South Asian Artist Anju Releases Stirring Folk-Pop Single ‘Cicada’

Minneapolis singer-songrwiter Anju. Photo: Samuel Correa

Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Anju Madhok (who goes by their first name as an artist) invokes the setting of an enchanting evening in New York City on the lush, viola-aided single “Cicada.”

The Indian-origin artist – born to a Punjabi father and Maharashtrian mother – began releasing music as early as 2016 with their EP Margin Notes and followed it up with Rind + Seed EP. Whether it’s last year’s single “Honeybee” or their latest release “Cicada,” Anju’s songwriting often delves on nature. It’s something the artist realized when others pointed it out. “A friend once called it ‘earth music,’” says the musician.

Anju reasons that it might be the case because the lessons on “how to be a human and find meaning and connection in this life” are contained within trees, the sun, rivers and the sky, among other natural settings. Plus, folk music has often drawn from similar elements. On “Cicada,” there are tender and sensual moments, where the titular insect is referenced, as well as monsoon, a kite and a garden. It’s juxtaposed with very vivid snapshots of New York City, from subway cars to alleyways. Anju, however, adds, “I wasn’t really thinking of it as a balance of natural/urban, it felt more like an intuitive process of re-conjuring the magic of an evening in the city by pulling together words and sounds that felt right.”

Written in 2018, Anju says the song took on its final form owing to their “dream team of collaborators.” That includes Atlas Finch who helms production and instrumentation, viola artist Leonardo Vásquez Chácon (who took on recording the strings arranged by Anju), plus mixing engineer John Mark Nelson and mastering engineer Alec Ness. “Most of everything I’ve released thus far I’ve produced and mixed myself, and it felt new and exciting to bring other people in to build together. The process was slow and that was perfect because I trust the energy and pace that my songs take on in their development,” Anju adds.

Counting South Asian diaspora artists like DJ Rekha as a guide, Anju also says they learned a lot from the works of alt act Thanya Iyer, mridangam artist and composer Rajna Swaminathan, singer-composer Ganavya, singer-producer Kohinoorgasm, singer-songwriter Ashni and several more.

Up next, there’s more music and focus on a “larger project.” Anju adds, “I’m excited about connecting with more collaborators and leaning into community and friendships surrounding music this year.”

Stream ‘Cicada’ below and on more platforms here.