The electronic duo Midival Punditz has released their new album, titled ‘Love & Machines’, marking their first full-length project in five years. Concurrently, they have announced a multi-city tour across India to support the album's launch. This release signifies a return to active music production for the New Delhi-based electronic music veterans, who have been described as pioneers of the Indian electronic music scene.
Sonic Landscape and Evolution
‘Love & Machines’ is characterized as a "sonic journey of tradition and modernity," blending classical, Sufi, and folk musicianship with electronic beats. The album aims to capture the duo's feelings with "honesty and hope," striking a chord with listeners. In the past, the duo has drawn from diverse global sources, merging Western rock with Indian folk traditions, and has been compared to acts like the "Chemical Brothers of India."
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"But when you’re making an album, you feel free. When you’re making a single, there’s so much concentration on one song. You feel good about your existence. You think, ‘Let’s make this one too,’ and then you finally create twenty things."
The creative process for an album, as described by the duo, allows for a broader exploration of ideas compared to the singular focus of creating a single track. This expansive approach seems to have informed the creation of ‘Love & Machines’.
Tour and Collaborations
The announced multi-city tour will span ten major Indian cities, including NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Pune, Goa, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, and Guwahati. The tour promises an "immersive experience" featuring live performances, visuals, and collaborations.
Midival Punditz, comprising Gaurav Raina (also known as Grain) and Tapan Raj, have a history of collaborating with various artists and for different media. Previously, they have worked with figures like hip-hop artist Raja Kumari and folk artist Mooralala Marwada for fashion campaigns. Their influence extends across Hollywood, Bollywood, television series, video games, and commercials.
Legacy and Recognition
Established as pioneers in Indian electronic music, Midival Punditz were the first Indian electronic artists to sign with an international label, Six Degrees Records. Their work has been featured in numerous films and compilations. They have also received accolades, including a GIMA Award, for their contributions to electronic music, such as the song "Twilight" featuring Rajasthani folk singer Kutle Khan.
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"The trippy snippet that’s now getting widely shared is likely from a music video, a bigger project like a long-anticipated album is also expected to be out."
Despite a gap in album releases, the duo remained active figures in the Indian electronic scene, maintaining connections with the film and fashion industries. Their earlier work, like the album ‘Hello Hello’, released a decade ago, also marked significant milestones in their discography.
