On their first new release of 2019, pop-rock band SANAM swaps their trademark sunshine vibe for a decidedly darker sound. “Jaane De Mujhe”, co-written by lyricist Kunaal Verma, is a brooding ballad about letting go of the person you love. Apple Music speaks to the quartet about the song, which is part of Universal Music India’s VYRL Originals series of non-film tracks. Israeli Origins The melancholic mood of the tune was not inspired by the end of a relationship, as some might imagine, but by the end of a holiday. Vocalist Sanam Puri came up with the melody on their last day in Tel Aviv. “It’s such an amazing place, so peaceful and clean,” he says. “We were like: we don’t feel like going back. There was a bit of sadness.” Universal Understanding “Anybody who’s been through a breakup can connect with it,” says drummer Keshav Dhanraj. The band credits Verma for lyrics that perfectly complement the melody. “He’s really good at understanding what people want in terms of emotions,” says Sanam Puri. Game Plan “This year, we’re planning to release many original songs,” says lead guitarist Samar Puri, hoping to shed the band’s reputation as an act known for cover interpretations of Bollywood classics. “We have to shift the balance,” agrees Sanam. Top Ten Counting their first couple of years as SQS, the quartet will soon complete a decade together. Bass player Venky S attributes their longevity to such factors as “having strong management, not having too much ego and just being happy making the music”. It also helps that they all live in the same housing complex in the northern Mumbai fishing village of Madh Island—where, incidentally, the “Jaane De Mujhe” video was filmed. “We can go to each other’s houses to make music and chill and eat.”