Indie Folk from Rishi Ulaganathan

Hailing from Tenkasi in India, 18-year-old singer-songwriter Rishi Ulaganathan is already building a musical vision that flows across various different styles. Making Carnatic music since 2018, Rishi has developed a fluid approach that moves from Tamil Classicals to modern melodies and pop, with an ambition to establish a global presence through his music.

Now, bringing us the first showcase of his unique musical vision, he unveils his sound with his debut original single titled “Family.” While his musical influences span different languages and styles, the starting point and creative spark for “Family” is profoundly personal. The song was composed on the day of his aunt’s funeral, a moment made even more poignant by the fact that she left behind a ten-year-old son.

Amid the sadness of the occasion, Rishi found himself thinking about the child and the enormity of losing a parent at such a young age. That grief also brought another deeply personal memory to the surface; Rishi was reminded of his mother’s miraculous survival from a brain rumour, adding another facet of emotion to an already difficult day. By not allowing those thoughts to remain private however, he transformed them into a song that revolves around the simple but powerful realisation that “Friends May come and go but Family stays Forever.”

It’s a sentiment that gives “Family” its emotional context but Rishi views it without unnecessary weight. The song is captured through a delicate indie folk sound, allowing its subject matter to breathe within an intimate and tender musical setting. Intricate acoustic instrumentation provides the framework, while Rishi’s expressive vocals carry the emotional detail of the story. Opened by the soft plucks of acoustic guitar, Rishi’s gentle voice enters to stitch charming melodies carrying heartfelt lyricism into the alluring musical fabric.

Flowing with warm string textures, the arrangement builds with overlapping vocal layers as breezy melodies float above the soothing instrumentation. Dashed with flickers of bright piano notes, the song glides with lilting rhythmic sway to form a timeless folk sound that’s moving, memorable and thoroughly enjoyable all at once. With beautiful instrumental passages and intimate vocal performance, “Family” sees Rishi Ulaganathan make his entrance as an exciting singer-songwriter on the rise.

Putting his songwriting flair and performance talent on full display, the song presents a magical musical moment that’s sure to win over listeners around the world. As he shares more of his delightful musical output, we can’t wait to see what else Rishi Ulaganathan has in store for the rest of 2026 and beyond.

Listen to Family below

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