Reviews – CAGES
Less Than 1000 Followers
Pokkisham’s newest single “Cages” is dedicated to all those creatives struggling to follow their dreams – it’s an empowering song about breaking through your cages and pursuing your passions despite all odds.
Starting quietly with a dreamy atmosphere, Pokkisham’s serene, silvery vocals speak of the struggles that come with being creatively caged up. But once the jazz-inspired drums join in, the song becomes increasingly potent and determined at overcoming all the limitations, and in the end “Cages” becomes a celebration of breaking down barriers and enjoying the freedom of doing what you’ve been aching to do for so long. It’s a very powerful song filled to the brim with passionate emotions.
- X / Facebook (JPGChief)
“Cages” becomes a celebration of breaking down the barriers and enjoying the freedom of doing what you’ve been aching to do for so long. It’s a very powerful song filled to the brim with passionate emotions.
Iggymagazine.com
An air of English Pop Soul caresses our ears with a voice with an irresistible timbre, Pokkisham has decided to unveil a track full of beautiful sound promises and addictive melodies.
No need to overdo it, the former business lawyer couldn’t resist the call of creation and passion that she shares with us with sincerity and discreet groove with the track “Cages”.
Indeed, Pokkisham frees itself from the family and cultural shackles to give us a message of universal freedom with the track “Cages”, a rather evocative track because it is about getting out of its personal and environmental confinement to immerse itself in a moment of intense fun tinged with touches of Fender Rhodes and delayed guitar, as if to better tame our music-loving ears.
Starting softly, “Cages” evolves towards a spirit of rebellion, the instrumental following this intention to get out of what we expect, propels us into a moment of catchy music and very pleasant to listen to. With a subtly powerful but above all very charming timbre of voice, Pokkisham won us over in one listen.
You will love to let yourself be guided by this moment of authentic music but which will give you impressions of familiarity that reassure, here is “Cages” by Pokkisham to discover right here:
Obscuresound.com
“Cages” is an ardent, standout single from Pokkisham, an artist from St. Albans, UK. A gradually evolving, soulful appeal captivates through a riveting vocal lead and escalating key twinkles, with glimpses of strings weaving in. “She leaves her dreams on the road,” the vocals ascend, into the bustle of the “day is through,” expanse; the heightened vocals during the “breaking them down,” invigoration sends chills.
The track reflects a pivotal decision Pokkisham made years ago, to depart her corporate lawyer career to pursue music and songwriting. Amidst familial and cultural pressures, Pokkisham made the career switch nonetheless, and now resonates with audiences via particularly talented songwriting and performance. Lyrical themes within the track reflect rebellion and self-discovery — “if only she stood up, when they counted dreams,” — while also emphasizing that time is never too late to pursue your dreams. Drummer Marco Quarantotto and bassists Jason Reyes comprise the tight rhythm section.
The artist elaborates further on the track:
“It is a call out to anyone struggling to pursue something more fulfilling in their life, to still believe in their dreams, and to feel able to break out of the “Cages” that they may find themselves in, no matter what age or stage they are at.”
Yorkcalling.com
London-born, Sri Lankan singer, pianist, songwriter and producer Pokkisham has appeared on our blog a couple of times now and I’m starting to get excited every time I see she has a new track out. Her latest explores the decision she made some time ago to give up her corporate job and focus on music full-time. It’s called Cages.
By Graeme Smith
The “cage” in the song’s title refers to the mental and societal boxes we all find ourselves in, and encourages us to rid ourselves of them, no matter how daunting a prospect that may be. As ever, the message is delivered through the dreamy jazz and soul we’ve now grown accustomed to from Pokkisham, and as a listener, you can’t help but feel inspired.
And for all the latest unique and unconventional underground tracks, be sure to follow our Decomposition playlist on Spotify.
Musicforall.com
Be inspired by the spirited contemplation in Pokkisham ‘s single ” Cages , ” and spread your wings for the flight of freedom.
A lawyer who exchanged corporate processes for piano keys, and today resolves reconciliations of chords and words, so that messages flow through her mind, to the hearts of the world.
The arrangements oscillate between softness and vigor, with the effects of a pulsating drum, electric bass and the brushstrokes of the guitar to liven it up, while other simple tones delicately flood their part of the composition.
And the vocal, so gentle and firm, urging us to pursue our dreams, because as the saying goes, “the man who loves what he does, doesn’t work!” “, and with this understanding, investing in what causes true well-being and balance, we see one of the meanings of life.
