UK-Indian dream-pop trio [The] Music of Sound have released their new single, Shimmer. We asked Neil March of the band the BIG questions . . .

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Comprised of Gen Z musicians Sherin and Elena alongside composer, producer and radio broadcaster Neil, the band’s current incarnation began in 2024 when South Indian vocalist Sherin moved to the UK to pursue a career in music after growing up in a culture where opportunities for young women were heavily restricted.

She met Neil at London’s ICMP music college and it led to an endorsement from Arts Council England as an ‘exceptional talent’ for a Global Talent Visa. They are joined by flautist Elena in the band.

Speaking about Shimmer, Sherin says, “We wanted the song to send a clear message of hope and belief in kindness and unity over hate and division. There’s a line that says ‘cowards victimise, but the brave always are kind’, which sums up how we feel.”

Tell us three things about yourself . . .

Sherin is from a Tamil region of South India and hardly knew any western pop music, new or old, before arriving in London in 2022 to study (other than the big mainstream pop acts like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish etc.).

Ellie’s dad is the legendary Dave T, who produced a cult fanzine in the 80s and travelled around with Billy Bragg.

Aniya is also the solo artist Hazy Sofia and first made it into the Fresh on the Net favs and onto Tom Robinson’s show on BBC 6 Music when she was 15. She’s still only 21.

How would you describe your music?

Guitar-less dream pop, cinematic indie pop and maybe synth dream pop are all somewhere close to describing our sound based on what other people have said as well as what we think. I think we have all learned that our own ideas about ourselves are quite often a long way off how others see and hear us!

Who are your musical inspirations?

Definitely Cocteau Twins (although, because we don’t use guitars, it isn’t always obvious), Angelo Badalamenti, Donna Summer/Giorgio Moroder, Chromatics, Julee Cruise, Prince, China Crisis, Julianna Barwick. Again, this probably sounds strange but we are aware of Steely Dan and Stevie Wonder creeping into our songs in terms of chords, cadences and little nuances. We love so much music though. So the truth is we probably don’t even realise who a lot of the sources are for our ideas.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

My first gig was Robin Trower at Hemel Hempstead Pavilion! Sherin’s first gig was one of Neil’s (as a promoter) when she arrived in London in 2022 and volunteered to help out at a live event. Ellie’s was Raye. Aniya’s was Björk.

What was the first record you ever bought?

Slade’s Gudbuy T’Jane. The others can’t remember though Sherry’s was most likely a record by Taylor Swift and Aniya’s was probably something by Björk.

What’s your favourite song right now?

In terms of songs that are current right now, we love Vertical by Nia Archives, New Muscles by Mary In The Junkyard, Coats by Aldous Harding, I Feel Hope Coming by Alabama Shakes. We are excited about the forthcoming Ezra Collective album. And single of 2026 so far is possibly Father John Misty’s The Payoff.

Favourite lyric of all time?

The whole of Imperial Bedroom by Elvis Costello & The Attractions – next level sardonicism, sarcasm, double entendres, spoonerisms, slightly altered well-known phrases designed to twist the knife but compassion, social and political observation too. The greatest prolonged break-up album ever made and, thankfully, he takes most of the blame!

[The] Music of Sound

If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It would vary from one band member to the next. We all have such different passions and the choice would always be changing too. I might say Messiaen’s Eclairs Sur L’Eau De La …!

Where can people find your music/more information?

Instagram and TikTok: @musicofsounduk. X/Twitter: @MusicOfSoundUK. Bluesky: @musicofsound.bsky.social.

Alan Corr