Unlike in the West, music in India has predominantly been associated with mainstream feature films. It is only in the last few years that independent artistes have gained popularity and come to be recognized as a part of the Indian music scene.
A major contribution towards this acceptance is the internet. Even though independent albums are not new to Indian audiences, it is the penetration through YouTube, social media and most recently and importantly audio streaming platforms like Jio Saavn, Gaana and Spotify that have greatly enhanced the reach of independent music.
In addition to the availability of virtual platforms, technological advances have also been integral. The entire process of composing, recording and uploading content online has never been as easy as it has become right now. Several singer-songwriters single-handedly perform these functions.
While making covers and remixes of international and domestic artistes’ works has been a more common practice, which continues to be popular, more and more aspiring individuals are creating and putting out their original works.
Raghav Meattle’s “City Life” received a great response among audiences around the world in 2020.
Independent music is not only thriving online but it is also nurturing a live music scene in India. Budding artistes now have other avenues like music festivals, smaller live shows and gigs to directly perform in front of an audience. Some artistes have garnered sufficient following that they are touring several cities with their songs.
Most people distinguish independent artistes as someone who works outside mainstream cinema; Bollywood and regional, and is not backed by a record label. However, there have been several artistes like singer Arjun Kanungo and rapper Divine who have found opportunities in films as a result of their independent music.
When Chai Met Toast is a Kochi-based indie band which has created ripples across India.
There are numerous forums that organize live music sessions on a regular basis. Sofar Sounds is one such company that holds events in multiple cities across the globe. Similarly, there are other local names that focus on particular cities like Tangy Sessions which hosts events for music and art enthusiasts in Hyderabad.
After having been suspended for months in light of the pandemic, such events are emerging again, with necessary precautions and safety measures being followed. The indie music culture is still very young in India but is ever expanding, and garnering more global attention. Notably, Prateek Kuhad’s listing in former US President Obama’s ‘Favorite Music of 2019’.
Most popular independent artistes seem to perform in Hindi or English, catering to a young urban audience but there is a surge in regional languages as well. While bands like The Local Train, The Yellow Diary have grown more popular, individuals like Vidya Vox, Anuv Jain, Taba Chake, Ritviz, SHOR (Rohan Shetty), and Tajdar Junaid whose album ‘What Colour Is Your Raindrop’ is one of people’s favourites, have also made their presence felt.
The Indian Music Diaries is an online platform that closely tracks and compiles information on the independent music culture in India.