People have such varied personalities and tastes that, if we freed ourselves from fixed work models, and turned our passion into a profession, there would be no shortage of jobs or areas of occupation.
” Cages ” is the perfect single for those whose gaze is lost on the horizon and find themselves without direction, as it encourages you to return to your true passion.
Illustrate Magazine
Pokkisham’s latest single, ‘Cages’, is an ardent and standout track that showcases the artist’s soulful vocals and skilled songwriting. The track begins with a dreamy atmosphere and gradually builds into a potent and determined sound, with the addition of jazz-inspired drums.
The lyrics reflect Pokkisham’s personal experience of breaking free from societal and cultural pressures to pursue a career in music. The song is dedicated to all those creatives struggling to follow their dreams and is an empowering message about breaking through limitations to pursue one’s passions. Starting off with her soft vocals and gossamer light delayed guitar effects by Filippo Ferrazoli. The tight rhythm section, composed of drummer Marco Quarantotto and electric bassist Jason Reyes, provides a solid foundation for the track’s escalating key twinkles and glimpses of strings weaving in. The vocals are the standout feature of the track, with the artist’s silvery voice capturing the listener’s attention and conveying the song’s powerful emotions. The lyrics speak to the struggle of being creatively caged up, but the song ultimately celebrates breaking down barriers and enjoying the freedom of pursuing one’s dreams.
Pokkisham’s personal story of leaving a career in corporate law to pursue music adds depth and authenticity to the track’s message. The song resonates with anyone who has felt societal or cultural pressure to conform to a particular career path or creative endeavour. The message that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams is particularly timely and inspiring and the song is a must-listen for anyone who loves soulful vocals and powerful songwriting.
Reviews – Borrowed Time
York Calling – Graeme Smith
Borrowed Time has its origins in pop, and Pokkisham cites Carole King and Elton John as influences for it. It’s not the kind of pop you’ll hear the charts though, incorporating classic instrumentals, choral vocal harmonies and an organic, jazzy piano melody. What stands out most is the lead vocals, ranging from the delicate to the powerful as the track rises and falls.
Theothersidereviews.com
Embracing her love for storytelling, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Pokkisham uses her soulful vocals, jazzy harmonies and intricate melodies to draw you into her world. Inspired by the likes of Carole King, Donny Hathaway, Elton John, Billy Joel and Stevie Wonder, her music is a contemporary blend of soothing sounds. While Pokkisham has been involved in music for years, it is only in the past 12 months that she started releasing original material. The latest addition to her critically acclaimed repertoire is the single ‘Borrowed Time’.
Described by Quincy Jones (yes, THE Quincy Jones) as having “a real connection with you to the music”, Pokkisham’s sophomore single ‘Borrowed Time’ is something special. Recorded as part of her upcoming debut EP, she fuses her love for different musical styles wrapped up in a pretty melodic package. While Pokkisham is a multi-instrumentalist playing piano and keyboards, ‘Borrowed Time’ is a collaboration with musical professionals John Parricelli (guitar), Jason Reyes-Walsh (bass) and Marco Quarantotto (drums). Pokkisham also collaborated with heavyweight producer Haydn Bendall who “balances a sense of live, authentic performance with incredible production aesthetics”.
Alright, so the quick background of who did what on ‘Borrowed Time’ is through; now, let’s get to the meat of the song. Following her jazzy-pop single ‘Yes To This’, ‘Borrowed Time’ adopts a more contemporary pop design. Yet, while there is a strong commercial pop element to the track, the incorporation of classical piano alongside guitars and drums adds a sophisticated elegance. The almost Lewis Capaldi softness of the piano makes for a tender single but with a haunting edge in the wistful ambience.
Yes, the melodic harmonies and clever arrangement make the tune intoxicating from the first chord; however, the soulful vocals and poetic lyricism add a poignant sincerity. Intimate and intense, Pokkisham’s dulcet voice carries you adrift a glittering sonic lake while being wrapped in a gossamer blanket of seduction. As I mentioned, Pokkisham aims to connect with listeners as a storyteller so ‘Borrowed Time’ is an enchanting story of two lovers. She explains that the melody aligns with the story and the harmonic arrangements “told of how love has shown too many fault lines to be able to continue”. However, despite the despair ‘Borrowed Time’ has a sense of empowerment and hopefulness with “…a sense of moving forward beyond the pain”.
