An indie mixtape

The post-pandemic indie music scene is buzzing. As a supportive ecosystem begins to take shape, Lounge profiles eight musical acts that have emerged in recent years

For the longest time, the Indian independent music scene lived under the shadow of film music. It was, ironically, the pandem-icinduced lockdown that brought the alternative music scene out of the shadows. For one, it got indie musicians, holed up in their homes, not only to create music but to put it all out on social media. Second, the emergence of virtual music concerts raised awareness of the indie scene.

A budding ecosystem for young talent began to spring up, with ventures like music agency Gatecrash's artist development programme, Amplify Music Incubator, and Spotify's global emerging artist program, RADAR.

"The pandemic has actually changed the industry for the better," says Tanish Thakker, founder of Amplify Music Incubator. "Quality musicians have come out, also a lot more money is being pumped into the industry through live performances and brand work. There's also an audience base now. It is, in short, a good time to be an independent musician in India today."

Rahul Balyan, head of music, Spotify India, is gung-ho. "The Indian independent music scene will find its voice. In fact, I believe that we are about to see the era of the Indian pop star in the next few years," he says. "They (artists) are working with the best producers to make great music. And they are looking at their peers in the West and asking, 'Why can't it be me?""

Lounge profiles eight musical acts that have been producing good work and whose music is on our personal playlists. This is not a definitive list. Instead, think of it as a mixtape we have created for you to tune in to.

TARANA MARWAH 

BUILDING A MUSICAL WORLD OF HER OWN