(Clockwise from top left) Chandra Nair, Satchit, T8iana, Allan Rayman and Merty Shango. Photos: Courtesy of the artist
Allan Rayman – “Bye Bye Blondie”
Wyoming-born and Toronto-based artist Allan Rayman’s new single “Bye Bye Blondie” sees him say goodbye to an old version of himself. The track includes oscillating synths that ride atop a scattering of different sounds and layers to create a unique sonic landscape. The song is off his forthcoming album ROADHOUSE 02, and he says, “Together the songs and video tell a story of an artist who creates an alter ego to handle success in the music industry and what happens when you lose yourself in that character. Ultimately the album is by an artist for an artist. It shines light on the negatives that come with this career choice.”
T8iana – “What Have You Gotta Say Now?”
Australian transgender singer-songwriter Tatiana aka T8iana goes the resplendent dance-pop route for her first single “What Have You Gotta Say Now?” from her upcoming debut album Celebrat8ion. Of Mauritian-Indian-French descent, T8iana digs into her life experiences, emboldened in the face of childhood bullying and assault she faced. Produced by Clarence Jey, the song shows resolve. “My first single — a dance anthem, is an implicit retaliation towards all the people who caused me pain in my growing years. I am sure a lot of straight and/or gay people will be able to relate to the lyrics,” T8iana said in a statement.
Chandra Nair – “Over the Waterfall”
British singer-songwriter Chandra Nair evokes a somber sense of mindfulness and being present in the moment on his new single “Over the Waterfall,” which is carried forward with a gentle and straightforward melody and string arrangements. The music video features a young protagonist reaching out to Nair to embrace the present. Nair says the track is rooted in his idea of melody, drawing from everyone from David Bowie to The Beatles, Oasis, R.E.M. and more. “From then on I knew that all I wanted to do was perform my own songs live to thousands of people,” he says of his influences.
Merty Shango, Kelvyn Colt and Quazi Mode – “Freedom”
New York-based hip-hop artist Merty Shango collaborates with German rapper Kelvyn Colt on his latest single “Freedom,” over a surging beat provided by Indian producer Quazi Mode. “Freedom is about a release and a breaking free from the shackles of racism, suppression, poverty and life’s expectations,” the artist says in a statement.
Satchit – “Lilac Screen”
On “Lilac Screen,” Croydon, U.K.-based alternative R&B artist Satchit hones in on the serious issues of media manipulation and fake news over skittering beats, wonky guitar lines and subtle Indian classical-informed vocal harmonies. Satchit says in a statement, “On the track, I discuss different elements of how the news affects us as well as the responses to what we hear—as although we hear more, we do less to combat it.”