Rounak Maiti Taps Into The Grit Of Garage-Pop On 'Self-Medicate'

Mumbai-based Rounak Maiti has just released 'Self-Medicate' as the first single from his first album in 5 years, entitled 'Brute Fact/Home Truth', which comes out on July 25.

Introducing the EXCISE DEPT and Small Forward member's first album independent of a label after he parted ways with Pagal Haina (the team associated with the likes of Peter Cat Recording Co., Prateek Kuhad and Ditty), 'Self-Medicate' sees Maiti drop some of the saccharine nature of his indie sound for a more bared offering with the help of his ex-label mate Shantanu Pandit.

Though still rooted in indie-pop through the songwriting, Maiti moves more towards the edgier grounds of garage-pop. There is an added grit in the electronic drums-led pace, and the layers of guitar and vocals are slightly less tethered as Maiti looks at and highlights his mind's rough edges on the song.

"I crafted this song very late at 4 am one night, back from a particularly hedonistic night," explains Maiti. "The song poured out of me pretty much in one sitting, and I reflect on how all the hedonism put a strain on my personal relationships. “It’s harder to say no” - the main refrain of my hook - questions how easy it is to submit to indulgence, rather than do the hard work of healing."

Listen to 'Self-Medicate' below and follow Rounak Maiti for more updates.

Image: Annette Jacob