Mark your calendars as London-based duo Beat The Drum drops their latest offering, “Black Sunset,” a captivating single that captures the magic of finding love in the city during the summer. Released today, this dream-like track infuses swirling psychedelic vibes with influences from Arooj Aftab and Massive Attack, marking the first in a series of innovative releases planned for 2026.
Beat The Drum, the dynamic musical collaboration of Chris Calloway and Steve Murrell, continues to evolve their eclectic sound by blending diverse influences into mesmerizing compositions. For “Black Sunset,” the duo teamed up with classically trained British Tamil singer Nisha Sivan from West London, whose enchanting vocals add a layer of soul-stirring depth to the track. This collaboration not only highlights the duo’s boundary-pushing creativity but also introduces audiences to Sivan’s unique spirit and energy.
“We recorded this beautiful dream-like song about finding love in the city in the summer this year,” shares Chris Calloway. “It has a swirling psychedelic feel to it, and we were looking for something special to add to it. We were playing live and met and heard British Tamil artist Nisha Sivan, who has a wonderful voice and spirit. We played her the song, which she loved, and she was kind enough to add her voice and energy to the recording.”
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What sets “Black Sunset” apart is its significance as the inaugural release in Beat The Drum‘s 2026 lineup, as well as the first of two songs featuring Nisha Sivan. The track beautifully captures the essence of urban romance, transporting listeners to a realm of pure musical bliss through its psychedelic ambiance and heartfelt narrative.
The recording process took place at the duo’s secret HQ on the edge of London, with Sivan’s vocals captured at Mill Hill Music Complex in North West London using a mobile recording rig for accessibility. This unique approach underscores Beat The Drum’s commitment to innovative and inclusive production methods.
“We are excited to be creating music that stimulates and moves us,” adds the duo, reflecting on their artistic journey.
As Beat The Drum pushes boundaries with their evolving sound, “Black Sunset” sets the stage for a year filled with soul-stirring melodies and collaborative magic. Fans can stream the single now on all major platforms.