August’s New Independent Electronic Music Releases From India - Tune In

Every month, Homegrown intends to traverse the expansive world of independent electronic music from India to shine a light on new releases worth exploring. Sometimes curated by us, sometimes by guest curators. If you, or someone you know, has a new single/ EP/ Album or mix you think deserves tuning into, email us at editor@homegrown.co.in to potentially make it to future compilations.

By all accounts, August had little to offer beyond rising rain-water and clogged streets. Thankfully, the monsoon clouds always seem to align when it comes to increased producer productivity and new releases, so the month had more ups and downs as far as musical offerings were concerned. Serendipity, even romance, seemed to be in the air between unexpected R&B LPs and a 16-year old producer’’s single being shared by global superstars - The Chainsmokers. The compilation that follows is your map to keeping up with all that’s new in the world of independent Indian electronica this August. Let your ears lead the way as you find the sound that best matches your mood.

1) Better Late Vol.2 By Low-Lit Records

Indian imprint Lowlit Records is back with another quality compilation that features the likes of Film, Monophonik, Schlick, Block-2, Frame/Frame, Muteverb & Solr. An amalgamation of frequencies and styles, the LP effortlessly crisscrosses between varied genres including electronica, breaks, and 4X4, without ever feeling out-of-sync.

The LP stands as testament to the vastly improving standard of stand-alone producers and artists in the country; and they’re not afraid to let a cohesive, worldwide influence seep through either.

2) Func - The Lover LP

Easily the most unexpected release of this month, perhaps even year, is Randolph Correia’s (aka Func) foray into the world of R&B–albeit his own interpretation of the genre. He released the 11-track album titled ‘The Lover’ via his Mumbai-based agency KRUNK, and it’s nothing if not seductive. Almost brazenly so.

Contemporary, stripped-down music that suits this weather well, this one’s best listened to start-to-finish.

3) Karan Kanchan - Dojo

Guaranteed to set dancefloors alight, trap ninja Karan Kanchan doesn’t hold back with his latest single ‘Dojo’, that’s out for free download via his SoundCloud page.

The song has a distinctly oriental vibe, which is unsurprising given Karan’s interest in Japanese sound design. Raw and seriously sharp synth-leads coupled with a deeply satisfying bassline, this one is destined to make space for itself in club-systems across Indian cities this season.

Get some.

4) Chrms - Heart Rates Feat. Zoya

To solve the mystery in our opener, Veer Kowli or Chrms is the 16-year-old producer who caught the attention of The Chainsmokers earlier this month with his latest release ‘Heart Rates.’ featuring the fast up-and-coming vocal talent that is Zoya, track was released on the Dutch-based ‘Chill Planet’ Soundcloud page and has notched up over 100,000 plays since.

It’s not hard to notice why as you dive through beautiful emotive pads that lend the track an ethereal feel, while Zoya’s voice stands out with purpose as she lulls the listener into a more melodic space than electronic music allows these days. The drums are minimal in number but maximum in effect and lend the track the right amount of groove.

Download away.

5) SHFT - Catharsis EP

SHFT has been a dominant name in the Indian Techno space off late and continues his unrelenting streak of designed-for-the-dancefloor tunes. This release is the first of two this month and picks up just where he left us off with his last release on Qilla records.

Catharsis has a growling, dystopian feel. Laden with a finesse his listeners have come to expect, this tune is definitely going to find its way into the bags of a lot of DJs. The veteran producer follows it up with a slightly more sober offering - ‘Gemini’. Leaning toward his minimal tastes, the track harmonically ebbs and flows in a daze of risings melodic pads and smartly construed drum patterns.

6) NKHL - Gang$sta Ep

NKHL dished out his debut EP as an independant release, staying true to his hip-hop influenced tech-house credo. ‘Gang$ta’ is a riotous three tracker that is definitely rattling a few sound systems.

The EP leans toward punchy basslines, vocals blended with interplays between edgy notes and chords. Simple and extremely dance-floor friendly, don’t be surprised if you hear this being dropped at a club or at a house party near you.

7) Arjun Vagale - Liquid

One of India’s most prolific DJs/Producers has arrived onto the international techno stage well and truly with his latest release ‘Liquid’. The track has been released on ‘Drumcode’, which is one of the largest techno labels worldwide.

Serious and pounding, this one is tailor-made for peak hour scenarios in a packed club. Glorious percussions mask a heavy kick-drum that’s layered with a raw-analogue lead. Documented proof of his current efforts to make music using modular methods.

8) Dolorblind - Dolores EP

Dolorblind AKA Rohan Sinha dropped his latest EP ‘Dolores’ on his SoundCloud page. The release periscopes into the artist’s ambient sensibilities and his penchant for delivering trippy aural journeys.

Each track is unique and feels like it wouldn’t be out of place as the background score in a Sci-fi movie. The music is textured by mosaics of uplifting atmospherics, samples and progressions. Shuttling between emotions the EP is a sign of a creative bloom in the Indian chill-out space.