Indie singer Tanmaya Bhatnagar eager to perform in Kolkata

Indie singer-songwriter Tanmaya Bhatnagar, who has released her new single, can’t wait to perform in Kolkata. No, her eagerness is not because the city and its people are musically inclined and culturally cautious. Kolkata is her mother’s city. Kolkata is the city where her mother studied. It’s also the city, which she has been frequenting since her childhood. So, there is a deep bond with the city, the singer shares.
From the iconic Howrah Bridge, the pristine Victoria Memorial and the ever-busy streets of Kolkata to the ethereal tram journey and the famous hand-pulled rickshaws, Tanmaya connects with the soul of the city. There’s another reason why she feels deeply connected to the City of Joy. Recently, she shot one of her most loved music videos in Kolkata. "So, it is natural that when I have just released a soft pop number, I would like to perform it in front of the enigmatic Kolkata crowd," she says.
Tanmaya, who writes about relationships and everyday life in her songs, has penned her latest release from her own experiences. “You know when you’re just beginning to be happy with your own company? Not needing or wanting anyone? You’re on the path of healing and moving on. But then suddenly, when you least expect it, you meet someone and you fall head over heels in love. But you’re still caught up in the past memories of a different relationship yet your new found love for yourself and this new companion push you to want to deep dive again and love carefree without fear or judgment. This new love and positive energy almost transports you to a different world. You’re happy, excited and thrilled - it‘s a new beginning. It’s metamorphosis. My song germinated from that feeling,” says the singer.
As someone, who takes inspiration from artists like Elliott Smith, Patrick Watson, Lucy Rose, Laura Marling, The Staves, Lizzy McAlpine, and her mother (her main source of inspiration), Tanmaya plays the guitar, ukulele and writes songs in both English and Hindi. “There are so many artistes that have inspired me and my songwriting style. My taste in music is quite mixed and diverse and of course, it keeps evolving. I adore Lizzy McAlpine and I would love to collaborate with her. Also, I have started to enjoy more pop records and artistes like Raveena, Joy Crookes, Amber Mark, and Alina Baraz,” says Tanmaya, who’s also a graphic designer and model.
After ‘Kya Tum Naraaz Ho?’, which made her one of the talking points in the Indie scene in 2020, Tanmaya followed it up with a few more singles. Her sensational and emotional four-track debut EP, ‘Wherever I Go, I’d Like To Be All I Need’, earned her a fan following. "AR Rahman and Rolling Stone India were all praise for my work," shared the young music composer and songwriter.
Named among the top five female Indie artistes in the country in 2021 by an online music platform, Tanmaya has signed a major record deal. The Nashik-born and Delhi-bred singer-songwriter has even collaborated with Indie artiste Sanjeeta Bhattacharya for a soul-stirring track in Hindi. “Music is not just passion, but a powerful means of expression for me,” says Tanmaya, who is presently learning to play the piano.