When you listen to Jatayu, something magical happens. You stop analyzing the music and just feel it. This experience is especially true in their song “Moksha” and throughout their latest album “Jewel Tones.” Jatayu, a Chennai-based band, blends rock and jazz with traditional Carnatic sounds. They don’t rush into fitting anywhere—they’ve carved out a unique space in India’s indie music scene.
As they get ready to perform at the eco-friendly Echoes of Earth festival in Bengaluru, it feels like both a homecoming and a fresh beginning for the band. Their lineup features Sahib Singh on guitar, guitarist-percussionist Shylu Ravindran, bassist Kashyap Jaishankar, and vocalist-drummer Manu Krishna. Together, they create a sound that’s vibrant and alive, reflecting the spirit of Chennai.
Talking about their music reflects the city’s complexity—a mix of tradition and modernity. Kashyap captures this well, stating, “Sustainability isn’t easy, but we’re committed.” They focus on reducing waste while touring by using reusable items and recycling. It’s a grounded approach, showing that they care about their environment while enjoying their craft.
Festivals like Echoes of Earth, known for their recycled staging and natural settings, resonate with Jatayu’s ethos. The vibrant connection with nature inspires their music, which they describe as “storytelling without lyrics.” They thrive on spontaneity, letting the atmosphere guide their sound. For them, music isn’t just about performance; it’s a living experience that adapts and grows.
Manu reminisces about the band’s early days. “It was chaos, but joyous,” he recalls. Their sound, once a dance of different genres, has now matured into a cohesive and expressive language. They evolved from mere experimentation to genuine expression, maintaining their core but now inviting silence to enhance the experience.
Jatayu embodies a new wave in Indian indie music. They recognize the complexities of their identity—an amalgamation of local roots and global influences. “We’re not claiming to be first; we’re part of a movement,” Manu states. Their music stands out by refusing to fit into a single genre, presenting instead a fusion that feels both local and universal.
Chennai plays a significant role in shaping their sound. Shylu shares fond memories of growing up there, drawing inspiration from diverse musical styles—from Carnatic traditions to Western rock. This unique blend is evident in their music, offering a mix of reverence and rebellion, a true reflection of the city.
Sahib, ever calm, speaks of their compositions with a narrative flair. They think of their music in terms of world-building, aiming to create an immersive experience with each piece. This approach feeds not only their music but also their ambitions for future projects, including a new EP, a music video, and even a documentary chronicling their journey to Japan.
If Shylu has his way, their next piece will be a lullaby, moving gracefully across moods from gentle to intense. This idea reflects the band’s journey: navigating comfort and unease, always returning with meaningful insights.
As they prepare for a 2026 filled with new collaborations and performances, Jatayu’s journey reveals a series of thoughtful choices that have led them to a place that feels unmistakably their own. On December 13, 2025, when they step onto the stage at Echoes of Earth, expect to lose yourself in their sound. In that moment, you won’t need to analyze—you’ll just feel.
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INTERVIEW WITH JATAYU, ECHOES OF EARTH, MUSIC, CHENNAI MUSICIANS, JATAYU, INTERVIEW WITH CHENNAI CARNATIC FUSION ROCK BAND JATAYU
