Celebrated indie singer-songwriter Kamakshi Khanna brings an intimate, heartfelt journey to the listeners through her sophomore EP, “Heartbreak 2020.” A four-track masterpiece, shading up after a decade since her debut and with success from singles like “Love Is Not A Fucking Game” and “I Blew It!,” this EP is truly a grand milestone in the artistic growth of Kamakshi. Combining raw vulnerability with shined production, “Heartbreak 2020” takes you on an emotional odyssey through love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
Opening the EP, “I Blew It” is quick with a live rhythm—guaranteed to make everyone a fan from the start. It creeps slowly as Kamakshi gets to introduce her sultry vocals in a lyrical story that really would resonate with anyone who has ever felt that gut-wrenching pain of regret for lost opportunities. The dynamic play between the rhythmic vibe and synths creates great soundscapes that are impossible not to get lost in.
“Heartbreak 2020,” the last song of the EP, begins with an intro that is ambient and filled with brass, which then sets the sail for a laid-back beat. Kamakshi’s grooving vocals are teamed up with supporting harmonies that set sail for introspection and acceptance. The track puts together the whole EP with a hopeful reflection on a very tumultuous voyage through love and loss.
Riding on the success of her “The Green Room Sessions” lockdown series, “Heartbreak 2020” is a collection that genuinely bares Kamakshi in her most vulnerable form through homegrown music videos in her bedroom studio. Those acoustic tracks that resonated with her audiences were then turned into entirely produced masterpieces with stellar visuals, all featuring Kamakshi.
The EP is an emotive journey through love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, giving a raw and relatable gaze into Kamakshi’s personal experiences. From the anxious jitters of an initial crush in “I Blew It!” to the roaring anger of betrayal in “Love Is Not A Fucking Game” and the bittersweet acceptance in “Tourist,” each track is a reflection of the artist’s emotional journey throughout her 20s. Being honest and very relatable, listeners can take a trip through a whirlwind of emotions, reflecting on what was and what could have been.
Kamakshi has this to say about the EP: “Writing ‘Heartbreak 2020’ was a deeply personal journey for me. The EP is an honest account of the various experiences in my life I came across post my teenage years, charting a path from the anxious jitters of an initial crush in ‘I Blew It!’ to the roaring anger of betrayal in ‘Love Is Not a Fucking Game’, and the bittersweet acceptance in ‘Tourist’. The title track, ‘Heartbreak 2020’, ties the EP together, conveying the understanding that each heartbreak, no matter its magnitude, brings you closer to what’s meant for you. It reflects a hopeful state of mind and a manifestation to find a partner to build the life of your dreams with.”
The queen of pop and RnB/soul in the soundscape of independent folk, Kamakshi Khanna, again wins hearts through this soulful voice, teamed with emotionally powered songwriting. Mostly personal, her lyrics usually will be about love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and musings, giving each listener an intimate bond with her through the songs. Her versatility, having been classically trained in both Hindustani and Western traditions, allows her to quickly wade through languages and styles—thus giving her a pedestal unique among artists.
Get into “Heartbreak 2020,” a musical world where Kamakshi Khanna’s soulful melodies will genuinely take you on a reflective journey about love and heartbreak.
You can find more of Kamakshi Khanna at:
You can listen to ‘Heartbreak 2020’ below:
Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.