Tag: rock

Music

Arijit Singh’s Unfinished Melodies: A Goodbye That Doesn’t Quite End

Tanisha Cardozo

When Arijit Singh announced his decision to step away from playback singing earlier this year, it felt like a quiet storm passing through the music world. There was no drama, no grand farewell—just a simple note, almost like one of his songs, understated yet deeply emotional. For fans who have grown up with his voice stitched into their memories, it felt personal.

But now, in a message that feels both comforting and bittersweet, Arijit has reminded everyone that endings are rarely absolute. In a heartfelt note shared with his listeners, he expressed gratitude for the love he has received in what he called a “ruthless world.” At the same time, he revealed something that instantly reignited hope—his journey isn’t entirely over yet. There are still many songs left unfinished, and those songs will continue to find their way to listeners over the course of this year, possibly even beyond.

It’s a revelation that changes the tone of his “retirement.” Instead of a sudden silence, what lies ahead is a slow fading echo—new releases that carry the essence of what he has always been known for: emotion, depth, and an uncanny ability to make every listener feel seen. For fans, this means that the connection isn’t being cut off abruptly. Instead, it’s being extended, gently, song by song.

His note, however, wasn’t just about music. It carried a philosophical undertone—advice to step away from noise, to read, to meditate, to find peace. It felt like Arijit wasn’t just signing off from playback singing, but also urging people to reconnect with themselves in a world that rarely slows down. And then came the line that has stayed with everyone: “Who knows what lies ahead?”

That one sentence has sparked countless interpretations. Is it a hint at a possible return? Or simply an acknowledgment that life is unpredictable, even for someone who seems so certain about stepping back? Fans, of course, are holding on to hope. Because when an artist like Arijit leaves the door even slightly open, it’s hard not to imagine him walking back in someday.

Interestingly, his retirement announcement in January had already created waves across the industry. Even Aamir Khan personally visited him, urging him not to quit, especially while working on the title track of Ek Din, a film connected to his son. The moment, captured in a behind-the-scenes video, showed just how valued Arijit is—not just as a singer, but as an emotion that filmmakers rely on. Meanwhile, voices like Shreya Ghoshal stood in support of his decision, respecting the choice of an artist who has given so much over the years.

What makes this phase particularly intriguing is its in-between nature. Arijit Singh is neither fully present in the playback scene nor completely gone. He exists in this space where his past work continues to breathe, and his unfinished songs promise a future that hasn’t entirely closed.

And maybe that’s what makes it so poetic. Because if there’s one thing Arijit Singh has always done, it’s leave us with feelings that linger long after the music stops.

Special Occasion

Elvis Presley: Remembering the King of Rock ’n’ Roll on His Birthday

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

January 8 marks the birth anniversary of Elvis Presley, one of the most influential cultural icons of the 20th century and the undisputed King of Rock ’n’ Roll. Born in 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis rose from humble beginnings to redefine popular music by blending rhythm and blues, gospel, country, and rock into a sound that reshaped global entertainment.

Elvis was more than a musician — he was a cultural phenomenon. His powerful voice, magnetic stage presence, and unmistakable style challenged social norms and ushered in a new era of youth expression. Songs such as Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog, Jailhouse Rock, and Can’t Help Falling in Love became timeless classics, while his influence extended beyond music into fashion, film, and popular identity.

At a time when the world was undergoing cultural change, Elvis emerged as a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and individuality. His impact crossed borders, inspiring generations of artists across genres and continents. Even decades after his passing, his music continues to resonate, finding new audiences through films, documentaries, streaming platforms, and digital archives.

That enduring influence is most visible every year on January 8, when fans across the world come together to celebrate Elvis Presley’s birthday. The day is marked in ways that reflect both deep admiration and global reach — from quiet personal tributes to large-scale public gatherings.

At the centre of these celebrations is Graceland, Elvis’s iconic home in Memphis, Tennessee. Fans from across countries and cultures travel to the historic estate for birthday ceremonies that often include cake-cutting events, live performances, special exhibitions, and guided tours featuring rare memorabilia. Many visitors leave flowers, handwritten notes, and personal messages at his resting place, turning Graceland into a living monument of remembrance and gratitude.

