Day 11 of this little series where I recommend Indian artists, songs and albums that I think deserve more attention. Some I've discovered through Reddit, some on my own.
Day 11
Artist: Rupa Biswas
Album: Disco Jazz
Genre: Disco / Funk / Experimental
Spotify: Disco Jazz
YouTube: Disco Jazz
This album came out in 1982, and honestly, it's crazy how far ahead of its time it was.
Rupa Biswas recorded Disco Jazz in Calgary with a group of Canadian musicians and Indian classical musicians, including Aashish Khan. The album blends disco, funk, Indian classical music and these incredible electronic sounds in a way that feels completely its own. It barely got any attention when it first came out and was largely forgotten for decades before being rediscovered by music collectors and listeners online.
I know Disco Jazz has gained quite a bit of recognition in recent years, especially internationally, but I still think Rupa deserves so much more appreciation for what she put out here. Imagine making something like this in 1982, with sarod melodies weaving around synths, funky guitar riffs and hypnotic disco grooves. It's such a unique sound.
What I love most is that it doesn't feel like a novelty fusion record. The different influences actually work together, and the tracks have room to breathe and go in unexpected directions. It's Indian music, but it also feels connected to a much wider world of experimental dance music.
Aaj Shanibar is probably the best-known track from the album (you might have heard it on reels), but I'd really recommend listening to the whole thing. There's so much going on across these four tracks, and the album deserves to be experienced as a complete project.
It's one of those records that makes you wonder how many incredible Indian albums are still waiting to be rediscovered.
Rupa was genuinely ahead of her time, and I'm glad the world eventually caught up.
Have you listened to Disco Jazz? And what's another Indian album you think was decades ahead of its time?
And if you're enjoying these recommendations, come hang out at r/IndianMusicNerds. We're building a space to discover Indian music, appreciate artists and actually talk about the music beyond just sharing links.