‘shine’ by Varun Sheel

Boston’s indie-pop gem Varun Sheel returns with ‘shine’ – a glittering, slow-burning single that captures the quiet thrill of unspoken affection. Tinged with the warmth of golden-hour light, the track feels like catching someone’s gaze and not needing to say a word. It’s nostalgic, textured, and quietly triumphant.

Varun’s upbringing in a musically rich Indian household is etched into every note, from his father’s training in Hindustani classical vocals to his own early obsessions with guitar virtuosos like Buckethead and Paul Gilbert. It’s this rare fusion, deep-rooted tradition meets maximalist experimentation, that’s become the singer-songwriter’s signature.

Varun leans into that blend with confidence. Soft ukulele strums meet Game Boy-era synths, layered with cascading guitar triplets and a vocal performance that’s equal parts restrained and euphoric. The result? A song that radiates innocence and yearning, while remaining grounded in meticulous pop craftsmanship. With ‘shine’, he crystallises a sound that feels both personal and universal. For those who grew up between worlds, or simply long for music that knows how to feel, Varun Sheel is an artist worth watching.