Sukhmani has literally just released her new video for the track titled ‘Not Your Exotic’. A darkly angelic and soulful track with a solid groove that builds to a slow burn underneath Sukhmani’s beautifully weathered vocals and subtle harmonies. This is a quiet evolution from her previous single ‘Divination’ in that the beat and rhythm is more profound and with a slight urban tinge and darker melody. Say what you will about whichever is your favorite but ‘Not your Exotic’ is the type of music that will win over fans all by itself. Inclusivity never felt so inviting.
Listeners can stream “Not Your Exotic” on all major streaming platforms as of today.
About ‘Not Your Exotic’
This single follows the artist’s most recent release, “Divination,” and peels back to an even deeper layer of her already enticing artistic identity. The mix beautifully showcases Sukhmani’s rhythmic brilliance – in addition to her angelic vocals – with a masterfully layered, textured percussion line. Her hypnotic background vocals caress the melody in a silky blanket of colorful harmony and offer a captivating depth to the rich soundscape.
This project is an important moment for the artist in which she speaks out on her experience as a woman of color navigating how to exist authentically between cultures. It warmly offers an opportunity to celebrate every facet that makes each of us unique and inherently connects us. “A common cultural practice I grew up with was welcoming guests to our home on auspicious occasions by spilling mustard oil at either side of the door,” says Sukhmani, “I want to invite listeners into the song as guests and family, always willing to meet each other openly, and celebrate together as one.”
Sukhmani appeals to listeners in the verse, “Girl, recognize me as my own, honor the way I’m kissed by the sun // tell me your stories and take mine on // no, oh there is no other.” At its core, this track implores listeners to honor diversity while acknowledging our inherent oneness. Sukhmani hopes that “listeners can see the song as the invitation for togetherness and inclusivity that it is,” calling us to take a look inward and reflect on our own misperceptions.
About Sukhmani
Sukhmani was born with a rhythm that is undeniable. Listeners feel the heartbeat of her music before realizing it is pulsing through their body. As one of the first female tabla players to emerge from the U.K., she has toured and recorded as a percussionist for years, playing on stage at the 2019 Grammy Awards.
Sukhmani was born into a Punjabi immigrant family in the United Kingdom, and grew up in Leeds where she was surrounded by the sounds of her Punjabi Sikh family, the Afro Caribbean community, and the city’s thriving music scene. She now brings her rare understanding of rhythm and percussion to her own music, delivering sultry vocals over deep, driving beats.
Sukhmani has accompanied artists such as Ajeet and Snatam Kaur on tour as a percussionist, where she “brings deep beauty, passion, and artistry to her playing.” In her transition to singing and songwriting, Sukhmani’s music connects with and empowers listeners to be fully and unapologetically themselves.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/Sukhmanimusic
https://www.instagram.com/sukhmanimusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm54RDiHhUM9NfecSNF_5tQ
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0g66eFnXT4NQDTR99b5Fy2
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sukhmani/1428874787
