Singer Devika Chawla brings soulful voices in her latest single ‘Dil Tenu’

Recently, audiences who came to listen to Pakistani singer-songwriter Ali Zafar at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater in San Francisco were pleasantly surprised to see Indian singer Devika Chawla sharing the stage with him. His rendition of the English-Urdu/Punjabi track ‘Sajna Door’ received a warm welcome.

The US-based contemporary Indian singer known for her soulful songs including ‘Kehne Ne Naina’, ‘Barkha Bahaar’ and ‘Ek Tera Pyaar’ (with Bohemia) recently released a Punjabi single titled ‘Dil Tenu’. did. With an overwhelming sadness, the song leaves a haunting memory of being loved and lost. “It hurts when the one you love doesn’t reciprocate your love. I was deeply touched by people who’ve experienced these feelings over the years, and as I sat in my home music studio, keyboards But playing along with a few notes, the song revealed itself as a dialogue between the one you loved, the one who left you,” says Devika. She got in touch with Mumbai-based producer, Jayhaan, earlier this year to take the collaboration forward.

“Jahan is developing electronic music by combining trap with western jersey club sounds, bass music and Indian instruments and melodies. I sent him the rough concept of ‘Dil Tenu’, and he started working on the production concept with different beats, sounds and rough mixes until we moved into direction.

sweet and sweet

Soocho Punjabi music and a strong rhythm comes to mind but Devika’s track is melodious with vocals. “Since many of my musical themes are deep and emotional, they lead me to a melodious presentation and production. The result is a soulful Punjabi style of music.”

Devika has been studying Hindustani classical music since the age of seven. After relocating to the US from Delhi for higher studies, he recorded two solo albums that bring together Indian music/melody with contemporary production and sound.

His lead track ‘Kehne Ne Naina’ from the first album Your lover, was featured on Sony’s show – a compilation tracked by artists including Kailash Kher, Rekha Bhardwaj, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and others. Second Contemporary Sufi Album, whole night Released by Saregama Music, it topped the non-film music charts in India, and had popular tracks like ‘Barkha Bahar’ and ‘Kothay Utte’. The latter was called the Barbara Mori-starrer . was also licensed for spanish beauty Theatrically released in India.

“I have also enjoyed experimenting and collaborating with different artists over the years. I worked with Punjabi rapper, Bohemia on several of his top-charting hip-hop tracks, I collaborated with US-based producer Holmes Ives on electronic Indian ballads including ‘Jab Se Piya’, later by Karsh Kale, Midival Pundits. was remixed. and featured on The Buddha Bar by Bombay Dub Orchestra and DJ Ravin. ‘Jab Se Piya’ was also submitted by Six Degree Records for Grammy consideration in the Best Global Music Performance category. Other collaborations include ‘Hole Hole’ and ‘Jaaniya’ with Aman and Ayaan Ali Bangash on Sarod; and ‘Choti Dibby’ and ‘Ga Sa Re Ga Sa’ with Mike Kloster of Smash Mouth.

Extended Exposure

Devika’s relocation to the US may have isolated her from the happenings in the Indian music industry, but it also brought her exposure to western artists and sounds. “I listened to contemporary artists and developed the presentation and production of my music by incorporating elements from my childhood musical learnings and influences – whether it was classical slides, delivered as a rapid succession of notes . Conversation or a Tuneor a sign Raga Or some specific song used in folk mode, or Hindustani classical music in a raga made by me. I think I was able to create a unique space where I combined Eastern and Western music. I have also met many wonderful artists and musicians in America and collaborated with them on my musical journey. ,