India’s Leading Indie Artists Transforming Today’s Music Scene

In the coming years, the indie music scene in India will be very exciting, with rising superstars. Wondering why? Well, the voice of today's indie musician is no longer a soft tune but rather an enthusiastic, powerful voice. 

From the small stages of tiny cafes to local bars and college festivals, the Indian independent music scene has grown exponentially, shifting to global tours, streaming charts, and stadiums. It is not just a viable alternative to the Bollywood sound, but now represents a significant portion of India’s youth culture. And the best part? Indie musicians created their own stages and sounds.

Click on the blog below and read more about the Top Bands In India that changed the entire music scene!

Today’s top indie artists in India are rewriting the rules, blending genres with ease, experimenting with fresh moods, and delivering music that speaks directly to the soul. 

From indie pop to indie rock to electronic fusion, the scene is more vibrant than ever.

Below is a curated, conversational deep dive into the top indie pop artists, indie rock artists, and modern indie musicians who are reshaping Indian music as we know it.

Indie Pop Artists: Voices That Defined a New Era

Indian indie pop artists have mastered the art of making music that feels warm, personal, emotional, and addictive. Here are the trailblazers:

Prateek Kuhad

Prateek Kuhad has led the way in making "cool" music. India knows him as a" singer-songwriter of India" who has now reached a global audience through his indie music career.

From signing with Elektra Records, a historic moment for Indian music, to earning a place on Barack Obama’s personal playlist, Prateek has taken Indian indie pop to international stages.

Prateek's music is both soft and intense, as well as both intimate and universal in its appeal. His songs often leave listeners with an emotional hangover that is captivating, which explains why his shows usually sell out within minutes.

Iconic Songs of Prateek Kuhad:

Co2:

Kasoor:

Mulaqat:

Anuv Jain

If heartbreak had a voice, it would sound like Anuv Jain.

His entry into the indie music world began with his hit single "Baarishein." Since then, Anuv has become a staple for every Gen Z playlist with songs including "Husn,” “Gul,” and “Alag Aasman." With nothing more than an acoustic guitar or ukulele to accompany him, Anuv brings forth feelings that feel epic.

The music Anuv produces is very minimalist and diary-like, which is why he is one of the most loved names in India's indie pop genre today.

Iconic Songs of Anuv Jain:

Arz Kiya hai:

Jo Tum Mere Ho:

Husn:

Shirley Setia

After you watched Shirley Setia's YouTube videos from her bedroom, it was hard to imagine her as an international pop star, but she took off and became one of the biggest names in indie music today.

As Forbes described her as "Bollywood's Next Big Singing Sensation," Setia created a vast digital following prior to making her way into mainstream films and indie music.

Setia has also established herself among the top indie music artists in India due to her voice, charm, and hard work.

Iconic Songs of Shirley Setia:

Kaho na:

Khileya:

Tenu Vekhan Da:

Darshan Raval

Similarly, Darshan Raval's journey to stardom as an indie artists has a magical soundtrack.

He went from India's "Raw Star" to mega hits such as Pehli Mohabbat, Tere Naal, and Baarish Lete Aana, making him one of the most-streamed indie musicians in India.

Raval blends modern-day melodies with Indian musical traditions, producing age-appropriate music for every listener.

Iconic Songs of Darshan Raval:

Nafrat:

Sajna:

Tera Zikr:

Ritviz

No conversation about indie pop is complete without Ritviz.

He shook the internet with Udd Gaye, and the ripple effect never stopped. His blend of electronic dance, classical influences, pop elements, and hip-hop flourishes has carved a unique space in the global indie scene.

Ritviz has shared the stage with mega stars like Dua Lipa, Katy Perry, and Major Lazer, proof of how far Indian indie music has come.

Iconic Songs of Ritviz:

Liggi:

Sage:

Udd gaye:

Arjun Kanungo

Arjun Kanungo brings versatility like no one else.

A trained classical singer who also plays piano and guitar, his breakout track Baaki Baatein Peene Baad made him a household name. Known for his polished production and genre-bending style, Arjun perfectly represents the evolution of modern indie pop.

Iconic Songs of Arjun Kanungo:

Ek dafaa:

Baaki baatein peene baad:

Fursat:

Explore some top Singers of India in the blog below!

Indie Rock Artists: Bands and Musicians Pushing Sonic Boundaries

India's indie-rock musicians bring grit, poetry and unforgettable intensity. The music of these artists has a dual feeling, rebellion and introspection, each of which is delivered with explosive energy by the performers.

The Local Train

The Local Train is the iconic Indian indie-rock scene, and it has made its mark as one of the most recognised bands across the genre in India.

Originating from Chandigarh, this group is known for producing music that blends poetic lyrics with impactful vocals and amazing instrumentals together. The songs they have released have been featured in several motion pictures, such as the film Angry Indian Goddesses, which was screened at TIFF, further highlighting their artistic excellence.

