Indie, or to put it another way, self-sufficient. When we talk about indie music, we’re talking about music created by people without the help of major labels or any established trends or standards (yeah, I know, it’s better than the old song remix factory).
Indie music is known for being highly experimental, with artists experimenting with new or alternative sounds. Rock music, house music, and pop music are all examples of different styles. Now and again, a revolution occurs in the decade’s music scene. However, in India, things are a little different.
Our country’s music scene has been mostly monopolised by Bollywood, but we can’t deny that it formerly hosted a lot of pop and rock culture in the 1960s and 1990s, with single albums to which we’ve all grown up dancing. A country like India has not only been open to the rapidly changing global music landscape but has also welcomed it with open arms. This, in turn, has pushed the indie scene forward.
The indie music industry in India, it turns out, is soaring like the temperature in Indian summers, and it appears to be quite promising. So, if you thought India’s indie music culture was limited to the Indian Ocean, just wait until you see this list.
So, if you’re a music lover who enjoys finding new artists, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best Indian Indie songs you should certainly listen to. Whether you’re looking for soothing, romantic music or heart-pounding beats, these songs will undoubtedly find their way into your Spotify collection.
- 1. Where the Money Flows – Peter Cat Recording Co.
- 2. Fireflies - Indus Creed
- 3. In My Senses – Black Letters
- 4. Zakir - Naalayak
- 5. But It Rained – Parikrama
- 6. Find You - Pineapple Express
- 7. Namaste – Motherjane
- 8. Hasnuhana - Fossils
- 9. Manavyalakinchara – Agam
- 10. Mhaari Re Mangetar – Maati Baani Ft. Alaa Wardi
- 11. Mai Chala Jaunga – Fiddlecraft
- 12. Riha – Anuv Jain
- 13. Soye Ja – Parvaaz
- 14. Rab Rakha – Yellow Diary
1. Where the Money Flows – Peter Cat Recording Co.
Bismillah should be heard by all indie music aficionados. The full intricacy of their sound is a feast for indie enthusiasts, from the huge gestures of trumpets and keys to the delicate electronics and sound bites weaved throughout their songs. The visuals are also rather confusing and a delight for anyone who likes abstract art.
The track “Where the Money Flows,” with its chirping birds, distant automobile horns, and synthesised sounds, transports you somewhere between a sunny park and the smoky ambience of an obscure underground music venue.
2. Fireflies – Indus Creed
Shahid Mallya is a fantastic singer who elevates every song he performs. He fits nicely with any genre, whether it’s a proper Bollywood masala song or a romantic ballad.
3. In My Senses – Black Letters
In the frenetic rush of adult life, there comes a point where everything seems to be flowing at such a breakneck speed that you can’t tell what would be thrown off-kilter if you changed your pace. There’s emotional inertia, little time to comprehend, and the last moment when everything comes to a halt.
Black Letters, a Bengaluru-based indie band, has managed to capture that feeling. Still, As You, their latest album published through local label Overfeed Records, is the conclusion of that pause, revealing itself as a much-needed pause; a validation of what many individuals in their 20s experience.
4. Zakir – Naalayak
This song is one of the best because of its beautiful atmosphere. This is a song you’d want to listen to on an extended road trip with your friends. The tune is basic and pleasant yet gorgeous, and the lyrics are straightforward.
5. But It Rained – Parikrama
From the hum to the startling guitar chord, this song begins off well. We were captivated by the song. The song’s lyrics are just as lovely as the guitar portions. Let’s bow down to a rock tune with Tabla on the table.
6. Find You – Pineapple Express
Because it’s so underestimated, you won’t find it on a standard Spotify search. When we first heard this song, we felt it wasn’t an Indian song. This song is complete lunacy.
7. Namaste – Motherjane
The finest approach to convey “I accept you” or “I recognise your work” is to use the word “namaste.” Namaste is a song about acceptance, and it speaks to the monotony of corporate life. It has all of the hallmarks of a Motherjane album: mesmerising riffs, hefty guitars, and a great groove. Arun Azhakesan directed a riveting music video to accompany the song.
The black-and-white clip, which shows Thiruvananthapuram dancer couple Ullas & Bhoomi executing a thought-provoking choreographed performance, is a lovely convergence of music and dance. Shots of people from many walks of life lip-syncing to the song are intercut with their scenes.
8. Hasnuhana – Fossils
Even though Bengali rock and fusion music is very popular, this is still our favourite. Even though the meaning of this song is quite sorrowful, we would rather be sad while listening to it than happy.
9. Manavyalakinchara – Agam
This song is a heavenly intervention in the making. Even if you are an atheist, you will be surrounded by unstoppable energy when listening to this music. Classical fusion is by far the greatest we’ve ever heard, and it leaves you speechless.
10. Mhaari Re Mangetar – Maati Baani Ft. Alaa Wardi
Maati Baani is best known for giving this classic Indian folk tune a funky twist! We’ve all heard this folk tune as a kid or at a wedding and been completely enthralled by its beats and lyrics. This is just like any other groovy dance number, which is a tune that is impossible to stop listening to, and the video by Maati Baani is extremely innovative, exuding funky emotions.
11. Mai Chala Jaunga – Fiddlecraft
This song sounds like one that any college band would love to perform on a big stage. It’s a beautifully composed song, with each line relaxing you differently.
12. Riha – Anuv Jain
One of the best and most beautiful tracks you’ll ever hear. The singer is urging him or her to let go of the load he or she is carrying and go on with his or her life. The protagonist responds that he or she does not want to forget his or her love and that even if he or she did, it would be impossible. Anuv Jain is like that hypothetical guy you dearly desire in your reality, who would serenade you on the rooftop every sunset and wonder how you got so lucky.
13. Soye Ja – Parvaaz
We may come out as biased when it comes to this song because it is an amazing gem. We wish that more people could appreciate it. Mir Kashif Iqbal’s lyrics are what make the song what it is. Every time you listen to this beauty, you get the feeling that Kashmir is on your toes.
14. Rab Rakha – Yellow Diary
The song is a homage to the belief that while you’re on a mission to find yourself, someone up above is watching out for the ones you care about.
They are on their way to becoming a major pop act in India, with a blend of meaningful lyrics, catchy songs, and current production.
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