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Sukhmani Unveils Powerful New Single “Not Your Exotic”
A sultry and energetic track, “Not Your Exotic” calls listeners to celebrate and honor both our diversity and inherent oneness.
Alt. pop singer-songwriter Sukhmani explores the complexities of belonging and identity in her poetic single, “Not Your Exotic,” out November 19th. This single follows the artist’s most recent release, “Divination,” and peels back to an even deeper layer of her already enticing artistic identity. The mix beautifully showcases Sukhmani’s rhythmic brilliance – in addition to her angelic vocals – with a masterfully layered, textured percussion line. Her hypnotic background vocals caress the melody in a silky blanket of colorful harmony and offer a captivating depth to the rich soundscape.
This project is an important moment for the artist in which she speaks out on her experience as a woman of color navigating how to exist authentically between cultures. It warmly offers an opportunity to celebrate every facet that makes each of us unique and inherently connects us. “A common cultural practice I grew up with was welcoming guests to our home on auspicious occasions by spilling mustard oil at either side of the door,” says Sukhmani, “I want to invite listeners into the song as guests and family, always willing to meet each other openly, and celebrate together as one.”
Sukhmani appeals to listeners in the verse, “Girl, recognize me as my own, honor the way I’m kissed by the sun // tell me your stories and take mine on // no, oh there is no other.” At its core, this track implores listeners to honor diversity while acknowledging our inherent oneness. Sukhmani hopes that “listeners can see the song as the invitation for togetherness and inclusivity that it is,” calling us to take a look inward and reflect on our own misperceptions. Listeners can stream “Not Your Exotic” on all major streaming platforms on November 19th.
Sukhmani was born with a rhythm that is undeniable. Listeners feel the heartbeat of her music before realizing it is pulsing through their body. As one of the first female tabla players to emerge from the U.K., she has toured and recorded as a percussionist for years, playing on stage at the 2019 Grammy Awards.
Sukhmani was born into a Punjabi immigrant family in the United Kingdom, and grew up in Leeds where she was surrounded by the sounds of her Punjabi Sikh family, the Afro Caribbean community, and the city’s thriving music scene. She now brings her rare understanding of rhythm and percussion to her own music, delivering sultry vocals over deep, driving beats.
Sukhmani has accompanied artists such as Ajeet and Snatam Kaur on tour as a percussionist, where she “brings deep beauty, passion, and artistry to her playing.” In her transition to singing and songwriting, Sukhmani’s music connects with and empowers listeners to be fully and unapologetically themselves.
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François Marius and Bérénice creates a tender acoustic pop confession with “Billie Jean”
François Marius’ latest release, “Billie Jean (Acoustic Version),” cuts to the quick and lets raw emotion take over. What you get, ultimately, is a personal pop experience that feels closer to a secret than to either a spoken-word show or a performance. The initial soft strum of an acoustic guitar creates a mood that is soft, sweet, and quietly interesting. It’s a full-throated, backbones-out piece, and every note is screaming its potential. It’s simple but riveting, and it proves that sometimes less is more.
François Marius and Bérénice’s voices sound right together, their voicings intermingle so naturally that they seem accidental or spontaneous, harmonies that emerge from nowhere. The way they speak to one another is very, I mean, they really love each other. That even makes the track seem like a conversation about feelings.
The two artists are clearly close. Romance and Eros are not just ideas, and they inhabit every note that lingers and every minuscule shift in tonality. The harmonies soar effortlessly over the acoustic foundation, a blend of sweetness and strength. It’s a sign of strength and also of a willingness to be hurt.
“Billie Jean (Acoustic Version)” is stripped of any fancy production or theatrical effects, it wins you over with its frankness and forthrightness. Sandy François Marius’s impersonation is fresh and real, endowed with depth and softness thanks to Bérénice’s presence, which definitely makes everything more perfect. This acoustic performance serves as a stark reminder of the elements that do connect people: the singer, his guitar, and a story from the heart.
Connect with François Marius on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube || Twitter || Soundcloud
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RoHaNa and Morpheus von Dobenhausen paint love in shadows and light “WHEN A BOY LOVES A WOMEN”
RoHaNa feat. Morpheus von Dobenhausen, in this new release, “When a Boy Loves a Woman,” This track, recorded in winter, has a hint of gothic style that blends emotional restraint with atmospheric elegance. The track is all about RoHaNa’s emotional singing, which fits perfectly with the carefully crafted production. Her voice shows desire, weakness, and dedication without being too loud, letting each note ring out. The result is a sound that affects people on a personal and universal level. There is a sense of innocence that permeates, capturing the delicate nature of love in its purest form.
Morpheus von Dobenhausen is a guest singer who deepens the track’s emotional journey. Their voices work together to make a conversation of feelings that is both clear and mysterious. The song doesn’t go too fast, so the listener can feel the mood and atmosphere as they go through its subtle changes.
“When a Boy Loves a Woman” is unique because it strikes the perfect balance between modern pop and gothic restraint. The result is a soundscape that is both creepy and easy to listen to. It is a moving story about love and devotion, told with grace and quiet strength.
With this first release, RoHaNa confidently joins the scene, thanks to XanadumusiX’s never-ending creative drive, even when things get hard in the winter. This release not only introduces a new artist with significant potential but also showcases a bold artistic direction in which emotion, atmosphere, and story come together to make a lasting impression.
Connect with Morpheus von Dobenhausen on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube || Tiktok
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