Hemant Rao: Nautilus

Canadian singer-songwriter Hemant Rao took his time to finish her fourth album, Nautilus. Recorded in London and Los Angeles with a wealth of musicians helping out his melodic, introspective pop songs came to life in fits and starts, so it is something of a miracle that the overall sound is so cohesive.

The album became a tribute to people he was close to or admired and passed away before the record was completed. Most notably he got Blondie's drummer Clem Burke signature groove and feel on the first four tracks.

Hemant Rao: "Substitute Fear With Love" demo

Singer-songwriter Hemant Rao has posted an acoustic demo of his new song Substitute Fear With Love. Once it's finished it will be included on his forthcoming fourth album. He will road test more new material at a hometown show at the Shaika Cafe in Montreal on April 17th.

» hemantrao.com

HCTF review of Lavender.

Hemant Rao: Lavender

Hemant Rao, a singer/songwriter based in Montreal, looked South and West for inspiration for his Lavender album, a mix of Californian melodic pop with George Harrison's guitar tone. The keyword for his songs is gentle. His vocal delivery is almost shy - he tries to blend in with the music, putting his guitar in the spotlight.

Lavender flows like a meandering brook, sparkling in late afternoon sunlight. There are some twists and turns and it picks up speeds every now and then (Greater Good comes close to rock). Hernant Rao is the kind of musician who deserves an intimate audience honoring the noble art of shutting up while he is playing.

Hemant Rao: vocals, guitars, violin
Anthony Kerr: bass, organ, keyboards
Phil Robertson: drums
Ron Roach: drum programming on tracks 7,9
Kevin Kowal: string programming/arrangements on track 3
Shawn Cole, Mark Angly: additional percussion programming

Lavender is a self-released album. Buy it from his website.

1. Alibi
2. Lavender
3. Love Can Become
4. In This Together
5. Mother
6. Have Fun
7. Rome
8. Greater Good
9. When to Run
10. Skylight
11. This Dream

Live date:

• 05/04 Cafe Depanneur, Montreal

» hemantrao.com