Team ‘The Outsiders’
26th May 2024
Team ‘The Outsiders’
26th May 2024
DEE EN, the dynamic duo comprising Saurav Debnath and Aditya Kapoor from Goa, has consistently pushed the boundaries of their sound. With their latest release, “Saturn Return,” they have ventured into uncharted musical territories, leaving behind the guitar-heavy undertones of their earlier records like “Whoopsie Daisy” and “Poppin.” This ambitious project embraces electronic beats, hip-hop, and dance music, marking a significant evolution in their artistic journey.
Reflecting on the creative process, Saurav shared that much of the inspiration for “Saturn Return” stemmed from personal experiences. The album is a contemplative exploration of the questions and uncertainties he faced in his mid-twenties, a period marked by a sense of alienation while living in Delhi. This theme of urban isolation resonates deeply throughout the record, capturing the essence of fast-paced city life and the disconnection it often brings.
The sound of DEE EN has matured, as evidenced by the sophisticated production quality and innovative soundscapes on “Saturn Return.” While the core songwriting remains consistent, the duo has expanded their musical repertoire to include more vocal layering, spoken word, and even rap. Collaborations have also played a crucial role in this evolution. Notably, the feature by Sijya in the track “Troglodyte” introduced a fresh, unprecedented direction for their music.
The creative process behind the album was not without its challenges. Unlike their previous works, which often began with guitar compositions, “Saturn Return” was birthed from beats created on a drum machine. By the end of 2020, most songs were written, but the initial lo-fi sound did not meet their expectations. The subsequent years saw Saurav and Aditya meticulously refining the tracks to achieve a modern, pop-oriented sound. The COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of complexity, with the duo working from different cities and completing much of the album online. This period of separation and remote collaboration ultimately honed their adaptability and resilience.
Saurav encapsulates the emotional core of the album, stating, “There’s a lot of anger, frustration, and confusion. It’s a generational crisis with adulting and being hyper-aware of childhood trauma. Loneliness, isolation, and voids of intimacy are feelings we’ve all grappled with, especially during the lockdown.” He adds, “Go have a listen, you might hate it, like it, or be somewhere in between, and that’s okay. There’s so much music out there, and it can get pretty overwhelming, we get it.”
“Saturn Return” stands as a testament to DEE EN’s unwavering commitment to artistic growth and authenticity, inviting listeners to embark on a reflective and emotionally charged musical journey.
DEE EN, the dynamic duo comprising Saurav Debnath and Aditya Kapoor from Goa, has consistently pushed the boundaries of their sound. With their latest release, “Saturn Return,” they have ventured into uncharted musical territories, leaving behind the guitar-heavy undertones of their earlier records like “Whoopsie Daisy” and “Poppin.” This ambitious project embraces electronic beats, hip-hop, and dance music, marking a significant evolution in their artistic journey.
Reflecting on the creative process, Saurav shared that much of the inspiration for “Saturn Return” stemmed from personal experiences. The album is a contemplative exploration of the questions and uncertainties he faced in his mid-twenties, a period marked by a sense of alienation while living in Delhi. This theme of urban isolation resonates deeply throughout the record, capturing the essence of fast-paced city life and the disconnection it often brings.
The sound of DEE EN has matured, as evidenced by the sophisticated production quality and innovative soundscapes on “Saturn Return.” While the core songwriting remains consistent, the duo has expanded their musical repertoire to include more vocal layering, spoken word, and even rap. Collaborations have also played a crucial role in this evolution. Notably, the feature by Sijya in the track “Troglodyte” introduced a fresh, unprecedented direction for their music.
The creative process behind the album was not without its challenges. Unlike their previous works, which often began with guitar compositions, “Saturn Return” was birthed from beats created on a drum machine. By the end of 2020, most songs were written, but the initial lo-fi sound did not meet their expectations. The subsequent years saw Saurav and Aditya meticulously refining the tracks to achieve a modern, pop-oriented sound. The COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of complexity, with the duo working from different cities and completing much of the album online. This period of separation and remote collaboration ultimately honed their adaptability and resilience.
Saurav encapsulates the emotional core of the album, stating, “There’s a lot of anger, frustration, and confusion. It’s a generational crisis with adulting and being hyper-aware of childhood trauma. Loneliness, isolation, and voids of intimacy are feelings we’ve all grappled with, especially during the lockdown.” He adds, “Go have a listen, you might hate it, like it, or be somewhere in between, and that’s okay. There’s so much music out there, and it can get pretty overwhelming, we get it.”
“Saturn Return” stands as a testament to DEE EN’s unwavering commitment to artistic growth and authenticity, inviting listeners to embark on a reflective and emotionally charged musical journey.