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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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Firecamino maintains folk storytelling with new release “Juan The Baptist”
“Juan the Baptist” is a stunning single by Firecamino, blending vivid storytelling with charming melody. The laid-back indie song with folk and country influences sounds like an ancient story told around a campfire after a long night.
The song’s central character is a misguided hero, vulnerable and human. Firecamino emphasizes imperfection over perfection, creating a relatable protagonist. That storytelling gives the song a cinematic, intimate feel.
“Juan the Baptist” handles several musical influences well. Folk-inspired writing and country textures add emotion and familiarity. Meanwhile, the cool indie vibe smooths the edges and lets the track flow naturally without being dramatic.
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Lisa Jo finds freedom in chaos, breaking the loop on new release “Runnin in Circles”
Lisa Jo’s latest single, “Runnin in Circles,” is a captivating look at spiritual surrender and emotional exhaustion. The song’s painful cycle of self-destruction and setbacks makes it personal but universally relatable. The song is for anyone who’s been stuck in their own patterns, trying to break free from repeating mistakes.
“Runnin in Circles” captures the emotional exhaustion of repeated rock bottoms. Lisa Jo vividly depicts inner conflict and self-sabotage becoming all too familiar and devastating. The song embraces the emotional wreckage of “burning your own house down,” which is raw and honest.
Evolution makes this record strong. “Runnin in Circles” slowly moves toward surrender and release instead of staying in the dark. Lisa Jo explores that difficult yet transformative moment when control passes to something greater. The spiritual element gives the song depth and resonates beyond heartbreak and frustration. The song’s messiness is lovely. Healing isn’t polished here. Lisa Jo accepts the hard truth of growth, the confusion, the setbacks, and the painful realization that change often happens after the emotional bottom falls out.
Connect with Lisa Jo on Spotify || Soundcloud
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