Wistful, optimistic, ethereal and intriguing, Pokkisham has captured my attention with ‘Borrowed Time’. She has already received praise from other critics, and I have to agree with Quincy that there is beauty to her music. I can’t wait for the EP!
Reviews – Yes to This
Indie Dock Music Blog
British multi-instrumentalist and producer Pokkisham debuted with her first original single ‘Yes To This’ on September 24. A native of Sri Lanka, Pokkisham has absorbed all the beauty of the cultural heritage of southern India and added to this her Western European classical education and her love of jazz and soul music.
As a result of such an colorful mixture, a new name was born on the British soul scene, a completely unique and exotic musical phenomenon. Pokkisham has a long experience on the jazz music scene and the list of names she has collaborated with is astounding. She is known among British professional musicians as a talented instrumentalist and singer and now it’s time for Pokkisham to open up as an original artist.
The song ‘Yes To This’ is a soft atmospheric composition with a live sound of the ensemble. The song has a groove rhythm with unsurpassed bass moves, hypnotic electric piano and melodic guitar arpeggios. Pokkisham’s vocals are an emerald stone that shines in the sun and shimmers with colors and tones. The lyricism of her texts along with the wonderful jazz atmosphere and intricate but organic arrangement makes this track a great gift for fans of true song art.
Popfad Music Blog FB
Check out Pokkisham’s eclectic, soulful debut single “Yes To This” 💙💫
POKKISHAM INTERVIEWS
Hip Hop Paranioa interview online
Describe your sound in 3 words
A: Emotional B: Jazz-influenced C: Layered
Tell us a few things about your new song “YES TO THIS”. What is the main idea behind it?
Yes to This is a song of hope, about someone or something coming along that we did not feel ready for but that we want to accept in our lives. It’s about having the fears and doubts we all have but still trying to move past them and take that step forward to manifest something you know is good for you. In the song it is expressed as a new love that has settled into your heart without you really realising, but I also see it as having a wider message of saying “yes” to things that might be unexpected and involve change, but are ultimately worth stepping out of your fears and cynicism to pursue.
Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?
I am trying to co-write more, but I do enjoy the alone time of writing at my piano solo. It’s quite a spiritual act for me to have that space and flow for myself. I see incredible songwriters who clearly get so much from co-writing and it is something I want to do more of, but for me my writing process is informed by others much more in terms of collaboration with musicians on the arranging and production side to my work – my background is in performing and that has always been important. So my songwriting feels like quite a private thing at present, but then once I have the form of the song out in front of me, I consider the next step to always play it in with another musician or band to then find the feel and pace I want but it’s a conversation with my fellow musicians rather than a monologue when I’m rehearsing new material. That in itself feels like an extension of the writing process so it is collaborative in that aspect.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
That would make for a long list! I have been heavily influenced by jazz harmony and composers from Cole Porter to Wayne Shorter. In terms of songwriting inspiration I gained an early love of singer-pianist obsession through Billy Joel, Elton John and Tori Amos. I loved the piano artistry and harmonic skill they brought to their songs without the writing or stories diminishing, and loved the sense of performance and storytelling they all have. I also wouldn’t be anywhere without Stevie Wonder and Joni Mitchell – I consider them key inspirations – both artists that have found such depth to how they connect to the world, and both profound in different ways. In addition to that I always had Carnatic South-Indian music around me – it opened up my ears to such a different sound world and rhythmic awareness, and that definitely informs my sense of development in an arrangement, and earthiness to the vocal tone and style I sing with. I love the Malladi brothers whose vocals just take me back to a very deep and elemental place.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
Simply put, it’s having the confidence to put my music out there. It has been a huge block for me to release my songs despite decades of songwriting, and removing those mental blocks has taken some work. I value skill and beauty alongside eachother, and sometimes in the music industry you see true skill and talent being ignored in favour of something more mainstream and musically dumbed down because someone hasn’t got the right look or isn’t the right age etc etc. It can put artists off, but I have come to realise that not releasing music does more damage for me than just doing it and letting it fly. I believe now that you can find your listeners and your audience and that what I do has value beyond what I think – there is greater presence and strength in things if you adapt your mindset. I also have a lot of wonderful fellow songwriters and musicians and they all have the same doubts but they are all pushing forward and creating art on their own terms, and I have been hugely inspired by that. So once I removed all the kind of ‘industry’ expectation and sense of validation, it all felt a lot easier and less ‘heavy’. I’ve been a musician for a long time now and all I want to do really is meet more inspiring people and develop my skills and tune in more to my songwriter voice. I’m not still waiting for a manager or a label to ‘accept’ me – my status and skill as a musician and writer has been in existence for a long time, so now its just about doing what I do and sharing that and not doubting it or holding it up to false judgments.
