Drawing us in with an intricate acoustic guitar soundscape and cerebral vocal design, Rishi Ulaganathan opens Family with a grounded and wholesome approach to songwriting as he sings, “Family, that place where comfort exists, mum and dad and grandparents, cousins and uncle and aunt…”
The opus expands with a spiritual message of togetherness and support through the family unit as Rishi showcases his range and connected nature as an artist. Beneath the simple premise, Family carries a deep emotional weight. We learn that the song was written on the day of Rishi’s aunt’s funeral, following her passing and the reality of her ten-year-old son being left without a mother. In the midst of grief, Rishi was also reminded of his own mother’s miraculous survival from a brain tumour.
It is from this place of vulnerability that the song’s central sentiment emerges. The words resonate like a mantra and transform simple observations into emotional affirmations at a time when we need human connection the most.
Adding another layer to the song is the track’s connection to Tamil literary tradition. Rishi incorporates a Thirukkural couplet, “அன்பும் அறனும் உடைத்தாயின் இல்வாழ்க்கை பண்பும் பயனும் அது.” This invokes the idea that a household grounded in love and virtue embodies true value and purpose. It gives the otherwise contemporary English-language composition a distinctly Tamil identity, seamlessly fusing Rishi’s Carnatic musical background with his modern songwriting style.
That blend is particularly significant to Rishi’s artistic journey. He was born in Tirunelveli, India, on 6 December 2007, and the 18-year-old singer and artist has trained in Carnatic music since 2018. His versatility allows him to move between Tamil classical traditions and modern musical expression without treating them as separate worlds.
Needless to say, we appreciate what the rising artist has created, and have added Family to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we anticipate future releases from Rishi Ulaganathan.