Q&A: Sultry Sounds and Flirtatious Lyrics: Gayathri Releases "Low Low"
GUIDED BY HONEY-SOAKED DELIVERIES AND A FIERY ENERGY — Gayathri Krishnan has released her latest single, “Low Low,” marking another mesmerizing addition to her musical repertoire. The track is characterized by its sultry flair, creating an immersive experience for listeners. Gayathri masterfully blends gently rhythmic acoustic guitar plucks with bouncy percussive arrangements, crafting a sweltering musical atmosphere that draws listeners in.
The artist's flirtatious lyricism flows effortlessly, delivered with a honey-soaked vocal style that enchants from start to finish. As “Low Low” unfolds, it blossoms into a rich and hazy soundscape, enveloping listeners in warm melodies that are both soothing and captivating.
Gayathri has also unveiled a captivating character and playful new image, stepping into this persona with vibrant creativity for the summer. Embracing this fresh identity, she explores a side of herself that is both adventurous and whimsical, infusing her music and public presence with a renewed sense of energy and fun.
The new persona allows her to experiment with different facets of her artistry, pushing boundaries and stepping out of her comfort zone. This playful image is not just a superficial change but a deeper exploration of her identity, reflecting her dynamic personality and artistic versatility.
“Low Low” hit the ground running in 2022, when Jisoo, a friend and collaborator of Gayathri’s sent her the song’s distinct flirty beat. Partnering with rapper-singer Nazsheem, the track is elevated to heights of allure and charisma, also speaking to the natural synergy between all the song’s collaborators.
As a versatile singer, songwriter and producer, Gayathri can blend her traditional roots with a contemporary flair. Drawing from her upbringing in Carnatic music – the classical South Indian music system – and her exploration of modern R&B influences, Gayathri’s sound defines what it means to be innovative and honest to one’s self.
Photography Credit: Rah-San “Sage”
LUNA: Thank you for sitting down and talking to Luna. Our readers would love to get to know you and your music more. For any readers who aren’t familiar yet, what inspires your artistic style and creative persona?
GAYATHRI: I would say my creative style is influenced by my training in Carnatic music, which is the South Indian classical system of music. I started when I was four years old, and it inspired me to incorporate the different Raagas (scales) into my sound. My life inspires my music and my lyrics are pretty in parallel with what happens and then maybe I'll exaggerate or get creative with the story here and there.
LUNA: What kind of atmosphere or emotional space do you aim to create for your listeners?
GAYATHRI: I want to create a space of self-reflection and introspection. I want my lyrics to make my listeners think about themselves and everything around them. I hope that it helps with self-inquiry.
LUNA: Say if someone hasn’t heard of your music yet, which song would you introduce to them that best encapsulates your sound and artistic maturity?
GAYATHRI: I would say my favorite song lyrically, sonically and visually is “Anymore.” I feel that it blends my training in Carnatic music and contemporary styles, and the message of the song is deeply personal and close to my heart.
LUNA: Your latest single “Low Low” just released and I absolutely love the energetic delivery and playful lyrics. What is the inspiration behind the single and how did your personal choices shape its creation?
GAYATHRI: My friend and producer Jisoo sent me that beat two years ago, and she actually had the beat for a class project. She thought I would sound great on it and I was feeling super creatively uninspired at the time and it was different from what I was creating. I usually create more downtempo, floating music, but I really loved the R&B vibe on this track. I literally created the song in two days, and then I hit up my friend Nazsheem who's the feature on the song and we recorded it in my closet at my parents’ house. It took another year for it to be finalized, but that's how it came to fruition.
LUNA: How was your experience collaborating with Nazsheem?
GAYATHRI: I love collaborating with Nazsheem. I look up to her artistically and melodically and it was literally the best time ever. We were just bouncing ideas back and forth. It was such a cool time.
LUNA: What messages, emotions or story do you hope listeners can take away from the single?
GAYATHRI: I feel that most of my previous music is more deep and very introspective and I wanted to play with the idea of being not so serious. The whole concept is two girls being flirty with each other. These two female identifying people are like ‘oh I could do better than your boyfriend.’ It’s just playful and cheeky. It’s a fun summer song to play while you’re getting ready with your friends when you go outside and drive around.
LUNA: What is the ideal environment to listen to “Low Low?”
GAYATHRI: I would say getting ready before going out. I would say that or maybe even by yourself dancing in your room, or going for a drive.
LUNA: “Low Low” is part of the first batch of songs you’ve released since your Arunachala EP.How has your sound evolved since the last full body of work and what creative choices did you make to convey this artistic growth?
GAYATHRI: That's a great question. I would say being more lighthearted with my lyrics and tapping into stories that might not be fully true. Creating stories, visions and characters to step into. I think that was “Low Low” for me and being this Playgirl and exploring that side and personality of myself or persona with myself, which is really cool because I feel like my other stuff is very rooted in what I've experienced.
LUNA: How are you feeling in this current era of your career and what does the rest of the year look like that you would like to share with Luna?
GAYATHRI: I enjoyed dropping singles for a while and I really liked exploring different facets of my artistry. I'm definitely going to take a break for a bit. I want to create a bigger body of work. I'm not sure exactly what that's going to be, but I'm collecting sounds and inspiration and different things to create, like the best work that I can create.