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
I’m a mother to 2 amazing kids, with whom I enjoy being in the great outdoors with, so nature is our playground. I also gain inspiration from teaching songwriting on a Masters degree programme with incredibly talented songwriting students. I am fairly obsessed with gardening and love the mental health benefits of it. I believe strongly that professional creatives need to have something else creative but non-outcome (and non-income) based in their life – something they love as a hobby, so I also enjoy writing prose just for myself. And cooking is a huge passion and again something that feeds and nurtures my creativity.
Should we expect an album in the near future?
Definitely yes! I still very much believe in the album format as being a real artistic statement, and it’s one I do want to make, but only when I have the right material and it has a cohesion and story to it. I have a lot of new songs in progress and a clearer sense of my artistic direction and style. In the time it has taken to get my songs ready for the EP, I probably could have done an album – so I feel ready that I could do that and I know how to plan and approach it better now.
RGM PRESS INTERVIEWS POKKISHAM
RGM introducing (interview – CROP)
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
I think it was there all along. I always loved singing since I can remember and then I started studying piano when I was 6 and violin when I was 8 and it always kind of made sense. My parents both loved music and played instruments as a hobby, and I went to church with my Dad so singing hymns and hearing voices in harmony was a big part of my childhood as well as my Mum playing Indian violin so my ears were accessing all kind of good stuff! But as I grew older felt my options were limited as I loved songwriting and the main options to study were Classical based music. I loved Classical music but I also loved funk, soul and jazz. It was also hard to feel completely confident in being a musician as the culture I was raised in focussed on secure professions so I followed the path to studying law, always wanting to get back to music. Once I started work as a lawyer I knew I couldn’t just give use music – it wasn’t enough to have it as a hobby, I wanted it to be a clear part of my identity and my life. So, without really telling many people, I auditioned for music college to pursue performance and composition in jazz and that year just turned my life around and made me fully embed myself in singing, playing and composing.
Introduce us to you / all to the members and your musical history?
My band members have changed a little since my songs were recorded – I had worked on jazz material with my old drummer Marco Quarantotto as we both freelance with different musicians on the British jazz scene. Marco is a really free and creative player but an absolute technician too – I had wanted to work with him on more original material for a while and it was after I had been inspired un Nashville that I started really wanting to put together a band to work with my writing projects. Marco then introduced me to his muso friends – bassist Jason Reyes Walsh and guitarist Filippo Ferazzoli whom all played together already and had good musical fit. They all had a love of improvisation and groove so when we sat for the first time in my house for an initial play through my song ideas, a solid groove and mood just happened. They fully took on my ideas and gave it their own spin and it was just a moment of pure magic – truly amazing. The pandemic meant some of the guys did not stay in London, so since then I am lucky to have retained Jason and we now have an incredible new drummer Jimmy Norden who has joined on my Pokkisham journey. He’s very similar to Marco -very creative, sharp on any kind of groove and also just a lovely being.
Name me your 3 favourite Albums?
Can I say 5 or 10???! That’s too hard – so many albums give me goosebumps and have forged inspiration in so many ways. But I don’t think I could be the musician I am today if I hadn’t heard Kind of Blue (Miles Davis), Blue (Joni Mitchell) and Songs in the Key of Life (Stevie W).
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
I think it was watching the film version of “Grease” and all the songs in it when I was a kid – I knew them ALL! And actually, looking back, there was a lot of contrast in that one show in the style of songs covered from quite funky tunes to jazz-tinged ballads and the jive/rockabilly aspects.
The music industry is the hardest industry in the world to progress in, How do you feel you are doing?
I think the industry is a challenging one and you have to really focus on what’s important to you, not others. I think if my younger self saw me now, they’d be happy, but I also know that I have spent some time second guessing and doubting myself because of what I have felt “success” has been, but only as defined as in the industry. I know now that a lot of what that is perceived as does not really matter in terms of growing one’s artistry and development. The industry fails to separate music and art from entertainment, so as a creative, you have to be able to see that, otherwise you just struggle because talent is not always rewarded ‘outwardly’ so you need to focus on your own values and connections that are meaningful for you.
I’m seeing a lot of debate about women not feeling safe at music gigs, any thoughts on what we need to do to help?
