Acclaimed Trivandrum-based pianist and producer Aksomaniac is thrilled to announce the release of his highly anticipated EP, “Varthamanam.” This profound musical journal, a collection of songs capturing the artist’s lived experiences, arrives with significant momentum, building on the success of its two previously released, chart-topping singles: “Paapam” and “Kanmashi.” Now, Aksomaniac completes the EP’s narrative with the introduction of two powerful new tracks, “Karupp” and “Aliyum,” further solidifying his unique voice in Malayalam R&B and establishing “Varthamanam” as a vital commentary on contemporary Indian social realities.
Adding to the EP’s compelling narrative, Aksomaniac has now unveiled two powerful new songs: “Karupp” and “Aliyum.” “Karupp” is an evocative and deeply personal exploration of identity and colourism, telling the poignant story of a boy’s journey through societal perceptions and his eventual embrace of his unique beauty. “Aliyum,” featuring Damini Bhatla and Unkill Ji, delves into the nuanced complexities of love and desire, particularly in the context of asexual and expressive natures. Rooted deeply in Kerala’s social culture and broader Indian societal norms, these songs reflect on beauty standards, identity, sexuality, and the diversity of human experience, inviting listeners to engage with challenging topics and embrace their roots and uniqueness.
“Varthamanam is a project that turns intimate struggles into open conversations. The title itself means both ‘the present’ and ‘conversation’ in Malayalam, setting the tone for four deeply personal tracks. Karupp explores colorism and the journey of falling in love with one’s own skin. Kanmashi embraces queerness and the act of taking up space with blissful ambivalence. Paapam, born out of a pregnancy scare, confronts the shame around intimacy that can obscure pleasure and priorities. Aliyum offers reassurance through soft jazz, showing how love bridges differences in sexual expression. R&B has always been about sex positivity — this is my take on opening up important conversations around intimacy in this country.” says Aksomaniac
Sumedhas Rajgopal – Head of Independent Artist Collective (Badshah, Hanumankind, Def Jam India, VYRL Originals & More) shares, “Aksomaniac is an exceptionally talented artist, and having followed his journey closely, we at Def Jam India are thrilled to partner with such a passionate young visionary on his EP, Varthamanam. It is inspiring to witness artists like Akso create projects that thoughtfully blend sensitive themes with powerful music and visual storytelling, transcending language and regional boundaries. Malayalam Hip Hop and RnB have been key areas of focus for us over the years, and we are grateful to collaborate with artists like him to help facilitate their music to reach wider audiences. This EP features four compelling tracks, including a fresh take on the fan favorite ‘Pappam’—titled ‘Pappam Pinneyum’— here is a unique opportunityfor listeners to discover and celebrate new sounds and artistic expression.”
These successful release of ‘Kanmashi’ & ‘Paapam’ have set a high bar for the “Varthamanam” EP, showcasing Aksomaniac’s ability to blend sharp lyricism with a versatile, R&B-infused sound.
The full “Varthamanam” EP, is available now on all major streaming platforms.
