Canadian composer, lyricist and singer Jasmine K Kara made an impact with her popular 2021 debut single Ishq.
She recently revisited the song, featuring the vocals of her music collaborator, Sabrina Sapal, by working with British music producer, Rishi Rich, to do a remix.
To mark the newly released version of Ishq, Eastern Eye got music maestro Jasmine to select 10 songs she loves.
Ishq (Rishi Rich remix) by Jasmine K Kara Ft. Sabrina: This special track is the first one I wrote, and this remix marks my vocal debut with my dream collaborator, Rishi Rich. The song gets me pumped every time I hear it. The verses are all about embracing love, with feel-good vibes throughout. The music video captures real and amazing behind-the-scenes moments that went into creating this song.
Kiss Goodbye by Jasmine K Kara Ft. Sabrina: This track let me express the raw and complex feelings that come with a breakup in a beautiful and creative way, as a producer. I was inspired by Sweet Dreams (by Eurythmics) and love that Kiss Goodbye gives me the same rush every time it hits the drop. The track was also meaningful because it marked my mainstream English debut.
Dance With You by Rishi Rich Project: This just gets anyone dancing, no matter your background. The track, way ahead of its time, brought together eastern and western sounds like no other before it. My friends and I used to dance along to it in empty classrooms back in junior high. Many years later, I still blast this one on drives!
Mere Khwaabon Mein Jo Aaye from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge: Who didn’t want to be Kajol in this daydreamer song when it came out? I loved the dramatic irony that was created with the audience knowing there were two restless individuals perfect for each other, while they were unaware; it was simply magical.
O O Jaane Jaana from Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya: I’m a total romantic dreamer! Similar to the Ishq Remix and Mere Khwaabon Mein Jo Aaye, O O Jaane Jaana is like the guy perspective of the same yearning sentiment. The notion of holding a certain faith that true love exists is simply beautiful and reminiscent of faith in a higher power.
Dekhte Dekhte from Batti Gul Meter Chalu: This is a beautifully poetic song, with the composition and lyrics complementing each other so well. The double-edged blade of love can be so constructive and deconstructive when wielded, and this song captures this duplicity, wonderfully.
Maahi Ve from Wajah Tum Ho: Part of what makes love so beautiful is how empty life can feel without it, and few songs capture those moments of yearning as well as Maahi Ve. Neha Kakkar really does justice with her heartfelt vocal performance, on a song with many lyrical metaphors that resonate meaningfully throughout it.
Right Here Waiting For You by Richard Marx: This timeless classic reminds me of the undying devotion characterised in some of my favourite Bollywood movies like Mohabbatein. Loyalty is one of my top values, and I love that this song centres on a theme of unconditional commitment to ‘the one’, regardless of challenges and hardships.
Cry Me a River by Justin Timberlake: I’m a huge fan of Timbaland’s production style, and JT’s heartfelt vocals, which bravely turned a real personal trial and tragedy into a beautiful piece of art. I’ve since worked on channelling any personal trials in the same artistic direction and think back to this song’s creative sampling when looking for production inspiration.
Careless Whisper by George Michael: This 80s tune has an unforgettable saxophone riff that always gives me goosebumps! Also, the soulful vocal performance by George Michael left an impression on generations of listeners. If anyone is to sing, it should be with an aim to feel as honestly through the vibrations of the mic as he did for this epic hit.
