Nikhil Bagga helps to unleash the Kraken with his electrified instrumental rendition of The Star Spangled Banner — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
A self-proclaimed ‘human jukebox,’ the former Toronto singer-guitarist was invited by the Seattle Kraken to deliver the opening anthem at a recent game — and Bagga had the crowd onside before the puck even dropped.
But that’s just the beginning for the young up-and-comer, who just released his debut album Leap Of Faith. Recorded at Seattle’s London Bridge Studios with producer Eric Lilavois (Ayron Jones, Saint Motel), the record features drummer Ben Smith (Heart) and bassist Jeff Rouse (Loaded), in addition to Bagga’s vocals and guitar. The 10-song strong effort deals with the world according to Bagga — from his relationships with his siblings to growing up.
“Leap Of Faith is about taking risks and trying new things,” Bagga says of the album’s title track. “I wrote this song about the day my dog Daisy arrived at our home. She was shy at first but soon warmed up to us. She had to take a leap of faith to trust us. This song was inspired by Neil Young.”
Bagga, who also lists U2 and The Rolling Stones among his influences, is unafraid to tackle timely issues like bullying. “Being bullied is a tough time and Gotta Try is the song about the time that I was,” he says. “I would always think that maybe everything I did was stupid but Gotta Try is kind of like my victory song. This was the first song I wrote and will always have a special place in my heart. Bullying is a big deal and this song is for everyone who is going through that hardship.”
Leap Of Faith foreshadows a fruitful career ahead for the burgeoning rock god. Along with opening for the Kraken, Bagga has also played the SMASH Seattle Songs of Hope Benefit, the Big Table Benefit supporting restaurant workers impacted by COVID, and elsewhere.
Watch Nikhil Bagg‘s rendition of The Star Spangled Banner above, check out Leap Of Faith below, and follow him on Instagram and TikTok.
