When Chai Met Toast Explained

When Chai Met Toast is a multilingual indie-folk alternative band^[1] formed in Trivandrum, Kerala in 2016. The band's lineup comprises lead vocalist Ashwin Gopakumar, guitarist Achyuth Jaigopal, keyboardist Palee Francis, and drummer Pai Sailesh. The band is known for their happy and lighthearted music which they create in English and Hindi, sometimes featuring Tamil and Malayalam lyrics.^[2]

Having released two EPs and several singles, the band has been recognized as a rising artist in Spotify’s RADAR program.^[3] The video of their single Break Free was chosen as one of VH1 India's top 50 hit videos. They have also developed the tracks for comedian Kenny Sebastian’s 2018 web series Die Trying.^[4]

When Chai Met Toast frequently performs at live events and music festivals in India, including Bacardi NH7 Weekender, SulaFest, OnePlus Music festival and Red Bull Tour Bus. In August 2021, their music was featured in the trailer of Farhan Akhtar’s upcoming Bollywood film Jee Le Zaraa.^[5]

Band members

• Ashwin Gopakumar – Vocals
• Achyuth Jaigopal –  Guitar and Banjo ^[6]
• Palee Francis – Keyboard and Producer
• Pai Sailesh – Drums and Percussions

Discography

Singles and albums

Year	Type	Title	Number of Songs	Songs	Language	Notes
2017	Single	Joy of Little Things[7]	3	Joy of Little Things Firefly Beautiful World	English
2018	Single	Run Closer	1	Run Closer	English
2018	EP	Believe	4	Khoj (Passing By) Who Are You Believe, Forever
2019	Single	'Hop Stomp'	1	'Hop Stomp'	English
2019	Single	Nee Aara[8]	1	Nee Aara	Malayalam
2019	Single	Karam (Equals Sessions)	1	Karam (Equals Sessions)		Collaborated with Rangala Sardar
2020	Single	Maybe I Can Fly	1	Maybe I Can Fly	English
2020	Single	When We Feel Young	1	When We Feel Young	English,Hindi
2020	Single	Kahaani[9]	1	Kahaani	Hindi
2020	Single	Ocean Tide	1	Ocean Tide	English
2021	Single	Break Free	1	Break Free	English
2021	Single	Kahaani (Duet)	1	Kahaani – Duet	Hindi	Female Vocals by Pavithra Chari
2021	Single	Yellow Paper Daisy	1	Yellow Paper Daisy	English
2021	Album	When We Feel Young[10]	7	Constellation Ocean Tide When We Feel Young Kahaani Remember Break Free Maybe I Can Fly	English, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil
2022	Single	Nee Aara – Red Cable Sessions	1	Nee Aara – Red Cable Sessions	English
2022	Single	Lovin' U	1	Lovin' U	English	Released this single as a part of Instagram's #1MinMusic

Films

• Friday Night Plan (2023)
• Do Aur Do Pyaar (2024)

Notes and References

1. Web site: Prabhan. Pooja. 5 September 2017. 'Chai'vinists and proud!. 2021-10-20. Deccan Chronicle. en.
2. Web site: 15 September 2020. Asia Spotlight: India's When Chai Met Toast on sparking joy with their indie folk tunes. 2021-10-20. Asia Spotlight: India's When Chai Met Toast on sparking joy with their indie folk tunes Bandwagon Music media championing and spotlighting music in Asia.. en.
3. Web site: Anna Ben appears in When Chai Met Toast's new video. 2021-10-20. The New Indian Express.
4. Web site: 28 February 2018. Life of a struggling musician. 2021-10-20. Deccan Herald. en.
5. Web site: From Shirley Setia to Ritviz... Independent music is scoring the charts amid the pandemic. 2021-10-20. Free Press Journal. en.
6. News: Upadhye. Aishwarya. 13 December 2019. Here's the story of how chai met toast. en-IN. The Hindu. 2021-11-13. 0971-751X.
7. Web site: Tagat. Anurag. 27 October 2018. When Chai Met Toast on their new album Believe, finding their footing — and a growing following. 2021-09-19. Firstpost.
8. Web site: KP. Gopika. 2 August 2019. With an ode to Kerala floods, 'When Chai Met Toast' says good morning to Malayalam. 2021-09-19. Onmanorama.
9. Web site: 8 October 2020. Anna Ben appears in When Chai Met Toast's new video. 2021-09-19. The New Indian Express.
10. News: Akundi. Sweta. 23 September 2020. When Chai Met Toast's debut album will make you feel young. en-IN. The Hindu. limited. 2021-09-19. 0971-751X.