Varun Sheel’s latest single, ‘Cool Like You’, is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to hide parts of yourself in order to fit in or be loved. From the very first notes, the song wraps you in shimmering disco-tinged guitars and buoyant 808s, inviting you to move, but it’s the emotional honesty beneath the gloss that truly lingers.
Growing up in Boston with a rich musical heritage — his father a trained Hindustani classical vocalist — Sheel was immersed in a world where raagas and breath control shaped his earliest lessons. Paired with his self-taught guitar skills and a fascination for virtuosos like Paul Gilbert, his sound today is a vibrant blend of East meets West, tradition meeting modern pop.
Cool Like You channels this blend effortlessly. It’s a track that merges Bollywood-inspired melodies with Western pop structures, all filtered through the lens of a diasporic upbringing. The result is a sound that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
What sets this song apart is how Sheel’s lyrical vulnerability shines through catchy hooks and danceable beats. It’s a confession and a celebration — a recognition of the bittersweet experience of pretending to be someone else, balanced with an irresistible urge to be true to yourself.
Following the success of earlier singles like More Than Friends and Over You, Varun Sheel continues to carve out a unique space in indie pop. ‘Cool Like You’ is a testament to his evolving artistry — a track that’s as much about self-expression as it is about connection.
For anyone navigating the complex dance between identity and acceptance, ‘Cool Like You’ offers a soundtrack that’s both inviting and introspective—one you’ll want to play on repeat.
