Last month, French electronic artist Kavinsky, AKA the guy who made Ryan Gosling "literally-me-Ryan-Gosling" on the internet, was found dead at 50 in his Paris home. Born Vincent Belorgey in Paris in 1975, Kavinsky was an actor before he became one of the faces of French synthwave, moving from films like 'Nonfilm' and 'Steak' into the French electro scene in the early 2000s. He created Kavinsky as a fictional character — a zombie who died after crashing his Ferrari Testarossa in 1986 and returned in 2006 to make electronic music — for his debut album 'OutRun' which also featured the iconic track 'Nightcall', that opened the film 'Drive' by Nicolas Winding Refn.
The ultra-popular track was co produced by Daft Punk's Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo himself, and has since powered many a late-night rides for millions of people around the world. But one that, I think, describes his music best is 'Pacific Coast Highway' — a newsman's account of a high-speed police-chase featuring 'The Ghost Car'. It's the track where the artist's signature soaring compositions become synonymous with the romantics of speed; a lust almost; an allegory for piercing your way through time. Kavinsky's identity came from the thosands of films he watched as a boy. And amidst all the action and glamour of the 80s, was a tragedy of cinematic proportions that he was somehow able to channel in his music. To me, like many others, Kavinsky is inseparable from the driver — someone you can rely on for the ride of a lifetime.
Chicago-based beatmaker and archivist Lapgan revisits his landmark beat tape with 'DUNIYA RMX', a six-track remix EP celebrating five years of 'Duniya Kya Hai'. Built around the original album's archive of Indian and Pakistani film music, the project brings together reinterpretations from Arushi Jain, Mera Bhai, Maral, Malfnktion, Loris and Barća, each reworking a different track from the record. Mera Bhai's take on 'Holy' draws from Bollywood disco, French house and live instrumentation, layering bass, guitar, drums and vintage synths into a reimagined version of the original.
Goa-born rapper and singer Tsumyoki continues the rollout of his upcoming EP 'AFRO YOKI' with 'MIA', featuring Nigerian artist Muyeez. Drawing from the Portuguese and African influences that have long shaped Goa's musical culture, the track blends lush guitars, warm melodies and rhythmic contemporary Afrobeats with Tsumyoki's signature "Goan Bounce" sound. Inspired by artists like Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, Lorna, Chris Perry and Tito Paris, 'MIA' reflects the musical influences that shaped Tsumyoki growing up in Goa.
Bengaluru-based singer-songwriter Sahana Naresh teams up with Cologne psychedelic rock outfit Keshavara for 'Pambu Mookan Uncle', a Tamil indie-pop single inspired by the melodramatic villains of 1970s Tamil cinema. Written between Bengaluru and Cologne, the track pairs playful electronic production with Tamil lyricism to tell the story of a moustache-twirling, snake-nosed villain who, beneath all the swagger, simply wants to be loved. Shot across India and Germany, the accompanying music video recreates the exaggerated style of classic Kollywood, making 'Pambu Mookan Uncle' a celebration of Tamil pop culture through a contemporary indie lens.
Grammy-winning vocalist, composer and producer Arooj Aftab joins electronic producer Bonobo on 'Fire on the Water', the latest single from his upcoming album 'Distance in Static'. Recorded at Neil Young's Broken Arrow Ranch studio, the track brings together plucked guitar, cello, violin and fuzzy synths with Aftab's Urdu vocals. The collaboration came together during sessions for the album, evolving from a rough acoustic guitar loop into one of the record's standout tracks.
Following their Coachella 2025 performance with Indo Warehouse, producer-DJ duo Anvaya return with 'Churaya', a new single that continues their blend of Hindi songwriting and electronic music shaped by their South Asian heritage. Kaushal's jazz background and Sonia's classical training come together in the duo's melodic house sound. "This song is a journey across the desert, seeking the mirage of love over the horizon," Anvaya say of the release, which premiered live at Tomorrowland's Terra Solis in Dubai
Assam-born, Mumbai-based artist Costheta has emerged as one of the key names pushing India's new wave of desi nu-metal, mixing rap, metal and rock with influences that trace back to Linkin Park and Bring Me The Horizon. His latest single 'JUNGLI' is packed with crushing guitars, while switching between Hindi and English bars that celebrate youth, rebellion and refusing to fit into anyone else's idea of respectability. Alongside all the swagger and chaos, the track also slips in moments of self-doubt, asking whether people would still stand by him if they saw him for who he really is.
Born in India and now based between Mumbai and Los Angeles, Naisha steps into the spotlight with her debut solo single so then, featuring Ty Dolla $ign, ahead of her debut EP '911'. Executive produced by Naisha alongside Skrillex and Dilip Venkatesh, the project draws from her mix of global influences and pairs clashing melodies, unexpected rhythms and Hindi vocals with her own songwriting and production. After years of collaborations and feature appearances, '911' marks Naisha's first solo project.
Jaipur-based hip-hop artist Silent Attack crafts raw, old-school inspired music rooted in Hindi and English lyricism, with a writing-first approach that draws from political awareness, social issues and real-life narratives. On 'Versatile', he joins producer Nuvoices for a track centred on confidence, discipline and letting the work speak for itself. In his verses, the artist also calls out music labels that profit while artists are left fighting for their share.
Northeastern duo Shane & Rudra come with a rich vocal chemistry and cinematic, honest songwriting. Inspired by the idea of setting the record straight in modern relationships, their new single, 'This Ain't That' is about choosing authenticity over games and knowing the value of something real. "This Ain't That is our response to a culture that's always looking for the next thing," they share. "We wanted to create something people would keep coming back to years from now."
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