Music
Radhika Vekaria’s new single “Liberate”
Radhika Vekaria’s new single “Liberate” is a gentle and pensive number hosting a bevy of emotions. I hear this song as a musical prayer; it is no coincidence that a significant portion of its lyrical content invokes the Maha Mritjunjaya mantra. Synthesizing Indian and modern pop influences into a greater whole has always been at the forefront of Vekaria’s art, and “Liberate” illustrates her growing confidence in this endeavor. By the song’s end, any arbitrary lines of distinction dividing these worlds blur and all voices become one.
URL: https://www.radhikavekaria.com/
I feel confident saying it’s the only song with pop inclinations where you will hear the Maha Mritjunjaya mantra. Her adherence to Eastern spirituality is an integral component of her life and art. Finding a way to marry those concerns with the structure of a Westernized pop song is one of the central gifts of Vekaria’s art and never fails her during this track. It doesn’t pull “Liberate” in obscure directions. I don’t believe you need to be conversant with the language nor the philosophy underpinning her beliefs for “Liberate” to have its desired effect on listeners.
It’s a song about transcendence, about enduring the slings and arrows of life’s outrageous fortune, yet rising above it all at peace and victorious in the end. I feel confident, as well, in saying that Vekaria would identify her biggest challenge as overcoming her personal foibles – the doubts and fears that plague each of us. They dwarf whatever challenges the world and others may direct towards her. “Liberate” testifies to this ongoing struggle with eloquence and a well-honed sense of drama.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLyoVxxTnKM
Yet that drama is never overwrought. She tempers each line of “Liberate” with a presiding intelligence and equanimity of spirit that keeps the number on an even keel from beginning to end. It does have emotional and musical high points, without question, and she orchestrates those moments for maximum effect and never overindulges herself scaling those heights. “Liberate” is a measured performance from its first seconds through its final notes.
The blending of spiritual-minded language and straightforward lyrics never proves daunting. This is especially true when she blends these two seemingly disparate languages near the song’s conclusion. It’s here where “Liberate” truly achieves the dimensions of a prayer as the fervency of Vekaria’s voice reaches deeper into us. Her intensity and the surrounding whirlwind of sound combine to end the single on a rousing note.
I feel she’s shared something special with us. Perhaps it is an intimate glimpse into her heart, into the bedrock of her life, but it is special. That intimacy is never embarrassing. Instead, it empowers us to surge forward into our own lives with the same dedication that she shows to self-understanding – and, more importantly, finding peace with one’s self. There is no question that “Liberate” points the way toward such self-realization. It’s inarguably one of Radhika Vekaria’s finest songs yet and shows why she’s one of the most vital artists working in modern music. We’re lucky to have her.
Skyler Voss
Artist Spotlight
Cali Tucker Unwraps Christmas Magic With Her New EP “Santa Baby”
Cali Tucker is back in the spotlight this season with “Santa Baby,” a beautifully made holiday EP that captures the heart, warmth, and timeless glow of Christmas classics. Cali is known for singing the National Anthem at NASCAR’s Pennzoil 400 in front of 80,000 fans and more than three million people at home. She brings the same powerful presence and emotional depth to this holiday project.
“Santa Baby” is a great holiday release for music lovers, bloggers, and new artist discovery sites. It has six tracks and lasts 20 minutes. It mixes nostalgia with Cali’s signature smooth vocals. Each song shows off her talent, but “O Holy Night” and “The Christmas Song” are two that stand out as favorites. Both performances show off her range, control, and ability to bring classic songs into modern emotional spaces without losing their original charm.
“O Holy Night” stands out as the EP’s spiritual center, with a glowing performance full of dynamics, warmth, and a cinematic stillness that draws people in. Cali gives the song both respect and a unique touch, breathing new life into a well-known hymn. “The Christmas Song,” on the other hand, makes you feel like you’re sitting next to a fire. It’s soft, heartfelt, and full of stories that make you feel nostalgic. Cali’s voice flows effortlessly through every note, making it impossible not to feel the magic of the season.
The whole EP flows easily and has a mix of fun sparkle, soulful warmth, and classic Christmas music. “Santa Baby” is the perfect song for the season, whether people are making holiday playlists, looking for new Christmas music, or discovering new vocal talents. This EP adds a new but familiar sound to today’s holiday music scene. It has a comforting feel and is easy to listen to repeatedly.
Artist Spotlight
Kalpee Honors Heritage and Heart on His Emotion-Rich New EP Dougla Boi
Kalpee is back with Dougla Boi, a beautiful new EP that is both personal and powerful. It gives listeners a close look at the layers of identity, heritage, and emotion that make him who he is. The Trinidad and Tobago artist is confident in his own space, which is rooted in New Calypso and polished with hints of dancehall, R&B, and afrobeats. In this space, genre bends, but emotion leads.
Named after the Trinidadian word for someone of mixed African and Indian heritage, Dougla Boi is honest, proud, and warm about the complexities of culture. Kalpee opens a window into the dualities that define him across six tracks, turning personal truth into universal resonance. The EP is just under 19 minutes long, but every second is carefully planned to take listeners on a journey through courage, joy, healing, and the quiet strength that comes from accepting all parts of yourself.
The first single, “Under,” stands out right away for its calming yet emotionally charged experience. Kalpee’s voice flows over a beat that sounds both new and old, fitting the EP’s theme of bringing cultures together. It’s one of the best examples of how he can mix soft and hard sounds, which is what makes his New Calypso sound so unique.
“Everybody,” which features Full Blown, is another excellent song that has already done very well. It has a happy vibe and an infectious bounce, making it one of the EP’s most replayable songs. “Everybody” captures the spirit of community and shared experience, which is what Kalpee means when he says that identity is not a box but a rhythm.
Connect with Kalpee: Instagram
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