‘GARBA SZN’ rings true to the spirit of Navratri celebrations

New York City-based label Indo Warehouse has just released its first EP titled ‘GARBA SZN’. Within its three tracks — two from label founder Kahani and one from partner Kunal Merchant — lie a pleasant mix of drum patterns, eclectic basslines, baile funk rhythms and an alluring range of vocals and melodies.

The EP also doubles as an ode to the Hindu festival of Navratri; a nine-day celebration honouring Durga, the goddess of power, that ended on Wednesday, October 5. Part of the festival include traditional Garba parties, whose sounds ‘GARBA SZN’ immaculately encapsulates in its compositions, all while maintaining the trademark Indo Warehouse panache that gets the dance floors gyrating.

“'Garba SZN' is here! The rhythm, pulse, soul and emotion of Navratri all inspired the records in our first Indo Warehouse EP. We’re excited to share our reinterpretations of the music and sound that are so special to our culture,” mention both producers.

The lead track of the EP is Merchant’s ‘Baaje (feat. Aditya Rao)’, which presents soulful vocals, deep house rhythms and striking drums. “‘Baaje’ is a mix of influences: the rhythm, vocals, and melodies you’d hear attending a Garba blended with the deep house sound you hear in my productions and sets,” Merchant explains. “Rao’s voice added a beautifully soulful layer to a record that I produced with a flood of memories, having spent so much time attending Garbas throughout my life.”

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Following up is Kahani’s ‘Dholida’ that pumps up the energy and resonates sounds typical of traditional Garba parties. A distinct groove carries on throughout the track, accompanied by a rhythm with ominous, dreamy undertones. “I wanted to take the essence of the dance form and bring it into our world,” Kahani comments on the inspiration behind the composition.

For the finale, Kahani presents ‘Natho’, which — in his own words — is “Energy.” The producer was inspired by his love for heavy bass-style baile funk, incorporating drum patterns to evoke the same feeling while connecting us as listeners to his culture. “It’s a global rhythm that can be felt by anyone,” he adds about the euphoric track.

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The Indo Warehouse label and events brand continues its upward trajectory in the electronic music scene with unforgettable parties celebrating blended cultures and, of course, their remarkable releases. With the initial aim of providing a platform for South Asian diaspora artists, this year alone the label has launched numerous releases and welcomed fresh, talented artists and their equally compelling music. Five records and four sold-out shows in, Indo Warehouse carry on with their pursuit of standing out in the scene.

‘GARBA SZN’ was released Friday, October 7 via Indo Warehouse. Listen to it below.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Editorial Assistant, follow her on Instagram.