No Skip is Billboard India’s weekly roundup of the best new Indian music. Every Monday, we tell you exactly what to listen to – songs handpicked by the Billboard India team from last week’s crop of releases. Tracks from Indian artists across film, indie, regional and the diaspora are eligible.
Below are this week’s No Skip selections to kick your week off right.
- “Seethakaalam – Side A” by Damini Bhatla, Rishi Roy, 30KEY!
Off the Telugu singer-songwriter’s new album Gold, this is a slinky track with deft, yet slow jazz drums and a polished sound. Roy’s Hindi interlude and Bhatla’s R&B delivery make this a true highlight from the record.
- “TAX” by Yashraj, aywy
Over an old-school sample, rapper Yashraj asks – where does his tax money go? Double standards, activism, brand name-dropping are all addressed in the flow. Rhythmic tablas and beats in technicolour soundtrack his political asks.
- “Khoya” by OutStation
An acoustic pop ditty that’s all about romance. Each of the boys’ voices merge seamlessly into the musical storytelling of the track that powers up towards the end with charged vocals and closes with stripped down, a capella lines.
- “Gaya Kaam Se” by Armaan Malik, Bhrigu Parashar
Another acoustic I-pop release, this has the genre’s signature restrained vocals, light harmonies and finger-picked guitar. Malik sings about waiting, aspirations, excuses and more for this breezy listen.
- “Dildara” by Shaan, Deedar Kaur
Veteran singer Shaan collaborates with rising singer Deedar Kaur on this filmy pop duet. A heartfelt melody, modern production and Bollywood-style lyrics are the perfect cocktail for a romantic hit.
