# Mumbai’s Indie Music Showcase: A Growing Trend Among Gen Z
In the bustling city of Mumbai, a long line of eager young music enthusiasts gathers outside Snowball Studios in Worli. Contrary to what many may think, this is not an audition but a queue of mostly Gen Z audience members waiting to attend an indie music showcase. The atmosphere is electric as Siddhant Chaturvedi takes the stage to perform his latest single ‘Itefaaq’ alongside OAFF x Savera, drawing cheers, applause, and synchronized foot taps from the crowd. Prior to his surprise appearance, independent acts from various parts of the country graced the stage, showcasing the talent and diversity of India’s indie music scene.
## Spotify’s RADAR Showcase: A Celebration of Emerging Indie Artists
Mumbai has long been a hub for indie music lovers, as evidenced by Spotify’s recent showcase highlighting emerging artists from across the country. The lineup at the event included artists like Boys from Marsss (Himachal Pradesh), Burrah (Delhi), Marshall Robinson (Chennai), Hansika Pareek (Ajmer), Swastik the Band (Chandigarh), and Ranj x Clifr (Chennai/Bengaluru). This event marked four years of Spotify’s global RADAR program, which aims to support and promote emerging artists who often struggle to break into the mainstream music industry.
### The Rise of Local Indie Music: A Shift in Listening Trends
Since the launch of Spotify in India, there has been a noticeable shift in listening preferences. While international music dominated the streaming platform initially, more than 70% of the music streamed now comes from local indie artists. This trend reflects the growing interest among millennial and Gen Z listeners in exploring non-film music across a variety of genres and languages. The past year alone saw 2.4 million new user-artist discoveries through RADAR India, underscoring the increasing popularity of indie music in the country.
## Empowering Emerging Artists: The Impact of RADAR India
According to Dhruvank Vaidya, head of music and podcasts at Spotify India, supporting emerging artists is crucial for the growth of the music industry. Over the past year, RADAR India has featured over 40 emerging artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents. In addition to being featured on playlists, selected artists become the ‘artist of the month’ and have the opportunity to perform live, thereby increasing their visibility and reach within the industry.
### The Changing Landscape of Indian Music: A Diverse and Inclusive Approach
As the music ecosystem in India evolves, bands like Swastik the Band, with roots dating back to 2011, are navigating these changes. Lead guitarist Rohit Joshi emphasizes the importance of authenticity in music production, urging artists to create timeless music that transcends era-specific trends. Furthermore, Dhruvank notes that Indian listeners often prefer music in two languages, highlighting the diverse linguistic landscape of the country’s music scene.
## Diversifying Musical Horizons: Regional and Language-Based Initiatives
While RADAR India initially focused on Hindi and English music, it has expanded to include artists from other languages. Recent chapters in Tamil and Punjabi have brought attention to non-film artists in these regions, showcasing the diversity and creativity present in India’s indie music scene. Artists like Burrah, known for his unique approach to Punjabi pop music, are challenging stereotypes and addressing important socio-cultural issues through their music.
### A New Wave of Punjabi Pop: Redefining Traditional Music Narratives
Punjabi artist Burrah’s music offers a fresh perspective on traditional Punjabi music, shifting away from hypermasculine themes to explore more nuanced and relatable topics like mental health. His track ‘Sochi Jaavan’ resonated deeply with audiences, reaching the number one spot in Guwahati and dispelling misconceptions about the marketability of regional music. Burrah’s success serves as a testament to the power of music in transcending language barriers and connecting with audiences on a global scale.
In conclusion, the indie music scene in India is experiencing a renaissance, driven by a new generation of artists who are pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and reshaping the cultural landscape of the country. With platforms like Spotify’s RADAR program providing support and visibility to emerging artists, the future of Indian indie music looks bright and promising. As audiences continue to embrace local talent and diverse musical offerings, the industry is poised for continued growth and innovation.