Pink Moss
Xathor. Released in April 2024 The four-member Goa band's debut song, Xathor, means 'riddle' in Assamese. Vocalist Sampriti Dastidar says it grew out of a conversation with her sister, who was getting bullied in school because of her stretch marks. It reminded Dastidar of all the taunts she faced as a dark-skinned kid. "Such comments bring down one's selfesteem and can cause trauma for life. Xathor was a response, in hope that women find empowerment through it," she says.
Xathor has a pop and jazz vibe. The band, with Dastidar on vocals, Siddharth Rajmohan on drums, Subid Khan on guitar and Souvik Bhattacharya on bass, draws influences from such acts as Moonchild, Hiatus Kayote, and Ezra Collective, and from R&B and soul.
They've already picked up their first lessons about the music scene in 2024. Pink Moss wanted to release an EP with three songs. Their distributor told them, for a three-song collection, at least one of the songs would have to be 10 minutes long. So, they decided to do what so many artists now do: Release all three songs as singles, instead.
They're also learning how much the perception of good-quality music is related to a band's online buzz. "It has become more about creating content continuously to stay relevant and get followers than putting out good art," says Dastidar.
Gaurav Sharma
Butterflies. Released in January 2024
Gaurav Sharma, 25, grew up listening to Haryanvi folk music and Bollywood hits while growing up in Delhi. It didn't just play in the background. "My mother paid attention to the vocal texture and the pitch of the songs," he recalls. She also encouraged Sharma to sing and enter competitions just to enjoy the experience.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Staying well within range
Driving from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar in an XC40 Recharge at night means going against the odds but it's not dangerous
Forget demure, forget mindful
Women are expected to dress their age. But why should arbitrary numbers dictate anyone's choices? Wear what you want, when you want
Bubbling under, boiling over
The year's best food yet, from Bandra to Seoul, from old names and new, from starters to afters
The new spin doctors
Come for the hooping, stay for fire poi, dapostar, leviwand and more. India's newest subculture blends art and athletics, meditation and showmanship, public and private. And it looks great on the 'gram
Shall we put a label on this?
What is high fructose corn syrup? Is red dye good? Dieticians and nutritionists break down the confusing stuff we see on food labels
Pho heaven's sake, explore!
There's more to Vietnam than the Golden Bridge or Ha Long Bay. Discover limestone cliffs, rice terraces, and local foods that haven't made it to the 'gram
No. Wait. She did what?
These mean girls are self-centred, bratty, and can make your life hell. But they stole the show. Read on, loser. And tell us how it wasssss
Are you seeing spots too?
Jyoti Bhatt's serigraphs use traditional symbols in modern ways, creating art that is slyly clever and full of little stories
Leave us to our own devices
Instead of banning gadgets, restaurants should ban people that are actually disturbing the peace
Siam Siam, but different
The reason Indians feel instantly at home in Thailand is because their mix of Hindu and Buddhist traditions so closely mirrors our own, creating a comfort zone abroad