‘Bollywood and independent music can co-exist on the same playlist'

Independent music was huge in the 90s and early 2000s with artists like Lucky Ali, Shaan, Alisha Chinai and bands like Silk Route, Indian Ocean, Euphoria giving the genre a centerstage. Then came a period when artistes rushed to playback sing for Bollywood. But the last couple of years have seen that shift once again in favour of indie music. On World Music Day today, artistes weigh on the pros and cons of going independent once again and how Bollywood playback and independent music can now co-exist.

Zaeden: If you have a loyal audience, indie music is creatively fulfilling
I think people are just craving authenticity right now. Indie music feels more raw, more human. And with music streaming platforms, the audience has access to music that feels theirs, not just something pushed through a movie. As an indie artiste, you’re building your own world. The recognition might take longer, but it’s yours. And financially, if you have a loyal audience, live shows, brand collabs, deals — it can actually be more sustainable and creatively fulfilling.

Kanishk Seth: In indie music, there is no gatekeeping, but Bollywood gives you a bigger reach
When digital streaming platforms came in, there was a shift in the way listeners chose songs. Lot of musicians and singers didn’t feel the need to get a Bollywood breakthrough, they could release music very easily through these platforms. There is no gatekeeping here. Having said that, songs in Bollywood right now are reaching a massive audience because a lot of money is being put into promoting them. With this, the artiste reaches more people. But while doing independent music, most of them don’t have that kind of a budget.

OAFF: With independent songs, listeners get to explore variety
India always had a huge indie scene. It has come to a point where a Bollywood song and an indie song can co-exist on a playlist. This is because we have democratised music and music platforms give listeners a lot more access to explore sounds. We are also seeing a lot of collab between indie musicians and Bollywood, like I was an independent artiste before I composed music for Gehraiyaan. It’s not anymore about indie music or Bollywood music but just about music.

Savera: Making music, whether independent or for Bollywood, gives us fulfillment
Most musicians make music because it makes them happy. And I don’t think indie music or Bollywood music has anything to do with that. Think about it, why would someone spend years of their life relentlessly practising their art? The only answer that makes sense to me is that it gives us a fulfilment that is only felt and can’t be described. However, social media is an integral part of indie music.

Akanksha Bhandari: Indie music gives you great freedom
Lot of artistes from India are collaborating with global artistes and experimenting with different sounds. Today, artistes are happy doing Bollywood, but they are happier releasing independent songs. The satisfaction you get seeing your independent songs get good numbers is amazing. While singing for Bollywood, there are limitations in terms of emotions and sounds since it is for a specific scene.

Prakriti Kakar: Playback gives you recognition, indie music gives you identity
When I work on an indie track, I get to shape it from the ground up — the melody, the lyrics, the vibe — it’s me. It feels like a conversation with our audience, not just a performance. With Bollywood, as much as it’s exciting to be part of big films and reach a massive audience, you’re essentially stepping into a brief, a character, a situation, someone else’s vision.

Sukriti Kakar: Gen Z listeners are more drawn to vibes
Listeners are more drawn to storytelling by indie artistes and are building a community because of the relatability of these songs. Also, indie artistes aren’t tied to commercial formulas and it’s easier to build a niche and specially Gen Z listeners are more drawn to moods and vibes than commercial virality. Social media platforms play a big role in the popularity of indie music in India.