Tulu artist Praveen Alva, known for his captivating storytelling and dynamic performances with his band Alva Kuuto, has firmly established himself as a significant figure in the realm of Indian independent music. However, with his latest four-song EP, Neerh, Alva ventures further into his creative aspirations, offering listeners a tapestry of tales woven through the metaphor of “waterscapes.”
Neerh, produced in collaboration with Varun Murali, the talented guitarist from the folk-rock band Swarathma, intricately blends various musical elements to present four distinct stories and emotions. Murali’s expertise in recording, arranging, and mixing brings the EP to vibrant life, starting with the lively track ‘Kadal Poiye,’ calming down with the expansive ‘Possa Ponnu,’ transitioning into the soothing handpan rhythms of ‘Barsada Rathrey,’ and concluding with the profoundly moving ‘Kadalanchi Sukha Undugey,’ graced by the violin melodies of Sanjeev Nayak from Swarathma.
The release marks Alva’s conscious effort to delineate his band’s sound from his solo ventures. “Alva Kuuto leans more towards pop-rock, but with this EP, I aimed to explore diverse genres. That’s the direction I want to pursue for now,” Alva says. He emphasizes that even those who may not comprehend Tulu can still resonate with the emotional depth of the music through its soundscape and vocal melodies. “We sketch our own imagination in our mind without explaining too much,” Alva notes.
The opening track, ‘Kadal Poiye,’ translates to ocean and the sand — akin to a beach setting, as Alva describes it. This song is imbued with a playful and groovy essence. Contrastingly, ‘Possa Ponnu,’ meaning new bride in Tulu, presents a narrative from a grandmother’s perspective as she welcomes a new bride into the family. Alva describes this song as reflective in nature, set against the backdrop of backwaters.
‘Barsada Rathrey’ (a rainy night) tells the poignant story of an older migrant yearning for his village life that he abandoned as a child during a festival (jaathre). The EP’s closing track, ‘Kadalanchi Sukha Undugey,’ meaning ‘pleasure is across the ocean,’ takes listeners on a journey across the ocean. Alva explains, “This song occurs within the ocean, involving rowing and chanting, and it narrates the story of someone who has heard that pleasure lies beyond the ocean and sets out in a boat in search of it.
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Reflecting on the unifying theme of water in Neerh, Alva admits that it was not an intentional thematic choice. “These songs weren’t written in a chronological order. I selected from the repertoire I had and decided to integrate them into a concept EP, connecting them through the theme of water,” he reveals.
Practical constraints also influenced the decision to limit the EP to four tracks. Alva acknowledges the economic aspect, recognizing the budgetary limits for recording and releasing the songs. “It’s an investment, considering Varun’s production skills and the studio time. His experience greatly benefited this project; he did an excellent job,” Alva asserts.
With Neerh, Alva successfully spans various genre spaces, showcasing Tulu songs in a “lifelong exercise” of musical exploration. He has taken these songs live, in a departure from the band format, performing them as part of a duo set, with an acoustic guitarist accompanying him, during a recent opening for Swarathma. “We’re endeavoring to bring new dimensions to the studio versions of these songs in our live performances,” he mentions.
Praveen Alva
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Neerh stands as a testimony to Praveen Alva’s talent in folk storytelling. His ability to connect diverse emotions and stories through the fluid theme of water showcases his innovation and commitment to the art. This EP not only highlights Alva’s musical prowess but also sets a new benchmark for his future endeavors in the independent music scene.
Alva’s artistic journey with Neerh encapsulates his intent to expand his musical horizons while staying true to the essence of folk narratives. The delicate yet profound portrayal of water seamlessly binds the diverse tales, offering a unique listening experience that transcends linguistic barriers. Through Neerh, Praveen Alva has carved out a niche, reaffirming his status as a pioneer in modern folk music with a timeless touch.
