Leslee Lewis, a name synonymous with Indipop's golden era and the pioneering sound of Colonial Cousins, is back in the spotlight. In a recent exclusive, the musician discussed his latest single, "Meheki Khushboo," his perspective on the evolution of Indipop, his memories of Colonial Cousins, and much more.
"Meheki Khushboo," released in May 2025, marks Lewis's return to the forefront as an independent artist. The song is described as an electrifying tune infused with Lewis's signature rock swing, blending nostalgia with a contemporary feel. It's a conscious effort to connect with today's Hindi-speaking youth, incorporating elements of 70s rock with a modern twist. Lewis himself describes it as funky, in-your-face, and representative of global rock from the 70s but updated for 2025. The inspiration for the song came to him during a morning walk in Los Angeles, where the tune spontaneously emerged without any instrument.
Lewis is known for his innovative approach to music, and "Meheki Khushboo" is no exception. He emphasizes the importance of original compositions over simply following trends. While many artists are focused on remixes and recreations, Lewis prefers to create fresh material, drawing from his extensive catalog of over 70 songs. He believes that the current music landscape is dominated by arrangements rather than strong compositions, and he aims to bring depth and lasting quality back to the forefront.
The conversation also touched on Colonial Cousins, the iconic duo formed by Lewis and Hariharan in 1996. Their fusion of Indian and Western music captivated audiences and made them the first Indian act to be featured on MTV Unplugged. The duo reunited for a nostalgic concert tour in 2024, Bollyboom Arena Colonial Cousins India Reunion Tour, after a hiatus of over a decade, reminding fans of their timeless hits like "Sa Ni Dha Pa" and "Krishna." Lewis fondly recalls the experience of recording the Colonial Cousins album in London, including an invitation to guest on Bjork's MTV Unplugged performance.
Lewis also shared his thoughts on the evolving music landscape, including the rise of AI. While he welcomes AI as a tool to enhance the creative journey, he stresses the importance of human emotion and vision in music creation. He believes that AI should be guided by the artist, not the other way around, and that the melody should always begin with a dream. He also noted the importance of visibility for independent artists, lamenting the lack of platforms like Channel V and MTV that helped launch the careers of many Indipop artists in the 90s. He believes that there is still plenty of talent in the independent space, but it needs to be seen and heard.
In the face of ever-changing trends, Leslee Lewis remains committed to his craft, constantly reinventing himself while staying true to his musical roots. With "Meheki Khushboo," he's not just making a comeback; he's reminding us of the golden age of music and shaping the sound of the future.
