Delhi-based singer-songwriter and producer Swati Bhatt has unveiled her latest single, “Paper Boats,” the closing track from her critically acclaimed EP Embrace. Co-produced by the Grammy-winning Bob Lanzetti of Snarky Puppy, this track is a modern adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s timeless poem, blending evocative lyricism with a serene, ethereal soundscape. With its poignant themes of longing, belonging, and quiet resilience, “Paper Boats” invites listeners to drift along its meditative current.
Swati’s signature style—a fusion of folk-jazz influences and lush harmonies—takes center stage in this song. The interplay between plucky guitar strings and gentle percussion is delicately layered with Swati’s soulful vocals, creating a dreamy atmosphere akin to floating on a serene river. The track’s introspective tone mirrors Tagore’s poetic essence, celebrating the human yearning to be seen, understood, and accepted.
“Paper Boats”: A Personal Journey Through Music and Poetry
For Swati, the song isn’t just an artistic endeavor; it’s deeply personal. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the track, she says, “One of the reasons I became a singer-songwriter was to send pieces of myself out into the world through music, not knowing who might receive them, but always hoping they’ll land where they’re meant to. With this song, I wanted to honor the beauty of Tagore’s poem and convey a quiet resilience, reminding us that no matter how far our paper boats drift, they carry our dreams and hopes, waiting to be discovered.”
Her approach seamlessly melds the literary grace of Tagore with her own musical sensibilities, resulting in a track that feels both timeless and refreshingly contemporary.
A Distinctive Voice in Indie Music
Swati Bhatt’s musical journey is as distinctive as her sound. Raised in Raipur and now based in Delhi, she blends a diverse palette of influences, including jazz, contemporary pop, a cappella singing, and folk, to craft music that defies conventional genres. Her compositions, marked by intricate vocal arrangements, rhythm variations, and evocative storytelling, reflect a deep intellectual and emotional resonance.
Swati’s artistic ethos is rooted in breaking societal and internal boundaries, weaving empathy and empowerment into her narratives. Her avant-garde style has garnered attention for its ability to seamlessly combine orchestral layers with catchy harmonies and intricate scatting.
In addition to her work as a singer-songwriter, Swati is also a music educator, dedicated to nurturing a new generation of artists. Her ability to combine technical skill with raw emotion has solidified her reputation as a rising star in India’s indie music scene.
Stream “Paper Boats” Now
“Paper Boats” is available on Spotify and other major streaming platforms. To experience the serene beauty of Swati Bhatt’s music and explore the entirety of her EP Embrace, visit her Spotify profile. For listeners seeking a moment of introspection, “Paper Boats” offers a perfect soundtrack to pause, reflect, and drift into its lush sonic world.