LGBTQIA+ singer songwriter and musical artist Pragya Pallavi has released her first single, “Lingering Wine,” on Feb. 12, just in time for Valentine’s Day. This sensual, jazzy soul homage to same-sex love is the first offering from her forthcoming eclectic and multiple genre debut musical album, Queerism. Queerism is the first LGBTQIA+ themed album to be released from India by an Indian queer artist since the legalisation of homosexuality in the country in September 2018, presenting an original new talent to the global stage.

Mumbai-based Pragya is a singer/songwriter, musician, percussionist and performer who is classically trained as a Hindustani vocalist. Her compositions combine diverse influences such as EDM, R&B, jazz, hip-hop, alternative rock, and fusion, as well as classical Indian music, Sufi and folk music. She describes herself as a gender-fluid lesbian.

Pragya says:
“I am a person who is not confined to any single genre, nationality, religion or gender. I want to bring together Indian and Western, contemporary and traditional musical influences in a way that all types of people can relate to. And I want to be an inspiration and sing for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people all over the world.”

The video to Lingering Wine is as groundbreaking as the song itself - it takes us through the heart-warming story of a couple in love, like any of us. The black and white look adds to the charm but as well as giving us a peek inside the dynamics of a same-sex couple, this video also managed to be an example of body-positivity. While speaking about love, the video shows us acceptance. It tells us to look at ourselves differently and proves that when we are confident in our skins, it shows.

“Lingering Wine,” features Pragya’s powerhouse vocals, a soulful composition, and has a universal appeal that can entice lovers of all genders. It is the perfect romantic song to share with someone special on Valentine’s Day. The single’s retro, Latin flavour gives us a first taste of the feast of musical styles to be discovered on Queerism, which range from disco and EDM, hip-hop and jazz soul, to Indian-fusion, funk, and dancehall.

The album features English and English/Hindi compositions, with collaborations with National Award-winning sound engineer, K.J. Singh, and Indian DJ and “Mother of Electronica” Ma Faiza.

Thematically, Pragya has dedicated both her debut single and album to the LGBTQIA+ communities of India and the world. The 9 track album’s lyrics talk about the struggles of queer people, celebrate the decriminalisation of LGBTQIA+ identities in India, and address issues such as millennial feminism, social justice, global warming, suicide prevention, and love.