Music remains the heart of every celebration. Radio stations and streaming platforms curate Elvis-only playlists, while tribute bands and performers bring his greatest hits to life at concerts, cultural venues, and community spaces. Across homes and fan gatherings, people dress in classic Elvis styles — from his early rockabilly look to the iconic jumpsuits of his Las Vegas era — keeping his visual legacy alive.

In the digital age, the celebration has expanded even further. Social media platforms fill with fan art, rare photographs, vintage performance clips, cover versions, and personal stories, often trending under hashtags such as #ElvisBirthday and #KingOfRockAndRoll. Museums, music institutions, and cultural organisations also mark the occasion by sharing archival content and curated tributes online.

Film screenings of Elvis’s movies, vinyl listening sessions, radio specials, and community events continue to attract longtime fans, while younger audiences often discover his legacy through modern biopics and digital storytelling. Each generation finds its own way to connect with the music, the image, and the spirit of the King.

As the world remembers Elvis Presley on his birthday, his legacy stands as a powerful reminder of music’s ability to transcend time and geography. More than nostalgia, January 8 represents the continued influence of an artist who transformed popular culture forever — proving that the King of Rock ’n’ Roll still reigns.

Music

Grammys Bring Album Art Back to the Spotlight with New ‘Best Album Cover’ Category

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Album covers are once again stepping into the spotlight as the Grammy Awards introduce a standalone category recognising Best Album Cover, marking the first time in over 50 years that cover art will be honoured independently. The move reflects a renewed appreciation for the role visuals play in shaping music’s identity, particularly in an era dominated by digital platforms and streaming thumbnails.

Among the inaugural nominees is British indie band Wet Leg’s sophomore album Moisturizer, whose unsettling yet playful cover earned lead singer Rhian Teasdale, along with Iris Luz and Lava La Rue, a nomination. Art-directed by Teasdale herself, the image emerged from a deliberately experimental process—combining femininity with discomfort to create a visual that mirrors the album’s emotional contrasts. The result is a creature-like portrait that captures themes of love, longing, and feral energy in equal measure.

Other nominated works include Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos, Tyler, the Creator’s Chromakopia, Perfume Genius’ Glory, and Djo’s The Crux. Each cover reflects a distinct visual philosophy, from minimalist nostalgia to surreal portraiture and cinematic storytelling. Notably, this year’s nominees include recording artists themselves as credited art directors in most cases, underscoring how closely sound and image are now intertwined.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. has described the category’s revival as a response to the evolving impact of cover art in the digital age. While album covers once lived primarily on vinyl sleeves and CD booklets, today they circulate across social media, streaming platforms, and pop culture discourse, often becoming symbols that outlive the music itself. The decision also aligns with the Academy’s broader goal of recognising the many creative forces that shape a musical project beyond performance alone.

For the artists and creative teams involved, the recognition validates the painstaking work behind constructing these visual worlds. Photographer Neil Krug, nominated for The Crux, describes successful album imagery as part of the “language” that defines a great record. The cover for Djo’s album, set in a fictional hotel scene, draws inspiration from classic cinema and dense urban narratives, with every detail—from background characters to neon signage—carefully designed to contribute to the story.

Similarly, Perfume Genius’ Glory reflects the tension between intimacy and performance, capturing a moment that feels both domestic and theatrical. The image resists easy categorisation, something its creators see as a strength rather than a flaw. For Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos, simplicity becomes a statement, using everyday objects and cultural symbols to evoke memory, diaspora, and belonging.

Although physical formats are no longer required for eligibility, all nominated albums are available on vinyl or CD, reinforcing the idea that album art still holds power as a tangible presence in people’s living spaces. As streaming reshapes listening habits, this revived Grammy category signals a broader cultural rediscovery of album art as a meaningful, standalone art form—one that continues to shape how music is experienced, remembered, and shared.

The Best Album Cover award will be presented at the 68th Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles, marking a significant moment for the creatives who turn sound into sight.

Special Occasion

Pop Music Chart Day: The Songs That Shape Generations

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Groovy beats, infectious hooks, and melodies that refuse to leave your head — pop music is the soundtrack of everyday life. Whether it’s playing softly in a café, blasting through car speakers, or anchoring a television commercial, pop music is almost impossible to escape. And at the heart of this musical omnipresence lies one powerful measuring stick: the pop music chart.

