“Being dead is easy / Like being dissociated / You stay when you’re gone, they address your form / Till you’re returning.” Wow! Just let those emotional, honest, and poetic lyrics sink in. The entirety of “Dissociation,” the second career single by Indian singer/songwriter/pianist, Ajuni (Anupreet Kaur), is truly moving and thought-provoking. Of “Dissociation,” the artist characterizes it as “a dark, stormy, dramatic ballad, and a melodic fusion of east and west.” Kaur nails the sound and vibe, as “Dissociation” is incredibly distinct – ear-catching to the nth degree. She goes on to describe the theme, stating, “Reflecting on my own struggles with mental illness, it has deep, haunting lyrics.” The ascending musician seeks to atone for mental illness, masterfully capturing it lyrically and musically.
Lyrics and music work seamlessly on the very best songs. Such a marriage between the two occurs on “Dissociation.” Rather than key-in merely on the self-described melancholia lyrically, the music accentuates this drama and unsettled feelings. Not only does Ajuni ensure her heritage is represented musically via incorporation of the sitar, but she also brings in jazzy, less predictable harmonies that challenge the ears (positively). This only strengthens the narrative captured lyrically, as she lays out for the listener these feelings of dissociation.
“Here I am / Walking out on my body, and / Watching me go about my day,” she sings on the powerful chorus, continuing, “Here I am / Talking about being at sea / No more in charge of what I say.” No, unless you’ve experienced mental illness personally, you can’t say you understand how it feels, but the songwriting is so descriptive, honest, and vulnerable, it makes you totally empathize and definitely consider how important mental health really is. Honestly, “Dissociation” is the perfect fit for this list, where overcoming hardships has been the modus operandi from day one.
You can learn more about Ajuni here
About The Curator - Brent Faulkner
Slightly eccentric with interests that seem to know no ends, restless ‘Renaissance Man’ is the best way to characterize Brent Faulkner, a native of Kentucky. A certified music educator, multi-instrumentalist, and composer known for his incredibly sharp ear, he lives and breathes music of a variety of styles. In addition to passion for educating, performing, and writing music, he’s equally passionate blogging and writing about it, managing his own site, The Musical Hype (https://themusicalhype.com). When he’s not intensely analyzing music, you can find him reading or watching a movie, reality television or some sporting event.
