In this list, you’ll also find music releases that plug into themes of broken trust, an artist lost at sea, environmental collapse, and the excitement of new romance, along with a wave of glistening rock releases from the likes of indie stalwarts The Lightyears Explode, The Western Ghats, and Shivang Arora.
Ditty – ‘So Real’
India/Germany-based musician and ecologist Ditty draws attention to her forthcoming second album titled ‘KALI,’ with a new single, ‘So Real.’ Released on the German label Could Hill, the song sits nicely with Valentine’s month and captures the sheer excitement of a blossoming romance.
Proficiently woven to produce a swaying-folkish melody with chiming key elements, tapping percussion, and Ditty’s harmonious vocals, ‘So Real’ delivers an intimate love ballad with Ditty’s signature poetic touch.
“The surrealism of falling in love always inspires me to rediscover myself — this song is about a past love that encouraged me to find out who I wanted to be,” shared Ditty via a press note. “A friendship, a love, fleeting yet something I will always look back to to find realness in.”
Find Ditty on: Instagram | Spotify
Five YearsFromNow – ‘Aasman’
The buzzing electronic trio from Hyderabad Five YearsFromNow – comprised of Kai Gurung, Sumanth Krishna Battu, and Shan Paul – wheel out a tribute to the individuals and moments that enabled them to consistently rediscover themselves via their latest track, ‘Aasman.’
Spurred on from the works of DJ/record producer Porter Robinson, the piece delves into transformative junctures while glancing towards the sky or ‘Aasman’ of infinite possibilities. The music is marked by creamy synth flows, an influx of meaty bass shifts, electro shards, and melodic dubstep drops.
“This release is particularly special to us as it blends our love for Porter Robinson’s sound with an emotionally resonant story,” conveyed the group via a press note. “This song is a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the people who light our paths when self-doubt clouds our way, it’s a celebration of connection, hope, and the beauty of transformative relationships.”
Find Five YearsFromNow on: Instagram | Spotify
The Western Ghats – ‘The Other Side’
Blending electronica and alternative rock themes is indie crew The Western Ghats, who freed a hair-raising indie composition featuring singer Zeba Tommy. According to the band, this song is meant to serve as “a reminder that some bonds never break, they just wait on the other side.”
Undoubtedly another feather in their hat in terms of its production and execution, the song opens with wistful piano notes courtesy of keyboardist Sunil George. This resulting warm melody is gently ladled with breathy vocals from the frontman Aryaendra Shekhar, followed by Zeba Tommy adding her assertive yet soothing voice prowess to the arrangement to structure a stellar indie tune.
Via email, the band shared, “‘The Other Side’ is a song about presence in absence, a father’s voice reaching out from beyond to comfort those he left behind. It’s the warmth in the cold, the whisper in the quiet, and the love that lingers even as life moves on. The soft, gentle sound pulls you into a quiet, reflective space, with its slow pace and simple arrangement feeling like a comforting, timeless embrace.”
Find The Western Ghats on: Instagram | Spotify
Heeya Tikku – ‘Mere Ho’
Valsad-based singer-songwriter Heeya Tikku has cast out her first song of the new year, ‘Mere Ho’ – an easygoing romantic pop adventure. Produced by sound engineer Ugam Khetan, this outing sees Heeya flanked by guitarist Pratyay Mishra, bassist Alanis Rodrigues, keyboardist Harsh Gadkari, and drummer Rishab Malik, who each recorded their instruments live.
Spanning three minutes, Heeya melodically endeavors to seize the sensation of falling in love with this uplifting tune, noted by her dainty croons, rhythmic drum patterns, creamy key movement, and calming trumpet sections from jazz music great Anurag Naidu.
The song was released with a music video headed by the team at Pencils & Frames, featuring Heeya and musician Rohan Upadeo. Onscreen characters are seen celebrating camping day on January 16, 2025, by setting up an indoor mock forest area with paper trees and a tent. They are also glimpsed undertaking activities such as shadow play, roasting marshmallows, stargazing, and watching ‘Notting Hill,’ a romantic comedy flick starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.
Heeya Tikku is also the voice behind highly streamed music releases such as ‘Bombay Rains,’ ‘Changing Seasons,’ and ‘Ummeedein.’
