A Musical Trip to India

 

India has a rich and diverse array of music. Some of the music India is known for producing is Classical Music, Pop, Rock, and most notably, Bollywood.

Indian Music is so prolific that T-Series, a company that produces and presents Indian music, has the biggest platform on youtube with the most subscribers on the site. 

The first song we're analyzing is "Lut Gaye" by Jubin Nautiyal featuring Emraan Hashmi produced in 2021 in India. It's a Bollywood style song. 

Find the English translation of lyrics here

Some key musical elements that give this a distinct sound are:

Droning, this song doesn't have a strong harmony but instead uses a droning voice. 

A common theme implemented in Indian music (specifically Bollywood music) is the use of really elaborate music videos, they're almost short movies. It has that distinct soap-opera, high drama, emotionally charged feeling while watching the video. It gives you a sense of what's going on, even if you don't understand the language. This has the classic giveaway of being a Bollywood song- it's lip-synched by an actor. The actual singer (Jubin Nautiyal) is featured below.

Bollywood is Hindi Cinema, formerly known as Bombay Cinema. Bollywood is known for elaborate song and dance sequences. The songs are typically love songs. They often describe the discovery of love, separation, reunion, or consummation of love. 

The second song we're analyzing is "Brown Munde" by AP Dhilloon, Gurinder Gill, Shinda Kahlon, and GMINXR. It was produced in India in 2020. It's a pop style song.

It's more my style, the Bollywood-type songs are sometimes a bit too dramatized for my taste. I felt as though I had to include one because it's such a hallmark of Indian music. The songs I chose are the most played songs in India this week according to Spotify.

Find the English translation of lyrics here

Some key musical elements that give this a distinct sound are:

This song implements a unique sound found in Indian music called Tala or Titi. This is a way to keep beat using a clap. It literally translates to clap. 

Legato is used in order to connect the notes and assist in the droning quality of their voices.

The lyrics describe how it's easier to make it in Hollywood than it is in Bollywood, citing the color of their skin. They say the color of their skin is actually their secret weapon, and they'll make it to the top because of it, not in spite of it.

The instrumentals used are distinctly Indian. The use of the sitar is unique to India and I really enjoy the effect it adds to the song. 

India is home to some beautiful, vibrant, addictive music. I remember when I first watched "Slumdog Millionaire" and being blown away by the soundtrack. I know many people recognize India as being a cultural goldmine in terms of music, though I still feel it's under-appreciated and under-valued. 

Brown Munde – Lyrics Meaning in English – AP Dhillon. 25 Feb. 2021, lyricstranslated.com/brown-munde-lyrics-meaning-in-english-ap-dhillon/.

Hays, Jeffrey. Indian Pop and Bollywood Music. factsanddetails.com/india/Arts_Culture_Media_Sports/sub7_5c/entry-4252.html.

“Lut Gaye Lyrics - English Translation - Jubin Nautiyal Ft. Emraan Hashmi.” LyricsRaag.Com, 22 Feb. 2021, lyricsraag.com/lut-gaye-translation-emraan-hashmi-jubin/.

“Spotify Charts.” Charts, spotifycharts.com/regional/in/daily/latest.

“Working with Emraan Hashmi on Lut Gaye Was Dream like, Says Director Vinay Sapru.” Prokerala.com – Health, Ayurveda, Travel, Astrology, Ringtones, News, www.prokerala.com/news/articles/a1137067.html.