Following her debut single You’re Not Coming, which earned her BBC Introducing Asia Network’s Artist of the Week, London-based singer/sonwriter Shivani returns with The Call I Never Made.
The track is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the weight of unsaid words, wrapped in a soundscape that seamlessly bridges Indian classical and Western indie pop. Shivani’s hauntingly emotive vocals glide over a rich tapestry of instruments—tanpura drones, sitar flourishes, and tabla rhythms intertwine with piano melodies, melancholic cello, and dreamy synths. The result is a genre-defying masterpiece that feels both ancient and contemporary, spiritual and deeply human.
Shivani’s genius lies in her ability to honor tradition while pushing boundaries. The song opens with the resonant chime of temple bells, immediately grounding the listener in an ethereal, meditative space, before blossoming into a lush indie-pop arrangement. Her classical training shines through in intricate vocal runs reminiscent of Hindustani ragas, yet the song’s structure—complete with a soaring, synth-laden chorus—feels irresistibly modern.
A published poet (To the Homes that We Are) and a dynamic performer (including a recent showcase at London’s Southbank Centre), Shivani is on a mission to make Indian classical music accessible to global audiences without diluting its essence. “It’s important not to compartmentalize music,” she says—and this track is proof. The way tabla rhythms sync with indie-pop drumbeats, or how sitar phrases echo alongside piano chords, demonstrates a true dialogue between cultures, not just a superficial blend.
With The Call I Never Made, Shivani doesn’t just merge two worlds—she creates a new one. This is fusion done right: respectful, innovative, and emotionally potent. If her debut announced her arrival, this single solidifies her as an artist to watch. Connect With Shivani on Instagram and Spotify
