Bangalore’s music scene is currently experiencing a renaissance, bursting with life from stages and sound systems across the city. A distant echo of the lockdown years, today’s soundscape is rich with the wisdom and insights borne from the pandemic’s introspective period. It is within this vibrant atmosphere that we spotlight some of the standout offerings from Bangalorean musicians in 2023.
Leading the charge is hip-hop stalwart Brodha V with ‘Basti Bounce,’ a track that cements his status as a pioneer in India’s burgeoning rap industry. This upbeat anthem features whimsical elements, including a quirky music video with guest appearances from JordIndian and a reprise by Aishwarya Suresh Bindra. This hit serves as the unofficial sequel to ‘Vainko,’ forging what can only be described as Brodha V’s own musical universe.
Sharath Narayan, known for his role as the vocalist-guitarist for rock outfit Black Letters, carves his signature on the sonic landscape with ‘Anthinilavin.’ The single shines with funky guitar rhythms and luminous electronic beats, crowned by Narayan’s soulful vocals, as he forays into a multilingual musical journey that includes Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi.
Aditi Ramesh made waves with ‘Filter Coffee,’ funneling her artistic penchant for creating timeless tunes into a groove-laden celebration of the beloved brew and the art of living in the present moment, a sentiment that has gained currency in the post-lockdown world.
The combo of rapper Hanumankind and producer Parimal Shais has proven to be a winning one, and nowhere is this more evident than in their collaboration, ‘Go To Sleep.’ The track marries vulnerability with vigor, blending raw lyricism with a catchy South Indian folk-inspired hook that captures audiences with ease.
Abhi Tambe’s Portal Waiting EP presents a new dimension of storytelling through music, blending science fiction with ethno-musical motifs. The visuals accompanying tracks like ‘All Aboard’ offer a cyberpunk narrative, while ‘Adoria’ takes listeners on a nostalgic trip through Tambe’s career journey.
RANJ, aka Ranjani Ramadoss, and Clifr, aka Clipher Christopher, continue to defy genre boundaries with their Antihero EP. Packed with spitfire rap delivery, house beats, and hip-hop fusion, this duo is reinventing the sonic palette and showcasing their status as innovators.
For those with a penchant for heavier sounds, Inner Sanctum’s ‘The Face of Evil’ symbolizes a visceral transition, marking vocalist Gaurav Basu’s final recording with the band. The track is an electrifying metal anthem that touches upon societal divides with force and fervor.
Rainburn displays its progressive rock chops on the Vignettes album, boldly addressing their views on pop culture and authority figures amid a backdrop of modern metal riffs and melodies.
Not to be outdone in the progressive sphere, The Pulse Theory’s Coming Back Home is a carefully crafted homage to the genre, weaving through a tapestry of sounds reminiscent of Dream Theater and flirting with the aggression of djent.
Bryden & Parth’s Chameleon World brings a breath of fresh air to both film songs and international hits. With their independent album, the duo embraces a wide array of genres from fusion to folk, driven by heartfelt storytelling and musical dexterity.
Natauku, also known as Natasha Caroll, showcases the evocative simplicity of the ukulele with ’11 Days,’ a soulful anthem that offers a sharp commentary on modern technology-obsessed society.
Huyana’s Anxious Attachments EP, although crafted from her experiences living in Bangalore, carries an international flair with its bold R&B and pop sounds, reflecting personal tales of relationships and growth.
Lastly, young talent Tanya Shanker, with her album What Lies Beneath, captures the voice of Gen Z. Her songs blend potent R&B, pop, and hints of hip-hop, delivering messages that resonate with listeners both young and old.
As the city continues to resonate with these varied musical offerings, it’s clear that in 2023, Bangalore’s beats pulsate stronger than ever, a testament to the enduring spirit and creativity of its artists.
