From film songs to streaming hits: Independent voices are rewriting Kannada music’s playbook

For decades, Kannada music largely travelled through cinema. Film soundtracks shaped popular listening, and playback singing was often the main route to visibility. But streaming platforms and social media are rewriting that script. A new generation of artistes is building audiences through independent singles — songs that live outside film albums yet travel widely through YouTube, playlists and reels. Singers such as Sanjith Hegde, Sumedh K, Rajat Hegde and Tanmay Gururaj are part of this emerging wave. With relatable lyrics, strong visual storytelling and contemporary soundscapes, their music is resonating with younger listeners who are discovering Kannada songs not through theatres but through their phones. Together, they represent a growing shift in the Kannada music landscape — one where independent releases are creating their own space alongside film music. Bangalore Times explores:

The indie hitmakers

Among the most recognisable voices in this space is Sanjith Hegde, who has successfully balanced playback singing with a flourishing indie career. His singles combine emotional storytelling with polished visuals, helping them travel widely across streaming platforms. Tracks like Nange Allava, Gulaabo, Mayavi and Baadal have clocked millions of views online, while his recent single Taare Bindigeya reimagines a Kannada folk classic with a contemporary touch.

Artiste: Sanjith Hegde, Most popular single: Nange Allava Release date: June, 2024, No. of views: 16M views

Artistes like Sumedh K are also finding their audiences early in their careers. At just 21, Sumedh’s music carries a raw, introspective quality that speaks directly to younger listeners navigating love, longing and identity. Songs such as Taavare, Karma, Vega, Meghave, Daaha and Maaye have steadily built him a loyal fan base, while recent releases like Tulasi — noted for its striking visuals and evocative vocals — continue to circulate widely across indie playlists.

Artiste: Sumedh K, Most popular single: Tulasi Release date: January 2026, No. of views: 10M views

Poets and storytellers

If some artistes lean into polished pop production, others are carving out space through quieter, more reflective sounds. Rajat Hegde’s music, for instance, stands out for its mellow acoustic textures and poetic lyricism. Often built around minimal arrangements, his songs allow the emotion of the lyrics to take centre stage. While playback singing has helped him gain recognition within the Kannada music circuit, independent releases such as Aahana highlight his introspective songwriting style.

Artiste: Rajat Hegde, Most popular single: AahanaRelease date: March 2026, No. of views: 318K views

A similar sense of storytelling runs through the music of Tanmay Gururaj, whose songs blend classical sensibilities with contemporary indie pop. His compositions often draw from everyday urban experiences, reflected in tracks such as Kaapi Kaapi, Work From Home and Silk Board Blues. His recent single Ninna Notavu, released as a lyrical video, also gained traction on social media reels, demonstrating how digital platforms are helping Kannada singles reach wider audiences.

Artiste: Tanmay Gururaj, Most popular single: Ninna Notavu Release date: January 2026, No. of views: 711K views

This is a significant moment for Kannada music: Composers

“About 20–25 years ago, we had musicians like C Ashwath who created independent Kannada music that wasn’t connected to film at all. They were widely popular despite not having music videos to support them. Somewhere along the way, that parallel music scene faded, and the space became largely dominated by film music. Over time, the focus shifted to reaching digital audiences, with reel-friendly tracks built around catchy hooks. While there have been some successes in that space, it’s interesting to now see a return to more melodic content. The more such music succeeds, the better it is for the ecosystem as a whole. Today, making music videos has become far easier and more affordable. Who knows — what we call a parallel music culture today might well become mainstream in the near future.” - Dharma Vish, music composer in Kannada, Hindi and Punjabi film industries

“There was a time when singers created work that reached the common listener without relying on film platforms. Yet, over the past few decades, film songs came to dominate, with the assumption that music tied to cinema had a far greater chance of reaching audiences. That dynamic, however, is shifting again. Artistes like Raghu Dixit and Chandan Shetty have emerged as icons in their own right, building audiences that connect with them as individuals rather than as extensions of films. Their music stands independently, carried by distinct identities and styles. Now, a younger crop of musicians is taking that evolution forward. They are reaching a new generation of listeners through digital platforms, crafting songs that are rooted in Kannada literature, rich in meaning, and driven by soulful compositions, even as they adapt to a reels-driven consumption culture. What’s interesting is that even in this fast, digital space, there is a conscious effort to retain depth — in language, in lyrics, and in sound. That’s what makes this phase feel like a new era for Kannada music.” - Anoop Seelin, music composer whose Kannada singles and music videos have found steady traction online over the years








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