Siyum Ushers In Pahadi Experimental Rock With Debut Single, ‘Kugti’

Multi-instrumentalist Shivam Nayar, who releases music under the moniker Siyum, springs to life ‘Kugti.’ The single touches upon the magnificence of the Himalayas mountains crafted by intertwining a blend of Pahadi roots and Hindi influences in an experimental rock format.

“With this song, I want people to realize how short and mysterious life is. It’s about enjoying life while it lasts because before we fully understand it, it’s over. I hope my music helps people appreciate the fleeting beauty of our existence,” expressed Siyum in a press statement.

An ode to the Kugti Valley in Chamba, a small town in Himachal Pradesh where Siyum hails from, ‘Kugti’ is expressed in Hindi and Chambyali (Himalayan Pahadi language) and offers up a tantalizing mix of progressive rock, shoegaze, synth-pop, and ambient textures.

Recorded at Siyum’s home studio setup with producer Ritwik De rendering the mix and master, the singer-songwriter transports listeners on an intimate journey through Pahadi culture, capturing the euphoria of unharmed nature and the tranquility of the mountains.

A one-man showcase, Siyum nestles behind vocals, drums, keys, guitars, lyrics, and arrangements of this experimental rock ballad. The single points toward a wavy wistful song design, speckled with a spoken word segment, and steadily climbs to a heavier sound with crunchy guitar riffs and crashing cymbals.

The artist also discussed a shift he wants to bring about with his Siyum music project. He shared, “Growing up in a small town in Himachal and listening to music that was predominantly in English, people used to taunt me a lot, asking why I only listened to English music. “Bada aya angrez” (a dig at one who speaks in English) is a common phrase that I think many people in India who grew up listening to English music have heard.”

This taunt helped him realize that the music is more significant than just the language it is expressed in. He added, “I want to shift the Indian music scene from being so singer-centric to appreciating music as a whole. I hope to encourage more open-mindedness and experimentation in music, pushing the boundaries of what we define as good music.”

Song Credits –
Vocals: Siyum
Drum Programming: Siyum
Keys: Siyum
Guitars: Siyum
Lyrics: Siyum
Arrangement: Siyum
Mix and Master: Ritwik De

Find Siyum on: Instagram | Soundcloud | Spotify

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