Check out this unbelievable single Ta Dhom which has been produced by the master composer and percussionist Viveick Rajgopalan and features Swadesi (M C Mawali, M C Mayavi, M C TodFod)

Stop what you’re doing, take a deep breath and listen to this.

[embed]https://youtu.be/cw0dI8RZcNM[/embed]

What makes this one of the most unique songs?

The fusion of Rap, Konnakol (for people not familiar with this term, Konnakol is spoken syllable used to represent rhythmic ideas) and these rhythmic beats literally sounds like they’re SPEAKING DRUM. Viveick Rajgopalan is trained under the Carnatic tradition on the majestic percussive instruments Mridangam and Kanjira. He uses his classical roots to compose music that moves between many styles genres and borders. His music is stamped with this unique sound, reflecting his influences from electronic, drum-n-bass to jazz and folk. [caption id="attachment_2719" align="alignright" width="300"] Viveick Rajagopalan[/caption]

“Ta Dhom is a journey and not just a track. It all started about 18 months back when I felt this urge of taking the language of "Indian Classical Rhythm" outside it's conventional domain. What sets this particular project apart is that unlike a mere integration of konnakol and rap; it is a seamless blend of vocal percussion and poetry, which is set to the same metre and flow. The poetry sits within the exact grooves of the rhythm and the rhythm resonates every word and syllable of the poetry.” - Viveick

The Impactful Music Video and Lyrics

The lyrics on Ta Dhom is what really got me going. In a time when inspiration is hard to find, music and art has been a way of finding refuge, expressing ourselves and bringing people, cultures and ideas together. This song is one of the songs that you’ll hear and just go 'BRING IT’ no matter what challenges life throws at you. The video is beautifully shot on the streets of Mumbai by director Rohit More and gives such a raw vibe.

“I decided to scale it across the streets of Mumbai, along with capturing the essence of it and shoot the artists in general human life, with having no budget in hand we shot everything with a single camera, natural moments in natural light, which describes the life of people in a more realistic way.” - Rohit.

[embed]https://vimeo.com/200790497[/embed] The thought behind the video is also worth noting since it features renowned artists from across the performing arts spectrum. There are appearances by Aditi Bhagwat who is an internationally renowned Kathak and Lavani dancer, along the likes of Roshan Abbas, Makrand Deshpande , Prashant Narayan, Kiku Sharda, Dopeadelicz and Vijay Maurya who are all veterans in their own field and rightly so. The video just further proves that art in any form can be such a powerful tool of expression and change. [caption id="attachment_2723" align="alignleft" width="300"] Swadesi is a group of young Emcess producers, DJs and Graffiti Artists that aim to bring about a change through their art and music.[/caption] Big up to MC Mawali, Mayavi and Tod Fod for their crazy rap skills and powerful presence. What amazes me is the level of maturity and meaning to their lyrics. That in itself is just refreshing to hear since most rap we hear is involved around booze, money, cars and wait for it - women’s clothing. This song Ta Dhom right here is possibly the sickest thing I've heard in the Independent hip-hop Industry. THANK YOU SWADESI for making me believe in the homegrown hip-hop industry. #Represent. 

"Steer Dhyan. Teer taan. Cheerfaad. Kala se maar... Musibate hazar Gyan ki bana dhal kalam hatiyaar Abhiman ko jala dal tu hai kalakar!" - MC Mawali