Varun Das’ instrumental album Childlike, out now on all streaming platforms via Too Lost, is a stunning invitation to rediscover the fearless creativity we often leave behind. Born out of a stretch of burnout and self-doubt, this project is less a debut and more a homecoming—a return to the joy of creating for the sake of feeling. “I missed the version of myself who played music just to feel,” Das reflects. That longing pulses through every track, making Childlike an immersive, emotional ride—best taken with headphones on a solo walk, where its cinematic scope can really land.
The inspiration was deeply personal. After years of chasing technical perfection and comparing himself to his idols, Das hit a wall. What followed wasn’t a flashy pivot—it was a quiet, stubborn reclamation. He reconnected with the kid who played drums with no audience, no agenda. Childlike is his attempt to bottle that energy—chaotic, beautiful, and unapologetically sincere. “It’s not about being flashy,” he says. “It’s about being honest.” You can hear that honesty in the music’s pacing: explosive drum fills give way to tender pauses, a storytelling arc told entirely through rhythm and feel.
Das’ sound is a lush fusion of cinematic jazz, ambient textures, and progressive rock. His drumming is the heartbeat, but the real magic is in the ensemble. Nick Marziani’s saxophone cries like a wounded soul, Michael Hilgendorf’s guitar stretches time and space, and Almog Sharvit’s bass keeps it grounded with melodic intention. There’s an ambient elegance to it all, thanks to synths that float and bend the mood. Guest appearances by Dayna Stephens (EWI) and Charles Altura (guitar), and mastering by Adam Ayan, elevate the album to cinematic heights. It’s the kind of instrumental record that paints entire emotional landscapes without a single lyric.
Built at Big Orange Sheep with the help of engineer Chris Benham and paired with Steven Leibensperger’s visual artwork, the album feels handcrafted. Childlike is not trying to impress—it’s trying to connect. That commitment to staying true in an industry full of noise is Das’ quiet rebellion. And it’s working. Fans are resonating with the vulnerability in the music, connecting on social media, and showing up for the upcoming live shows that promise to bring the studio magic into real time. “Let the chaos, beauty, and weirdness hit you,” he urges. No filter, no overthinking.
Beyond the album, Das is expanding the vision. He’s currently collaborating with Delhi-based filmmaker Shubham Mohapatra on a short film inspired by Childlike—a dreamlike reflection on the tension between adult pressure and childlike freedom. “Shubham’s vision took it somewhere special,” Das says. The film will serve as a visual echo of the album’s themes, offering another portal for listeners to lose and find themselves. With tour plans underway, this is more than a release—it’s a movement, perfect for cinematic, ambient, or instrumental jazz playlists that seek emotional depth and artistic intent.
Das doesn’t take any of it for granted. “To everyone who’s supported Childlike—friends, family, musicians, listeners—thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he says. The album rewards full, start-to-finish listening. No skips. No distractions. Just you and the sound. Stream it now on Spotify, Apple Music, or your preferred platform. Follow Varun Das on social media for tour dates, behind-the-scenes glimpses of the film, and previews of what’s next in his genre-bending journey.
With Childlike, Varun Das offers a masterclass in emotional storytelling—without ever saying a word. His fearless blend of sound and sincerity marks him as a rare voice in instrumental music: one that doesn’t just play notes, but remembers. As he brings this project to stages and screens, Das invites us to do the same. Reclaim the spark. Feel deeply. Dream out loud.