Find Heeya Tikku on: Instagram | Spotify
Gunda x Darzi – ‘Kalakaar’
After hitting fans with the Qawwali pinched ‘Swagat (Lo, Woh Aagaya)‘ and bossa nova scented ‘Ruswai,’ Azadi Records’ Gunda successfully continues to pivot genres in his productions, rolling out an alternative pop number in ‘Kalakaar.’ Featuring electronic artist DARZI, Gunda stirs in a melancholic performance over a canvas of reflective and brooding strains on this collaborative project.
Its credit roll style visualizer and artwork arrive from the desk of Meet Kataria, who also splashes on the lyrics and a series of seemingly random sketches, and late graffiti artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose name is also scribbled on the artwork. About this track, the press release states, “Gunda paints an image of an artist lost at sea, seeking refuge in a lover who remains just out of reach.”
Find Gunda on: Instagram | Spotify
Debajyoti Biswas – ‘Where You Belong’
Two years after releasing his EP ‘Changing,’ Kolkata/Dublin-based singer-songwriter Debajyoti Biswas has released a brand new single, ‘Where You Belong.’ Once again teaming up with audio engineer Abhibroto Mitra, this piece sees Biswas’ soulful songwriting and potent vocal performances shape a grand soul-stirring showcase.
Conceived as an experimental undertaking at Blooperhouse Studios in Kolkata, in tandem with Abhibroto, Debajyoti had the lyrics, melody, and rhythm devised in two hours. The single begins with reflective guitar chords complemented by Debajyoti’s rousing free-flowing vocals, percussive arrangments, edifying keys and glossy string segments.
Talking to us about the track, Debajyoti shared, “We often get caged in boxes others make for us and lose sight of our true selves and our path ‘Where You Belong’ is a song that nudges you to break free and find your niche where you are heard and seen for who you truly are.”
He further delved into the songwriting on this project, stating, “Musically, I wanted to create an uplifting and happy vibe to the song, which would fill the listener with positive energy to embrace their uniqueness. I have always tried to capture pain or a sense of loss through my songs. I deliberately wanted to explore a theme that was more hopeful and inspiring, with more emphasis on the possibilities of the future than on bygones of the past.
Find Debajyoti Biswas on: Instagram | Spotify
RJH x Len Athokpam – ‘Hairasu Tararoi’
Imphal-based rock act RJH lifts the cloche on another song from their impending debut album, ‘INTUITION II.’ Titled ‘Hairasu Tararoi,’ the project is described as “a meditation on love, loss, and the painful acceptance of what can never return.” RJH reels in guitarist-producer Len Athokpam from the hard rock band Innocent Eyes and also dishes out an adept performance in the local language of Manipuri/Meteilon.
‘Hairasu Tararoi,’ which translates to “like someone who won’t pay heed,” deliciously offers up a stellar rock score noted by slow tempo, picky rhythm guitar patterns, sturdy drums, and a steamy electric guitar riff. Talking about the song, RJH shared on social media, “‘Hairasu Tararoi’ is a haunting, emotional ballad that weaves the story of an unrelenting longing for a lost love and the grief of recent personal losses.”
Find RJH on: Instagram | Spotify
Rono – ‘Aakhri Safar’
After a series of well-received music releases (‘Stranger,’ ‘Gulaabi Rahi,’ ‘Chali Aa‘) and a successful country-wide tour last year, Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Rono steamrolls into 2025 with ‘Aakhri Safar,’ the first piece from his next album.
Unlocking with rustic acoustic guitar licks, greased fretwork, and Rono’s easygoing vocals, slow-tapping percussion patterns, and wistful orchestral-esque sonics soon follow courtesy of the violin to assemble a melancholic singer-songwriter tune. Stitched into the music are works from collaborators lyricist Taab, producer Satyajit Chatterji, drummer Swarnavo Datta, and Rajarshi Das, who slots in those divine violin cuts.
As explained by Rono, “‘Aakhri Safar’ is a tale of trust broken and relationships destroyed. It is a bittersweet remembrance of moments that, in retrospect, I realized were the last: the last drink, the last shared laugh, the last known address, culminating in a reluctant but final goodbye.”
