A Sonic Life in the Himalaya: ‘Sketches from the Top of the Hills’
Singer-songwriter Ady Manral introduces his music documentary from Landour, a visual EP rinsed with the lush sights and sounds of monsoon in the Himalayan foothills.
The monsoon in Mussoorie can be quite dramatic, shrouded under the misty dark hues of the nimbus clouds, punctuated by the soundtrack of thunder and rain and drizzle and wind. But even when the rains pass, every season that follows glows with its own beauty: the dazzling sunsets of autumn, the snowy blankets of winter, the blooming colours of spring, the warm embrace of a gentle summer.
The Himalayan landscape was something that struck me nearly two decades ago when I first moved to Landour, near Mussoorie, in the foothills of the world’s highest mountain range. Ever since then, this landscape has continued to shape how I think, create, and write, in new ways that I could’ve never predicted.
My visual EP, Sketches from the Top of the Hills (2026) is inspired by this lush, unpredictable environment. The project offers a small glimpse into my connection with nature, and the many ways everyday life finds its way into my songwriting and music.
In a world that seems to be in a constant state of transition, especially in the digital space, I wanted to think more broadly about how I share my music. What began as an attempt to document a part of my life gradually became a moment in time, captured both sonically and visually in the form of a music documentary. Some of the songs are live, some are recorded; together, they capture a monsoon weekend spent in Landour.
This was only possible because of Romil and Aman Singh, both incredibly talented in their own right, who captured and portrayed the film with such sensitivity, care, and honesty. Many of my close friends, who know this landscape intimately, have told me that the film portrays the region truthfully. I think that’s quite a feat for people who weren’t from here, yet managed to understand and beautifully capture its spirit.
The film is made by The Give Up Session, and it brings together a collection of songs and was almost a year in the making. More than anything, I hope it encourages people—especially fellow creatives—to spend more time connecting with nature. Perhaps that connection will inspire you, too, help you grow, and quietly find its way into whatever it is you create.
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Ady Manral is a singer-songwriter based in Landour whose debut EP Lean On Love was released globally to critical acclaim in 2018. Ady has performed gigs in India, the UK and USA over the past few years. He was the co-founder and director of Big Gig, a music festival in Landour. He currently works at Woodstock School, India. You can follow him on Instagram: @adyindia or X: @adymanral
