Love, often described as an ineffable feeling, is uniquely expressed in music. Just as love transcends boundaries, music transcends language, culture, and time, becoming a universal language of emotion. In Indian literature, the “Rasas” or emotional essences, highlight how music can evoke deep feelings of love, longing, and joy through its various melodies and rhythms. The works of Rabindranath Tagore in his musical portfolio beautifully capture the essence of love through music.
In English literature, Shakespearean sonnets and poems like John Keats’ “Ode to a Nightingale” poignantly illustrate the connection between music and love. Keats, in particular, likened the transcendent quality of music to an eternal voice that speaks to the soul, much like love.
Physics, with its study of vibrations and frequencies, offers a scientific parallel to the harmony of love and music. Just as two vibrating strings harmonise to produce a pleasing sound, forms a metaphor for creating a symphony of emotions. The human body reflects this harmony; the heartbeat, often likened to a drum, sets the rhythm of life, with the average resting heart rate of 60-100 beats per minute (BPM) aligning with musical tempos.
Svasa Life presents a curated selection of musicians and vocal artists set to make waves in 2024 and beyond. This round-up showcases diverse creative talents, ready to captivate audiences with their original soundscapes and innovative music frequencies in the coming year.
(L-R) Mansa Jimmy; Lush Lata
A self-describing Lost Romantic and having a quintessential personification of love in her sound, Mansa Jimmy hails from the picturesque hill station of Nainital, where her formative years amidst nature deeply influenced her creativity. Her music is characterised by its melancholic beauty, reflecting her desire to heal and connect with others through her art. She believes in the power of love as a guiding force and strives to remind herself and her audience of its importance. While Mansa is widely admired for her proficiency in Hindustani and Sufi music, she also has a deep appreciation for disco and rock.
Love exists in a state of serene detachment, flowing effortlessly with an enigmatic allure, similar to sound artist Lush Lata whose sounds glide effortlessly through the currents of contemporary hip-hop, blending alluring bass lines, intricate footwork, Jungle beats, RnB classics, enduring cult favorites from the early 2000s. Crafting her artistry with a keen sense of emotional depth, Lush Lata mirrors the highs and lows of affection through her music. Her sounds traverse the spectrum of human emotions, echoing the rollercoaster of love’s journey. By immersing herself in these emotional landscapes, she creates music that resonates with listeners, placing her artistic explorations in the nuanced spaces between the ordinary.
(L-R) Aditya Kapoor; Ashrey Goel
Flux Vortex, Aditya Kapoor’s stage name, known for his innovative fusion of music, art and technology, creates a mesmerising soundscape that resonates with the fluidity of love itself. His music, like love, transitions through various stages, offering listeners an experience that mirrors the complexities of human emotion. In his tracks, Aditya Kapoor combines elements of synth-pop and fluid beats, creating a sensation akin to euphoria. The melodies are uplifting, the rhythms infectious, enveloping the listener in a blissful state reminiscent of new love. However, Aditya’s artistry goes beyond the initial stages of romance. In tracks like “Never See,” he delves into the depths of human emotion, using his sounds to personify the stages of heartbreak, echoing the raw emotions. Through his innovative soundscape, Aditya Kapoor offers listeners a journey through the highs and lows of love, reminding us that, like music, love is a deeply complex and ever-changing experience.
Ashrey Goel, a sound engineer and guitarist, is a master at crafting euphoric yet melancholic sounds that resonate deeply with the listener. Ashrey’s soundscapes are rich with emotion, blending intricate tunes and beats to create a sonic experience that is both captivating and soul-stirring. But what truly sets Ashrey apart is his use of accompanying write-ups that add layers of meaning to his music. For example, his piece titled “Community ball – A place where you and I can go dance in the evening, maybe shake a little with that uncle who always annoys your dog with his garlic smell.” This evocative description sets the scene and adds a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the music. It’s as if Ashrey is inviting the listener by creating a space where listeners can immerse themselves in the beauty of his melodies and the depth of his lyrics, experiencing a range of emotions from joy to longing to bittersweet nostalgia.
Gandhar
In Gandhar’s music, this feeling is not just expressed through lyrics and melodies, but also in the versatile nature of his soundscape. His music embodies love’s playful and profound aspects, offering a journey that transitions seamlessly from day to night. During the day, Gandhar’s music envelops us in soothing and joyful guitar melodies, creating a sense of comfort and warmth. These melodies evoke feelings of tenderness and nostalgia, mirroring the gentle caress of love during the daylight hours. As night falls, Gandhar’s soundscape transforms. The vibrant synth beats and lively guitar melodies give way to fun, energetic rhythms that invite us to dance the night away. What sets Gandhar apart is not just his ability to create songs that embody love, but also his talent in crafting sounds that evoke emotion on a deeper level.
“If music be the food of love, play on.”
This curation of sound artists from Svasa Life contributes to the universe of the music world, each bringing a new voice and sound to the forefront in 2024 and beyond.
Words by Esha Aphale.
Featured image courtesy Rhythm by McConnell Studios.
