Infectious, authentic, with a voice that is pure pop prowess-not to mention liquid black eyes and a face that could launch a thousand ships -- TINA SUGANDH is the next wave of global music. Fusing pop, rock and a little bit of Bollywood, the young singer has a lot to share with the world about her varied influences. "That's my goal-to introduce mainstream America to some new sounds," she muses. "I think it's time for our beats to shine."
On her debut album, Tina explores multifaceted relationships, self pride, and other human emotions and sets them to beats that are seared on the brain in one spin. On "Aja," which is Hindi for "come my way", bhangra thumps and an electrifying guitar riff are the backdrop to Tina's crystal-clear vocals, with a slight hint of her roots. "You Without Me," reveals Tina's vulnerability through a chorus that is instantly imprinted on the brain. "Patiently Wait" opens with tabla blows and staccato guitar strums, then crescendos to a repeated line filled with emotion. Perhaps the album's most exotic track, "Stay," is layered with heart wrenching Indian strings and percussions, as well as plaintive vocal acrobatics by Tina. With this debut album, Tina Sugandh creates a unique sound, proving herself to be a passionate writer and skilled instrumentalist, with an equally intense voice.
Working with producers Lester Mendez (Shakira, Enrique Iglesias and Jewel), Track & Field (Nelly Furtado), Ming & FS, Dr. Luke and Danny P, Tina wrote or co-wrote all twelve tracks on her debut. The songs are filled with optimism, longing and self-confidence. Flitting between fun nights of clubbing ("Inevitably") and her relationship with her mother ("You Without Me") to the heart-wrenchingly beautiful love song ("Stay"), Tina is determined to keep her message positive and remain true to her heritage. Instruments, like the tabla, the dhol, and the harmonium appear all over the tracks. Even The Sugandh Family make several cameo appearances on the album, which is both ancient and modern, soothing and danceable.
With her Hollywood Records debut, Tina Sugandh unveils her blend of exotic South-Asian rhythms and show-stopping ballads to the world.
"I feel like the constant encouragement, years of performance experience, and musical genes that my family blessed me with were all in preparation for this moment in my life." confesses Tina, who also is one of the hosts of the popular program Asian Variety Show on Saturday mornings ("It's the Entertainment Tonight for Bollywood."). "There was a time when Latin music was a bit foreign, and now you hear it's beauty everywhere. I believe it's time for the Indian sound to explode."
By lighting the fuse, Tina Sugandh is among the first to ignite the Indian explosion.
