat, the two brothers who composed this beautiful, heart-wrenching piece about untold feelings, unheard words and unrequited love. ‘Ab nahi hai humko aise jeena, tera hoke bhi tera na hona,” just breaks your heart with all the truth, pain and love it carries. I think it’s the love intertwined with agony in his voice that you can physically hear as he sings the chorus, ‘Tumse Mohobbat Hai’. So, when the tears fall down your eyes, don’t be surprised. As they themselves said, all of us fall in love. Some get to confess, some don’t.

Every story isn’t about unconfessed feelings though. Some have happy endings. Some friendships turn into something more, they get closer, and their love grows stronger every day and it’s simply an immaculate feeling. Darshit Nayak’s song, ‘Pyar aur Dosti’ is about such a story, it’s his story. In this song about friends turned lovers, the love for his wife is so apparent in his voice as he professes his feelings for his wife. Not everyone is lucky enough to survive a love like this and narrate the tale and he considers himself lucky to be able to marry the woman he loves, someone who supports and knows him – she understands him. This original is hopeful for all those who dare to dream of love with a happy ending.