Kali

The English word ‘ditty’ can be translated into German as ‘Liedchen’ - but Aditi ‘Ditty’ Veena, born and raised in New Delhi, by no means warbles harmless banalities. Instead, the musician and climate activist is dedicated to the ‘inseparable connection between music and nature’ and writes ‘gentle, poetic protest songs that urge us to take better care of our planet - and ourselves’. ‘ Her album ‘Kali’ will be released as a vinyl LP on Clouds Hill. She delivers her lyrics in a calm, clear voice, switching effortlessly between spoken word and melody. Associations with Laurie Anderson, Kae Tempest or Patti Smith come to mind. Ditty dresses her songs in reduced, haunting arrangements that create a great deal of intimacy and suit her warm voice perfectly. In addition to delicate fingerpicking on the acoustic guitar and subtle keyboard playing, nature sounds such as birdsong, the sound of the sea or the chirping of a cricket can also be heard. Ditty has been living in Berlin since 2022 and has put together a high-calibre band, including drummer Andi Haberl (The Notwist) and Johannes Weber (Ilgen Nur, Jungstötter). Ditty recorded most of the songs on her album ‘Kali’ in various places in her native India - a country whose musical tradition inspired the Beatles over half a century ago and whose peculiarities have also left their mark on the artist herself. But regardless of the language (the songs are written in English and Hindi), Ditty's message remains the same: it's about connection, mindfulness and emotion. Whether she is planting trees, campaigning for clean drinking water or using her songs to open up new perspectives on an India where ‘an indie scene is just coming to life’ - Ditty shows how music can actively contribute to change.