PINKSHIFT ANNOUNCES NEW EP ‘SURAKSHA’ OUT OCT 13TH AND DROP NEW SINGLE ‘HOME’
Pinkshift is leaping into a new era. The Baltimore punk rock outfit, comprised of Ashrita Kumar (vocals, they/them), Paul Vallejo (guitar, he/him), and Myron Houngbedji (drums, he/him) - are gearing up to unveil a meaningful new collection of songs, largely inspired by their heritage. “I grew up listening to in Bollywood and Indian classical music would round out the songs perfectly,” Ashrita shares. “Going into the studio, the only thing on my mind was my family, and making these songs was unique because in my head I was making it for them.” Even the EP’s title withholds a special meaning. “Suraksha” (surakṣā) or सुरक्षा, is a Hindi word borrowed from Sanskrit.
‘Suraksha’ is due to arrive on October 13, 2023.
PINKSHIFT’S ASHRITA KUMAR SHARES OF THE EP:
“This collection of songs is so important to me. The biggest audience for this EP to me is my family. I hope this is a worthy tribute to my Nani and the amazing spirit she is and was, and everything she gave to this world. I really wanted to represent that. The beauty and unconditional love that her spirit impressed upon everyone who knew her, and that I hope to carry on with after her passing. She is such an enormous part of who I am, and I’m truly putting it all out there.
The EP features tabla, dhol, and vina. We didn’t go into the studio planning to - but as the songs started develop a couple days in, I immediately felt like these instruments that I grew up listening to in Bollywood and Indian classical music would round out the songs perfectly. Going into the studio, the only thing on my mind was my family, and making these songs was unique because in my head, I was making it for them. It felt unique because normally, I’m either making music for myself or thinking about an audience. But it felt right. I knew I had these songs that perfectly described a spiritual process of grief, and it was really important to create a vehicle for them that would connect with my family. I’m so thankful to Anirudh, Sapan, and Abhi for making that dream a reality.”