Dream Pop from The Badly Behaved

Based in Berlin, The Badly Behaved is a synth-led dream pop outfit founded by songwriter, composer and producer Richard von Kalmar in 2019. Having been making his own original music since his teenage years in the 80s, he originally started out crafting a guitar-based style before developing his artistic vision by adding more instruments such as synthesisers to his sound.

Born in Cologne with German-South African heritage, he grew up living in places such as Lebanon, Italy, Malawi, Scotland and South Africa, gaining new and varied perspectives of the world and society which is reflected in his thoughtful, observational lyricism. Exploring all facets of modern life, his writing covers often overlooked themes to add new dimensions and meaning to his music.

Linking up with Richard Wolff and Stewart Irving, the artist put together the first taste of The Badly Behaved with the debut full-length record Who am I? released earlier this year. Bringing us one of the singles lifted from the album, he now shares the extended version of the track titled “Govinda Jaya Jaya”.

Based on a Hindu chant often expressed as part of the Krishna Consciousness movement, “Govinda Jaya Jaya” captures a modern spacey electronic aesthetic lifted by a piquant eastern twist. Full of grooving rhythms, bouncy bass lines, delicate piano chords and an array of synth tones, with “Govinda Jaya Jaya” The Badly Behaved offers a mesmeric sound that showcases fantastic production and arrangement talent.

Commenting on the release, Richard von Kalmar shares, “The chant was previously used in songs with the same title by Kula Shaker and by George Harrison of the Beatles. The Badly Behaved’s version of the song fuses the chant with an electronic bass line, swirling pads, percussion and ‘big’ guitar sounds that are used to help build it up to a crescendo.”

Adding, “We hope you enjoy listening to Govinda Jaya Jaya as much as we enjoyed making it.”

Listen to Govinda Jaya Jaya below