For most listeners, the idea of weekly charts is familiar. Radio stations still count down the top songs of the week, offering a snapshot of what the world is humming along to. Even those who don’t consider themselves pop fans have inevitably heard chart-toppers somewhere — proof of the genre’s unmatched reach.

Pop music is also wonderfully unpredictable. Some songs rise and vanish within a week, while others dominate charts for months, embedding themselves into collective memory. These long-standing hits often define generations, which is why names like The Beatles and Elvis Presley still echo across decades. Chart longevity has become one of the most enduring ways we judge musical influence.

The roots of Pop Music Chart Day trace back to January 4, 1936, when Billboard Magazine published its first-ever “Hit Parade.” Topping that list was Stop, Look and Listen by jazz violinist Joe Venuti and his orchestra. This moment marked the beginning of a system that would eventually shape global music culture.

By the 1940s, popularity charts expanded further, and in 1958, Billboard introduced the now-legendary Hot 100. Originally based on radio play alone, the chart has since evolved to include physical sales, digital downloads, and streaming data — reflecting how audiences consume music in the modern age.

Pop music itself resists strict definition. While typically commercially produced and averaging around three minutes for optimal radio play, chart-topping songs often blend genres — borrowing freely from jazz, rock, funk, country, Latin, dance, and urban sounds. This constant evolution is what keeps pop music both relevant and surprising.

Pop Music Chart Day is more than nostalgia; it’s a celebration of how music connects people across time and taste. Whether you’re discovering today’s biggest hits, revisiting classics from past decades, or unapologetically blasting pop songs in public spaces, the day invites everyone to enjoy music without filters or guilt.

After all, charts don’t just track popularity — they document cultural moments. And without them, how would we ever agree on what the world is listening to right now?

Music

Teen Musician Shanaya Rebelo Drops Halloween-Themed Single ‘Zombies in the Street’

Tanisha Cardozo

Inspiration can appear in the most unexpected moments — even while watching spooky videos on a quiet evening. For 15-year-old singer-songwriter Shanaya Rebelo, it sparked the creation of her latest pop-rock single, ‘Zombies in the Street’, a Halloween-themed track filled with fun, energy, and youthful creativity.

“I wanted to make something fun — a song that’s a little eerie but still energetic and light-hearted,” says Shanaya, who has previously released tracks with strong messages of hope and environmental awareness. The idea took shape during a casual jam session with her friends, who later became her bandmates. “It actually started on my birthday,” recalls the Class 10 student at The Phoenix homeschool in Panaji. “We were just jamming for fun, and the harmonies sounded so good that we decided to record it.”

The teen band, aged between 11 and 16, includes Alethea, Kristyn, and Mia on backing vocals, Zach on drums, and Tracii (from Sharada Mandir School) on bass — with Shanaya on lead vocals and guitar. The group rehearsed and recorded the track entirely live at Groovebox Studios, spending hours fine-tuning their sound. “It was a new experience for most of them, but they were amazing,” says Shanaya. “Working with friends made it even more special because everyone brought in their own ideas.”

Kristyn recalls, “At Shanaya’s birthday, she played us a few of her songs. We really liked ‘Zombies in the Street’, tried some harmonies, and it just clicked.” Zach adds, “The band was formed just for this song, and it was so much fun.”

The music video, filmed near Shanaya’s school, captures a playful Halloween atmosphere with friends acting as zombies. “My friends played the zombies, and we had one main character trying to escape them,” she explains. “It was a total group effort — from costumes to filming. Sumaiya and Jaherul handled the camera work brilliantly, and Mysticka did a great job editing it.”

“For me, the best part was singing together at the studio,” shares Mia, while Kristyn laughs, “Wearing that zombie mask during the shoot was the coolest thing!”

A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Shanaya Rebelo began her musical journey at age eight with ‘Merry Merry Christmas’ on All India Radio, Panaji. Since then, she has released several singles through Jazz Goa and Boskon Studios, including ‘Levitating Space’, ‘Save the Earth’, and ‘I Won’t Give Up’. Known for her mix of pop, funk, and jazz influences, Shanaya writes, composes, and produces her own music, preferring live recordings for their authentic sound.

Her latest release, ‘Zombies in the Street’, is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Bloom Music, and other major platforms, with the official video premiering on her YouTube channel.

“Sharing my music with the world gives me the utmost happiness,” says Shanaya — a sentiment that perfectly sums up her creative spirit and the joy her music brings to those who listen.