“Rakitaki Tanana” marks the debut of Rootless, a new Glasgow-based ensemble uniting Indian and Romani musicians across a shared lineage of rhythm and migration. Vocalists David and Karan lead the performance, supported by Matus on guitar, Martin on bass, Elisei on saxophone, tabla master Sodhi, and dhol player Prince.

“Rakitaki Tanana” opens with tightly locked tabla and dhol patterns, establishing a shifting rhythmic grid. Over this, Matus’s flamenco-style guitar picks out ornamented phrases that interweave with saxophone lines from Elisei. The vocal exchange between David and Karan sits front and centre, supported by Martin’s bass. Production is handled by Sarmad Ghafoor.

The lyrics mirror the group’s transcontinental identity. Sung in Romani and Hindi/Urdu, they speak of moving through the world in search of a better life, of uncertainty, and of singing through fear.

Accompanied by a vivid performance video, “Rakitaki Tanana” situates Rootless at the meeting point of heritage and contemporary expression, transforming historical ties into a living, celebratory exchange.

Find out more, stream and listen to the single HERE