I think there just needs to be better education around physical space and boundaries in general. And access to help easily if someone feels like they are in a bad situation without judgment.
As you develop as an artist and develop using socials what ways do you get new ears on your music? Any tips?
Usually from fellow musicians and friends more than social media, as my friends I connect with know me more and more what I like to listen to. Often my muso friends will recommend someone they are working with, so you get a deeper insight into someone’s music that way and how hey are as a musician in their life rather than what is presented on social media and that interests me more. But I do hear stuff I like sometimes on the radio and social media and I’ll give it a listen.
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you.
I have voluntarily jumped out a plane (twice) as I used to love being an adrenaline junkie.
I met and sang for Quincy Jones and hugged him a lot afterward when he kind of wanted to get to his next event.
I speak 5 different languages.
What’s your thought on Spotifys monopoly on the music industry?
I think having an online platform is useful to artists wanting to increase their fanbase but payment to artists needs to be improved and Spotify’s monopoly means this is severely restricted because they know there will always be people willing to sacrifice what they deserve in pursuit of something ‘bigger’ that may not happen.
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories?
I like the current theory that giant or differently built humans created some of the great monolithic structures in the world.
Did you buy anything you don’t need during the pandemic?
Uh, maybe – my Amazon history of orders for that time is loooong
What was the worst experience on stage?
I once turned up to a gig where they said there’d be a PA but there wasn’t so I had to sing the entire gig without any amplification – my voice was a bit wrecked after that.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
My bassist Jason is actually an incredible choral singer and arranger and pianist – he’s annoyingly talented.
Jimmy was the originating drummer on Lin Manuel Miranda’s London debut of “In The Heights” and actually won an Olivier Award for his incredible drumming/percussion work on the show.
What makes you stand out as a band/artist?
Fierce freedom – I love so many styles of writing, that my songwriting is unhampered by strict genre considerations and I aim to really keep my listeners feeling like they are on a journey in how I arrange the songs. I write things that challenge me and my band, and I’m not afraid to take risks. I also feel that there is freedom to work the material in different ways in different contexts – if you hear us live, you’d never get the same ideas twice –all of us in the band are open to throwing ideas out and trusting eachother in taking the music where it wants to go when we play the tunes and arrange them.
I hear you have new music, what can you tell us about it.
Cages was written back when I was a trained and fully working young lawyer before I gave it all up to pursue music full time. It was such a hard decision and process but one I don’t ever regret as it gave me my life back. It’s so clear that money these days isn’t everything – everyone seems to need more, so we have to enrich ourselves from the inside and find a way to give voice to things we love. That for me is what Cages is about – finding a way to balance work/security etc with also your passions. For some people that means finding a way back to the things they loved doing in their childhood that they still want to have in their lives.
Talk me through the thought process of the new tune/s.
The song was written lyrically a long time ago and for years I had just set it to a jazzy shuffle kind of groove and every time I played it, something just didn’t sit. It took a while to consider whether some new lyrics might fit better, so I did redraft it with a more poetic edge to bring out the storytelling with more imagery. Somehow that got it close to where I wanted it meaning wise, but because I often had to play it live with pickup bands, it just stayed in that jazzy groove. After a while of writing other material I came back to it and just realised the musical style did not really honour the words and also the doubts and fears reflected in the narrative. I really wanted something to punch through, so I reharmonised the chorus and then started to feel this really strong power coming through. I tried a few different ideas at the piano, finally setting on this kind of quieter verse to tell the story and then a punchier soft rock feel in the choruses to have a more anthemic feel which I then took to my band. I wanted that chorus to really get a listener’s attention. It still has a lot of jazz harmony but the rhythmic ebb and flow really aid the narrative more.
What was the recording process like?
It was great – this one was quite easy as we had mapped out the sections, dynamically and the energy was great We recorded this one at Eastcote Studios alongside 5 others we did in 2 days and it went pretty smoothly because we’d put a lot into rehearsing and getting things clear on our parts whilst leaving room for some magic to happen on the day.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Believing in myself and knowing when it’s finished and you’re over-egging the pudding! Sometimes less is more.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
I’d record the vocals closer to the band sessions. We tracked the rhythm section just before the first lockdown so the vocals were all then done at home. Some have been re-recorded in the final mix, as I just don’t feel as in the zone when I’m engineering myself.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Just consider what is important and meaningful to you rather than others, and set your own values and points of connection. Find time for the small things that nurture you – they are as valuable as the ‘big’ things.