A little earlier this year, Anglo-Indian singer Galsian had a residency at Opera North in Leeds, and for it she composed this set of songs, working with poet Hafsa Aneela Bashir. Sahiban is a feminist re-working of "Mirza and Sahiban," one of the epic love stories from the Indian subcontinent. But where it was originally framed as a tale of woman’s betrayal that resulted in the man’s death, Galsian reclaims it, telling it from Sahiban’s perspective, giving the woman her own, powerful voice.

Already known from her work as vocalist with the trio Kinaara and her stripped-down solo EPs, Sahiban finds Galsian enjoying new musical territory, which is quite evident from the surprisingly fuller sound of the opening cut “Hear My Story” (live video below).

Ho, hai Sahiban
You may have heard my name
And you may have heard that I committed a sin
All the people say that Sahiban is disloyal
But hear my story, and hear my voice
Hai, Sahiban

Her voice and shruti box drones glide majestically over and around the spare guitar atmospheres created by Kinaara bandmate John Hogg, with percussion from Luke Reddin-Williams, who adds texture and foundation throughout the work, in what is very much a collaborative musical effort.

Find the artist online.

Further reading and listening:
Satnam Galsian - Frangmented Truth
Margaux Liénard - L'Euphonie Des Coquecigrues
Ana Lua Caiano - Vou ficar neste quadrado