Sijya Releases 'Tabla' Via Björk-Fame Label One Little Independent Records

New Delhi artist Sijya has just released 'Tabla', the first single off an upcoming EP entitled 'Leather & Brass'.

Slated for release in September, the 6-track EP follows the New Delhi musician and designer's 2022 debut 'Young Hate', which propelled her to prominent festival appearances, UK tours, a remix release on acclaimed label Ninja Tune, a Boiler Room appearance and critical acclaim around the music. While 'Young Hate' was released via Matthew Herbert's Accidental Records, 'Leather & Brass' sees Sijya become the first Indian act to sign with the reputed One Little Independent Records, which has been home to the likes of Björk and Laura Misch.

The lead single, which had long been part of her live set, introduces a more percussive assembly of melodic textures for Sijya when compared to her previous output. Simpler songwriting lines are backed by more complex production to make an engaging balance of keeping the song accessible while venturing into sonic adventures at the same time. Layers of both accumulate to a crescendo that drops into an emotional pay-off around believing in oneself.

“[The track is] also about not letting other people (especially men) do things that seem hard, for me. That makes me feel weak and hollow. This work is all mine. It’s imperfect, but I wouldn’t have anyone else make it theirs,” says Sijya.

While there are electronic drone tones and rhythmic intricacies in the sparse percussion, the curious track title isn't a cue for the cliché of adding tabla beats and tanpura but rather a commentary on artists having to resort to traditional instruments as a clichéd choice rather than a sincere interest. “The title is a bit of a personal joke,” Sijya lets in. “The song has one tabla sample, so ‘Tabla’ was the working title. There’s so much pressure on us as South Asians to commodify our identity and culture, and it’s so prevalent right now. So, this is me having a laugh over it.”

Watch the music video for 'Tabla' above and follow Sijya for more information.