Priya Ragu Proves Music Is a Universal Language With "Chicken Lemon Rice"
Tamil-Swiss artist Priya Ragu has released her latest single, "Chicken Lemon Rice," the follow up to her critically acclaimed debut song, "Good Love 2.0." "Chicken Lemon Rice" is an energetic and swagger filled concoction teeming with dynamic percussion and a gritty bassline that is sure to make you want to dance. Ragu's versatility as a performer is very apparent as she switches back and forth between singing and rapping. Her cool sense of confidence is further reinforced in the music video, where she can be seen sitting unbothered on a throne-like chair, adorned in bright and lavish clothing.
Priya Ragu's story is quite interesting. She was born and raised in Switzerland after her parents escaped from the Sri Lankan civil war in the early 80s. Although now incredibly proud and supportive, her parents were initially strict; they didn't want her to listen to Western pop and were keen for her to get married as she reached adulthood. Eventually something snapped, and she quit her job to put everything she had into music. She moved to America for six months where she stayed with her friend and rapper/producer, Oddisee, in his Brooklyn studio. After sending song ideas back and forth with her brother and producer, Japhna, the sibling pair created several tracks whilst she was in the States, which continued after she returned to Zurich, where she currently resides.
Ultimately, Ragu's artistry explores every aspect of her culture between her music, sense of style, and use of both English and Tamil. "Chicken Lemon Rice" will sound familiar to a typical fan of pop, but also incredibly unique due to her seamless incorporation of Tamil drum patterns and influences. Priya Ragu's worldly sound and infectious drum beats will definitely resonate with audiences around the globe, and she is yet another example of an artist using their international roots to help take modern pop to the next level.
Watch the video for "Chicken Lemon Rice" below:
