An Introduction to the Sounds of India

By Simran Kaur Takhi

As someone of Indian heritage, I am lucky to have been introduced to South Asian musicians alongside English and European contemporaries. The power and versatility of Asian music has been shown by the many western artists who have sampled and even covered musicians originating from South Asia.

From Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s hair-raisingly powerful octaves to Ravi Shankar’s uplifting compositions, the following is a playlist for those who would like to expand their musical horizons but don’t know where to start. The tracks are a mixture of those that are legendary in the subcontinent in their own right, some that have influenced other artists or, simply, my absolute personal favourites.

Ghulam Ali Chupke Chupke Raat Din

A R Rahman Chaiyya Chaiyya

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOYN9qNXmAw

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Yeh jo Halka Halka Suroor Ha

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjYgu8SJ4DY

You also might want to check out Jeff Buckley’s remarkable cover of this song here:

Mukesh Mathur Mera Joota Hai Japani

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wjGc1zGWBc

Shreya Ghoshal Silsila Ye Chaahat Ka (sampled by Chase & Status for their single Eastern Jam)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qhkBTGE_Wo

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Tere Bin Nahin Lagda

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV7_YJf1BBw

Bally Sagoo Noorie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7TGV3crfAw

A R Rahman Chale Chalo

Ravi Shankar Raag Hameer: Gat In Madhya Laya Teentaal

Other titles you might want to have a listen to include R.D. Burman’s Are Zindagi Hai Khel (sampled by Kanye West For his single I am a God) which you can listen to here and Lata Mangeskhar’s  Man Dole Mera Tan Dole (sampled bv Bombay Bicycle Club for their single Feel) which you can listen to here Also a fan of Indian music? Let us know @humanityhallows or humanityhallows.editor@gmail.com