Iconic Songs of The Local Train:

Aaoge tum kabhi:

Aalas ka pedh - choo lo:

Dil mere:

Raman Negi

After being the main singer of The Local Train, Raman Negi has hit the ground running with an incredible solo career.

His latest release Chaltey Purzay combines many musical styles in a fabulous way and has an emphasis on individuality, as well as societies and the challenges of the present age. The song “Zeest” showcases Raman's expertise at writing lyrics that provide deep insight into who we are as human beings and writing rock songs that are extremely expressive and energetic.

He is truly one of the most fearless voices in the modern era of indie-rock in India.

Iconic Songs of Raman Negi:

Gaayab:

Maazi:

Kismet:

Tejas

Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Tejas Menon brings the perfect mix of pop, rock, and indie elements.

After contributing to Netflix’s The Archies, he has been consistently performing at major festivals, earning recognition for his musical versatility and refreshing sound.

Tejas is the kind of indie artist who makes indie rock feel wide, soothing, and cinematic.

Iconic Songs of Tejas:

Museum:

Forget Conversation:

What comes after:

The Yellow Diary

One of India’s most beloved indie rock artists group, The Yellow Diary blends poetry with electronic-influenced rock.

Their unique arrangement style and deep, meaningful lyrics have helped them rise dramatically in just a few years. With five brilliant musicians working as a single creative force, this band has crafted a signature sound unlike anything else in India’s indie market.

Their music hits hard, both emotionally and sonically.

Iconic Songs of The Yellow Diary:

Sheher:

Yun hi kahin:

Roz roz:

Indie Artists Who Shaped India’s Modern Soundscape

Beyond pop and rock, some indie artists have embraced experimental genres, electronic textures, and global influences, creating music that feels futuristic yet rooted.

Zaeden

He is one of the youngest DJs from India to perform globally as a DJ, starting to perform at age 14 at festivals such as Tomorrowland and Marenostrum. Zaeden mixes various styles of pop, dance, and electronic, and has developed into one of the most successful indie artists in the world. His shows are known for their energy, visuals, and immersive quality.

Iconic Songs of Zaeden:

Tere bina:

Raaz:

KTMBK:

Nucleya

When it comes to modern sugar pop indie music, Nucleya is undoubtedly the pioneer of the electronic music scene and is well-regarded in indie music globally for his ability to mix the themes of traditional Indian folk music with modern Electronic Djs and Dubstep. 

Nucleya has been active as a pioneer indie artist since 1995 in the Bandish Projekt and has become one of India's best-known and most popular indie music artists. Nucleya is undoubtedly one of India's most successful and original indie artists.

Iconic Songs of Nucleya:

BASS Rani:

Jadi buti:

Mirza:

Armaan Malik

Armaan Malik has become one of India's most versatile and internationally recognized indie music artists through his playback singing and expanding his vast independent albums into English-speaking markets, where he has produced chart-topping hits. 

He stands out among all indie artists in India because of his unique vocal style, lyrical content, and musical depth.

Iconic Songs of Armaan Malik:

Bol do na zara:

Baari baari:

Saanvarey:

Click below to get some best karoke songs for every mood and occasion!

Why India’s Indie Scene Feels So Special Right Now

The magic of indie music in India lies in one simple fact — these artists are free.

• Free from formulas.
• Free from expectations.
• Free from traditions that never felt like theirs.

This freedom has opened the door to authentic storytelling, bold experimentation, and music that feels personal yet universal.

From intimate acoustic love songs to electrifying rock anthems to boundary-pushing electronic tracks, India’s indie community is more vibrant, diverse, and influential than ever before.

And the best part? It’s still evolving… still expanding… still creating space for unheard voices.

Want to Learn Music Like Your Favorite Indie Artists?

If India’s indie revolution has sparked something in you, whether it’s the urge to sing, compose, or finally pick up that guitar gathering dust, now is the perfect time to begin your musical journey.

Spardha School of Music provides you with one of the best ways to learn how to create and play music online and has an excellent reputation throughout India.

Why Should You Choose Spardha?

• Spardha offers students with highly trained instructors who use internationally recognised methods of teaching.
• You can attend your classes from anywhere with a fast internet connection, and Spardha has a wide variety of classes available, including those focused on singing, playing instruments, etc.
• The instructors provide fun classes that are designed to be enjoyable for everyone, from beginners to advanced musicians, and they build real confidence in the students.

Spardha School of Music is where you can develop your musical talents for a career or for personal satisfaction.

Conclusion

India’s indie music scene is not just thriving, but it’s redefining what modern Indian music looks and sounds like. Indie musicians are setting themselves apart from the initial mainstream influences and establishing an atmosphere of realness and sincerity regarding their musical identity. If you appreciate soulful melodies, high-energy performances, lyrically deep, and a blend of styles, indie music will provide an experience specifically tailored for you. This is a time of independence, with India's indie musicians forging ahead.

Start your music-learning journey today with Spardha! Book a free trial class today!