UKNY for August 20
Priya Ragu (photo courtesy of Warner Bros, PR)
Back in August and September of 2021, when the pandemic still dominated daily conversation, two then-new releases offered me a gift of escape, solace, and joy: Priya Ragu's adventurous, exhilarating debut mixtape, damnshestamil, and Cleo Sol's gently powerful second solo album, Mother. On "UKNY" tonight at 11pm, the music of both artists — and where they intersect as well.
First off, a conversation with Zurich-based Priya Ragu, who was shortlisted for the BBC Sound of 2022 following her critically-acclaimed mixtape. The Swiss-Tamil musician held a day job well into her 30s before risking everything, quitting that gig, and pursuing her dreams. This past week, not only did Priya drop a new single, but she announced the October 20 release of her debut album, Santhosam, which means "happiness" in Tamil.
Back in July. I met up with Priya in London at Warner Brothers UK and although we couldn't yet have an on-the-record chat about her then-unannounced debut album, we covered a lot of ground, including her self-defined "raguwavy" blend of R&B, hip hop, soul, pop, Tamil and South Indian music, and "Kollywood" grooves, and her work with both Jungle and her brother, the producer Japhna Gold. Ragu's story is an uplifting one of perseverance and overcoming obstacles. We also shared our mutual admiration for Cleo Sol (who has hinted at a new song release next week) — and I'll get to a song from Mother too.
In addition, we'll hear from Priya's pals Jungle, whose new album is Volcano, plus the compelling Leeds band English Teacher, the ever-mysterious Swedes of GOAT, another track from Romy's forthcoming debut album, and Sofia Kourtesis's blissed-out song of the summer from her own maternally-minded debut album, Madres.
British and international releases on "UKNY," Sundays 11p.m.-midnight on 90.7FM, streaming online and in the Archives after broadcast.
Songs played:
1. (Zurich, CH) Priya Ragu, “Easy,” Santhosam
2. Priya Ragu in conversation
3. Priya Ragu, “Good Love 2.0,” damnshestamil
4. Priya Ragu, “Vacation,” Santhosam
5. Jungle, “Back on 74,” Volcano
6. Cleo Sol, “23,” Mother
7. Romy, “The Sea,” Mid Air
8. (Lima, PE-Berlin, DE) Sofia Kourtesis, “Si Te Portas Bonito,” Madres
9. English Teacher, “The World’s Biggest Paving Slab,” single
10. (Korpilombolo, SE) GOAT, “Unemployment Office (radio edit),” Medicine
