World Music Wizards, Mantravine, Want You To Dance At Their Launch Party For Nartana

There’s no band in Singapore quite like Mantravine (Credit: Courtesy of Mantravine)

These worldly shamans are about to unleash more sonic sorcery, conjuring good vibrations all around to resonate with your soul. Such are the cosmic, cosmopolitan soundtracks of Mantravine, one of the scene’s most distinctive ensembles with their enchanting brand of live electronic music. Comprising a motley crew of vocalists, instrumentalists and producers from all walks of life, Mantravine find unity in the songs they forge collectively, and very soon, they’re about to embark on their 36th release and you’re invited to come aboard the ride.

Dubbed Nartana – the Sanskrit word for dancing – the five-track EP is designed and crafted to do just that. “When I dance I forget what and who I am, and I hope to share that freedom I experience through our songs,” says frontwoman, Arunditha Emmanuel, who festoons the band’s compositions with animated vocal exuberance and weighty poeticism. Together with the Carnatic-influened classical guitars of Isuru Wijesoma, the smooth brass section of Farhan Remy and Eriko Murakami, and the dance-conscious programming of Rupak George, she brings life to an album that explores gypsy music, electronica, funk and psychedelia; a potpourri of global sounds that makes up the signature blueprint of Mantravine.

(Credit: Courtesy of Mantravine)

Mantravine gigs are often a communal affair, with energies echoing and bouncing between band and audience. So it’s apt that they’re releasing their album with a full-fledged launch party. Happening at the newly-hatched Blackbird at Gillman Barracks on 22 July, Mantravine will be supported by a beefy, diverse group of rising acts. They include the organic and Bolly selections of DJ Phoeniks, the ethnic and psychedelic picks of Toastybiskit, the indie dance sounds of Anastasiya, and the electroswing/psytech numbers of Tiabeanie. Aside from DJs, there will also be live performances from funk/soul loop guitarist Golisounds and the glitchy, artisanal electronica of Ceratone. Come early from 3pm, and you’ll even stumble upon an open jam session where anything can happen.

Because that’s exactly the essence of a Mantravine gig. Keep your mind open and definitions at the door; the only natural thing to do is accept – and dance.

Mantravine present Nartana album launch party, 22 July 2023, from 3pm, The Blackbird, 8 Lock Road, Singapore 108936. Get your tickets here.