deedz – ‘Love Letterz’

With a really interesting blend of East meets West, Afrobeats and Reggae, comes deedz with ‘Love Letterz’. It’s a crazy mix but it works – “boom shakalaka!!”

deedz, from Mumbai, India, honed his skills while studying at the Los Angeles Film School, the Los Angeles Recording School, Chapman University, and UCLA. The sound designer/engineer puts a new spin on the world music genre, fusing the sounds of his homeland with trap rhythms, Afrobeats, Reggae, and dance. deedz is the alter ego of Abhi Malhotra, a protoge of Damien Warner, known for his production work with Michael Jackson and David Bowie. He made his mark as part of the award winning Kickstand studio.



When he’s not working on his own sound, he shapes that of other artists, and is currently working with Monica Dogra. Others who owe their sound to him include bands such as OK Go, and The National, as well as Indian artists including The Reggae Rajahs, and Bombay Bassment, among others.

The vocals on ‘Love Letterz’ are mesmerising and mysterious, with a beguiling female voice spinning in and out of the track, while some more sinister male voices say “boom shakalaka” at interviews. About two thirds of the way through we have a roots vibe, which the track stresses, with the phrase “original roots and culture”. It’s a bit of a mind-blowing experience but definitely worth listening to right through to the end.

You can find out more about deedz online on his Facebook account, and his official website.

About the author

Lisa has been writing for over 20 years, starting as the entertainment editor on her university newspaper. Since then she's written for Popwrapped, Maximum Pop, Celebmix, and ListenOnRepeat.

Lisa loves all good music, with particular fondness for Jedward and David Bowie. She's interviewed Edward Grimes (Jedward), Kevin Godley, Trevor Horn, Paul Young, Peter Cox (Go West), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), among many many more. Lisa is also available for freelance writing - please email lisa@essentiallypop.com