Tapas Relia is a Music Composer/Producer/Singer working in Bollywood and the Ad Industry of India. Based in Mumbai, he has been working since the last 20 years and scored music for a few hundred commercials and over a dozen Bollywood Movies. His latest movie ‘Dhanak’ directed by Nagesh Kukunoor won the 2017 National Award for best film, and the Crystal Bear Grand Prix at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival.
His songs for movies like Dhanak, Lakshmi and Hanuman have received critical acclaim and praise from a wide spectrum of audiences and reviewers for its originality and freshness; amidst the mostly over-commercialised current music of Bollywood. After working with top Indian artists Tapas Relia marked his foray into Independent Music with his single “Yakeen Rakh Grahan Hatega” – which talks about ‘hope’ and ‘faith’ amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Known for his unique blend of Indian melodies with contemporary arrangements, 2020 saw him experimenting with various genres, from Indian Folk to Contemporary Pop, as an Independent Artist. That has continued through 2021 and he is back with his latest track, “Laazmi”. Let’s find out more about it.
Speaking about “Laazmi”, Tapas Relia said: “Being a huge fan of songs that do not shy away from big sounds, which are grand and have unexpected moments, I created this song with the (subconscious) intent of exploring heartbreak through a larger than life/cinematic soundscape that takes the listener through an unexpected immersive journey.”
“Laazmi” tells its story using a rather unconventional sonic palette for this emotion that incorporates only synth sounds, without losing the essence of the lyrics. It starts off subtly and gently, then mildly explodes in the pre/chorus and continues to open up boldly at every verse; traveling through a multitude of emotions.
The singing is as dynamically varied as the melody. Backed by soaring pads, impactful stabs, deep basses and a very unexpected dominant beat, “Laazmi” voices the bitterness and the resentfulness of a broken heart, as opposed to melancholy and gloom.
While “Laazmi” does sound quite introspective in many places, it isn’t purely cathartic. While there does seem to be a sense of purge, especially as the song climbs to its soaring crescendo, there also seems to be a sense of satisfaction at having the courage to attempt and answer the queries of a broken heart.
The most arresting and impressive aspects of this track are not just the message and the direction the music is coming from – it’s the music itself. The writing and musicianship shine in what is definitely Tapas Relia’s most impressive independent release so far. Kudos to Manoj Yadav for penning some moving lyrics as well.
Verdict: A compulsory listen.
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