When we started working on Shahar-er Alo (City Lights), we knew it had to be something special—something vibrant, deeply personal, and grounded in emotion. The song became a love letter to city life: the noise, the movement, the lights, and the moments of stillness that reveal the beauty hidden in chaos.
For Ayesha, it’s also a piece of home. With lyrics blending English and Bangla, Shahar-er Alo pays tribute to her roots in Bangladesh—a country where language holds profound significance. More than a medium of communication, Bangla is tied to identity, culture, and the history of resistance. This track became her way of weaving that heritage into Crystal Youth’s narrative.
Let’s take you deeper into the song: the meaning, the music, and why it holds such an important place in Horizons.
Ayesha’s Connection to the Song
Ayesha: “This one’s close to my heart. Singing in Bangla felt like going home for a moment. In Bangladesh, our language is part of our identity. People gave their lives for the right to speak Bangla in 1952—it’s a history I carry with me every time I use the language. That’s why I wanted to weave it into this song. It’s not just a lyric—it’s a piece of who I am.”
Michael: “When Ayesha brought in the Bangla lyrics, I just thought, ‘This is it.’ It felt like the missing piece. Cities are these incredible mixes of stories, languages, and cultures, so having that blend in the song just made it come alive.”
Ayesha’s perspective on urban life also brought a unique dimension to the track.
Ayesha: “Growing up in Dhaka, cities were everything to me—the noise, the colours, the endless stories unfolding around every corner. That’s the vibe I wanted to bring into Shahar-er Alo. It’s not just about any city—it’s about the heartbeat of urban life, wherever you are.”
The Meaning Behind Shahar-er Alo
At its core, Shahar-er Alo is about finding beauty in chaos. It’s about walking through a city at night, surrounded by light and sound, and discovering moments of connection amidst it all.
The Bangla chorus—‘Shaharer alo, shonar alo’ (City lights, golden lights)—captures the magic of those moments when the mundane becomes extraordinary.
Ayesha: “That line’s about the way city lights can feel almost alive. They guide you, comfort you, and sometimes make you stop and just… appreciate.”
Michael: “For me, the song’s about contrast. Cities are overwhelming, but they’re also full of possibility. They’re noisy, but they’re also the places where you find those quiet, reflective moments. That’s what we tried to capture.”
The Creative Process
The journey to creating Shahar-er Alo was as layered and dynamic as the song itself.
Michael: “This was one of the most collaborative tracks we’ve done. Originally, we were going to have an entirely Bangla chorus which Ayesha wrote before we changed to a fusion which king of symbolises who we are. It completely shaped the vibe of the song. Everything.”
Ayesha: “I’ll never forget the first time I sang the Bangla lines in the studio. Michael just sat there, headphones on, not saying anything. Then he just burst into a smile. It was one of those moments where you realise you’re creating something special.”
The production started with a shimmering synth line that evokes the glow of city lights. Layers of driving percussion and melodic textures followed, creating a sense of motion, like walking through a bustling street.
Michael: “We wanted the track to feel alive—like it’s constantly shifting, just like a city. But we also made sure to leave space for reflection, especially during the quieter sections where Ayesha’s vocals take centre stage.”
The Sound of City Lights
The sound of Shahar-er Alo evokes a vibrant yet introspective atmosphere. The interplay between English and Bangla lyrics adds an emotional depth that mirrors the layered experience of urban life.
Ayesha: “Singing in two languages was exciting but also a bit daunting. I wanted the transition between English and Bangla to feel seamless, like it was all part of the same story. It’s amazing how music can bridge those gaps.”
Michael: “This track really pushed us to explore what Crystal Youth could sound like. It showed us how powerful it can be to bring all the different parts of ourselves into the music. It’s definitely one of the tracks that defined our sound.”
Where It Fits in Horizons
As the third track on Horizons, Shahar-er Alo shifts the listener from the vast, cinematic scope of Endless Horizon to the grounded, personal themes of urban life. It’s a moment of connection—a reminder that even in the chaos, there’s beauty waiting to be found.
Michael: “This is where the album starts to get personal. You’re not just imagining or dreaming anymore—you’re stepping into the world, experiencing its details up close.”
Ayesha: “And it’s not just about cities. It’s about connection—finding stories and beauty wherever you are. Cities are just the metaphor for that.”
What It Means to Us
For us, Shahar-er Alo is a celebration of individuality, diversity, and the stories that connect us all. It’s a piece of Ayesha’s heritage and a reflection of how much stronger we are when we embrace everything that makes us unique.
Ayesha: “This song means so much to me. It’s a reminder to be proud of where you come from and to carry that pride into everything you create.”
Michael: “It’s one of those tracks that makes me proud every time I listen to it. Not just because it’s a great song, but because it feels real. It’s who we are.”
An Invitation to Wander
We hope Shahar-er Alo takes you on your own journey through the lights and shadows of city life. Put on your headphones, close your eyes, and imagine yourself walking through the streets at night. Feel the rhythm of the city, the quiet moments of stillness, and the beauty waiting to be discovered.
The lights are always there, waiting to guide you. Will you follow them?
Shaharer Alo (City of Lights) will be the second single from Horizons, released on January 15 alongside two exclusive b-sides.