From her breakthrough in Kadal to her indie ventures, Shaktisree Gopalan continues redefining Indian music with tracks like 'By Your Side.'
The Verdict
Shaktisree Gopalan’s ‘By Your Side’ is a masterclass in indie music production, blending her ethereal vocals with thoughtful instrumentation. The collaboration with Hari Dafusia and Nigel Roopnarine creates an intimate listening experience that transcends geographical boundaries. A must-listen for fans of soulful, introspective music.
Don’t think hard? You already know that the single by Shaktisree Gopalan is warranted to be awesome. If you are an Indian music fanatic like I am, you wouldn’t have trouble placing her as the captivating voice behind “Nenjukkule” track of Mani Ratnam’s Kadal. The A.R.Rahman single performed by Shaktisree at Coke Studio before the official release made to the top charts within no time. And eventually made Shaktisree a household name. I remember people listening to “Nenjukkule” on loop, even in Cabs and Autos. Such was the smoldering freshness in her voice, that made everyone sit up and take notice. Post the success of “Nenjukkule” (for which she ended up winning the Filmfare Award), Shaktisree went on to collaborate with A.R.Rahman and Harris Jayaraj for other movies.
Now after establishing herself in the music Industry, Shaktisree, being the lead singer of freestyle band “Off The Record” has come up another soul-stirring single. The said single which is titled “By Your Side”, sees Shaktisree collaborate with Hari Dafusia, a Toronto-based keyboardist-producer, and Nigel Roopnarine, a bass player. In an interview with Hindu, Shaktisree spoke about how the video came into being. “We recorded it in Toronto last year around this time – it was winter and was just beginning to snow there,” recalled the singer. The track was the result of a jamming session. “As a stranger in a foreign land, these were just some random thoughts running in my head then.” She continuous to deliver music which stands apart with an own individuality about them. They speak and make you listen, despite all the chaos of the world. Such is the silken power of her voice that you can’t help but take notice of the most joyous things in the world. Time and again, and in every single second of life. Winter winds and solemn chills.
Enjoy The Track here:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shaktisree Gopalan and why is she famous?
Shaktisree Gopalan is an Indian playback singer best known for her iconic performance in ‘Nenjukkule’ from Mani Ratnam’s Kadal, composed by A.R. Rahman. She won the Filmfare Award for this track and has since collaborated with major music directors, establishing herself as a leading voice in Indian cinema and indie music.
What is Shaktisree Gopalan’s single ‘By Your Side’ about?
‘By Your Side’ explores themes of transcending emotional bonds and hope. Created during a jamming session in Toronto, the track reflects Shaktisree’s personal musings as a stranger in a foreign land, capturing introspective thoughts through soulful melodies and thoughtful composition.
Who collaborated with Shaktisree Gopalan on ‘By Your Side’?
The single features Shaktisree alongside Hari Dafusia, a Toronto-based keyboardist-producer, and Nigel Roopnarine, a bass player. The collaboration brings together diverse musical talents to create a globally-influenced yet deeply personal indie track.
Is Shaktisree Gopalan part of any band?
Yes, Shaktisree Gopalan is the lead singer of the freestyle band ‘Off The Record.’ Through this band, she explores experimental and independent music beyond her playback singing career in Indian cinema.
Where was ‘By Your Side’ recorded and when?
‘By Your Side’ was recorded in Toronto during winter, just as snow began to fall. The unique seasonal ambiance and foreign location influenced the track’s introspective mood and emotional depth, reflecting Shaktisree’s experiences during that period.
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