Exclusive First Listen: Ditty Offers a Distinct Approach to Indie Pop With Single ‘Hold Me’ From the EP ‘Skin’

Ditty's artistic and musical expression draws inspiration from the present moment and a profound connection with the natural world. In her upcoming EP titled ‘Skin’, Ditty delves into these connections through her heartfelt and evocative music, crafting gentle and poetic protest songs that encourage us to care for the Earth and ourselves. The EP is set to be released by the German record label Clouds Hill Records in March 2024 and represents a unique fusion of her fragile yet bold songwriting while offering a distinctly Indian approach to indie pop.

The first single from the EP, ‘Hold Me’, is a tender exploration of the fears that love can confront us with, which she shares exclusively via Wild City ahead of its wider release on October 27.

The lyrics read like intimate letters, conveying a sense of closeness and vulnerability. The single arrives after a significant hiatus following Ditty's debut album, ‘Poetry Ceylon’, which received high praise as one of the best albums of 2019. During the intervening years, the artist has undergone substantial changes, dividing her time between India and her current residence in Berlin. ‘Skin’ was written during a time of longing in her love life, raising questions about the honesty of embracing one's feelings, even when they demand full trust and leaving everything behind.

“We aren’t taught how to hold ourselves. We’ve grown up in a society where our caretakers didn’t take care of themselves. Learning to re-parent ourselves and show ourselves true love, accepting all sides of ourselves, and holding ourselves through trauma takes courage”, shares Ditty, adding that her songs serve as personal sanctuaries where she can completely reveal herself.

Her personal journey through a major illness, separation, and the loss of loved ones, coupled with her move to Berlin during the pandemic, has deeply influenced her creative process for ‘Skin’ as she weaves together her most impactful experiences with those of our planet, blending them harmoniously with spoken word and soothing melodies. The EP serves as an exploration of her connection with the Earth and her inner self, drawing from these transformative experiences.

Listen to ‘Hold Me’ exclusively below and head to Ditty’s artist profile for more information.

Picture by Menty Jamir

Words by Urmimala Mukherjee