Find Rono on: Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music
Rahul U – ‘Paisa Kamao’
Musician Rahul U, whom we know from his 2024 single ‘Shikayatein,’ adds new threads to his ever-expanding multi-genre tapestry, firing out a speedy rap single in ‘Paisa Kamao’ (Earn Money). Its intense lyrics fired at the pace of a Gatling gun illuminate the challenges faced by musicians, particularly the often disputed notion that money and personal connections propel one’s music career forward.
Held by its very raw, bold, honest, and relatable verses in Hindi, its rap sequences are explosive and carried out over a frantic and fierce desi hip-hop beat, combing over topics of friendships, family bonds, crime, and mental health. Its music video was ideated by Devang Nagarkar and corresponds agreeably with the tempo, dishing out snappy transitions between scenes.
Via an email exchange, Rahul U expressed, “‘Paisa Kamao’ is a song about how society is so focused on earning money. It reflects on real-life stories and thoughts shared by friends, family, and even random people. The most challenging part was designing the percussion, which became the heart of the track. The ad lips, recorded randomly by bandmates, added a unique texture. The bassline plays a key role, driving the song forward and building momentum.”
Find Rahul U on: Instagram | Spotify
Shivang Arora (ft. Komorebi) – ‘Chemical Rain’
Delhi-based alt-rock artist Shivang Arora spotlights themes of environmental ruin, corporate greed, and societal decline in his latest single ‘Chemical Rain.’ Penned in 2023, Shivang submits a rousing rock/grunge motif molded with menacing guitar tones, feisty drums, brooding synths courtesy of Komorebi, and a lethal distorted guitar outro.
“‘Chemical Rain’ is a deeply personal take on human greed and environmental collapse. It is intense, haunting, and painfully relevant, even with its dystopian setting. The lyrics dive into issues like societal decay, and the dehumanizing impact of rapid technological advancement,” said Arora about the song.
Find Shivang Arora on: Instagram | Spotify
Tiara Tara – ‘Glad you came along’
Mumbai-based artist Tiana Tara, who dabbles in the indie-pop and R&B space, has soulfully cobbled together “an expression of gratitude” on her latest music release ‘Glad you came along.’ Tiana carts in the prowess of guitarist/composer Debanjan Biswas on this single, which has been stewing since 2021.
Written within three hours and on the shelf for a stretch, it finally saw its release this year under the guidance of musicians Hardik Pandya, Pushkar Srivatsal, and Sanoli Chowdhury. A strummy string carpet characterizes the song caressed by Tiana’s temperate vocals, plucky guitar parts, and soothing key structures.
Voicing her thoughts about this release, Tiana posted to social media, “It’s finally here and I don’t really know how to feel because this song has had so many lives and I’ve changed so much since we wrote this. But I hope you enjoy this little offering of gratitude to the people in life who feel like home and make you feel less alone just by existing.”
Find Tiara Tara on: Instagram | Spotify
The Lightyears Explode -The Return of Kalicharan
Bolstered by guitarist Utkarsh Jaiswal, one of Mumbai’s favorite rock outfits, The Lightyears Explode, visits a prominent figure from 2013, bringing this project back to life in tandem with the creator of its original artwork, Ishan Rathod.
Adding a seasoning of nostalgia and peeling away the band’s electro-pop elements, ‘The Return of Kalicharan’ is well-furnished with a healthy injection of punk-rock essences, distorted guitars, and a throbbing Mumbai street-style intro. It serves as the title and lead single for their next album, which also is a sequel to their debut album, ‘The Revenge of Kalicharan,’ and places the titular character Kalicharan envisioning a return to a greatly altered Bombay city landscape in 2025.
Lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Saurabh Roy explains, “It’s about rediscovering self-confidence and over-the-top bravado while navigating a transformed urban landscape. It’s not easy listening, but it’s perfect for a space where you can jump around.”
Highlighting the significance of ‘Kalicharan’ in the music, the band posted to social media, “So why are we writing music in the world of Kalicharan again? Cause it’s been a long time and it’s fun! But more importantly, over the past couple of albums things got a bit introspective…maybe even soft and I needed that then. Kalicharan is so brash and confident that when I write about him I get to be all those things too… After a very long time. I’m motherf*cking Godzilla and so are you.”
Find The Lightyears Explode on: Instagram | Apple Music | Spotify
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