Indian dream pop duo Parekh & Singh have officially announced their breakup after more than a decade of making music together. The duo, composed of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Nischay Parekh and drummer-producer Jivraj ‘Jiver’ Singh, shared the news today via an Instagram post, confirming that they will be moving on to separate projects.
The Journey: From “Ocean” to “The Night is Clear”
Parekh & Singh’s journey began in 2011 when they performed under Parekh’s name, with Singh as a consistent collaborator. Their debut album, Ocean, was released independently in 2013 and gained critical acclaim, earning a spot among Rolling Stone India’s best albums of the year. Initially a quartet, the duo officially adopted the name Parekh & Singh in 2015, inspired by iconic duos like Simon & Garfunkel and Hall & Oates.
In 2016, Ocean was re-released under British indie label Peacefrog, along with a music video for their single “I Love You Baby, I Love You Doll.” The video, known for its Wes Anderson-inspired aesthetic, became a viral hit, garnering over 2 million views on YouTube. This success was followed by two more singles, “Philosophize” and “Ghost,” which also achieved significant online traction.
Their sophomore album, Science City, arrived in 2019. Named after an amusement park in Kolkata, the album showcased a more intricate sound and thematic depth, exploring concepts of science, technology, and nostalgia. Singles like “Summer Skin,” “Hello,” and “Crystalline” further expanded their fanbase.
Read More > Guitar prodigy Ichika Nito set to visit India
A Hiatus and a Final Album
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the duo adapted by performing live-streamed concerts and releasing a cover of Radiohead’s “Karma Police.” In 2022, they returned with new material, starting with “Je Suis La Pomme Rouge,” followed by “Sleepyhead” and “The Nightingale.” Their third and final studio album, The Night is Clear, was released in August 2022, followed by a national tour later that year.
After performing at Lollapalooza Mumbai in January 2024, Parekh & Singh quietly went on hiatus. Parekh has since launched a new solo project under the moniker TV Dinner.
Kolkata Dream-Pop Duo Parekh & Singh Split After 15 Years of Making Music Together
Today, Parekh & Singh officially announced their breakup on social media, stating:
“It has been humbling and gratifying to have shared our inventions with a wonderfully supportive community. Now our interests and ambitions have diverged. We’ll both be moving on to new and invigorating pursuits.”
This marks the end of an era for Indian indie music, as the duo leaves behind a legacy of whimsical, visually rich, and genre-blending compositions that have influenced the country’s independent music scene.
“The music doesn’t stop,” the duo adds in their touching IG post. Fans now await the individual creative journeys of both musicians as they embark on new endeavors.
An entity of flesh and bones in pursuit of becoming a higher being. A connoisseur of the mystic arts and everything musical. His origins are unknown, and so are his true motives.
