Indie Pop from Varun Sheel

Boston-based artist Varun Sheel is rapidly rising as one of the most exciting new voices in the indie pop sphere, bringing a sound that’s emotionally compelling and culturally layered. Raised in a household surrounded by music, he grew up absorbing the complex structures of Hindustani classical music from his father, a trained vocalist. That background, filtered through the art of ragas, breath control and melodic storytelling, would go on to quietly inform every step of his musical journey.

That adventure really began when Varun first picked up a guitar, teaching himself through endless hours of studying guitar heroes like Paul Gilbert and Buckethead on YouTube. He began to find his own voice by stitching together what he’d learned at home with what he was discovering online and while earning a degree in Neuroscience, he continued developing his songwriting, pairing Indian tonalities with modern indie pop appeal. It was during the pandemic, a time of global pause and inward reflection, that this alchemy fully crystallised into tangible artistic output. Drawing from Bollywood visuals and Western music theory, he began writing music that was at once profoundly personal and widely relatable.

He introduced his unique sonic identity to the world in 2024 with a run of well-received singles, first showcased on the debut outing “more than friends,” a synth-tinged dreamy track with Bollywood undertones, offering a sound that bridged decades and continents. This was followed by “over you,” a theatrical breakup anthem that borrowed its drama from speakeasy culture and big orchestral flourishes. Together, the singles revealed a songwriter with an original and engaging musical vision, earning him “rising star” status from tastemakers.

Now, Varun Sheel returns with his latest single titled “shine,” a track that basks in the golden glow of youth and the excitement of new love. “shine” is a bright indie pop jam filled with zappy synths, atmospheric guitar textures and a chorus that seems to hover in midair. It’s a track that sits at the crossroads of reflection and exuberance, a place Varun knows intimately.

Distilling first glances, summer haze and the bittersweet realisation that perfect moments don’t last forever, “shine” serves up a catchy and energising sound that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Opened by breezy acoustic guitar notes and the soft patter of percussion elements, Varun’s elegant vocals enter to spin instantly memorable melodic leads above as the arrangement swirls around his voice and jumps into a bouncy chorus capped by alluring hooks.

Pairing danceable rhythms, colourful instrumentation and superb vocal performance, with “shine,” Varun Sheel delivers a charming single that’s truly impossible not to love. Putting his delightful pop-focused songwriting and performance panache on full display, it’s a stunning new single from an exciting indie artist who continues to go from strength to strength with each move.

Listen to shine below

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