This World Music Day, we bring you some indie artists to expand your playlist and introduce and embrace art and new artists of India.

“i will never be bad” by Ananya Sharma

“i will never be bad again” is a self-composed song by Ananya Sharma which was released in 2022. Ananya Sharma, based in Mumbai, India, apart from being a talented singer is also a composer and bandleader of Funan and Gang. She’s a storyteller most of all. She writes them to music. 

Her song, ‘I will never be bad again’ is one of her many stories, this one revolving around her childhood. It revolves around growing up as a child, which is a unique and individual experience for all of us. In her song, she writes and sings about some difficult patches of life that she had to face alone and probably scarred her for a long time. However, her song, or as she likes to call it, her story sung to her music is not about talking about these scars. Instead, it’s about moving past them and embracing the new and possibly better version of herself. 

Her story transforms from being so ashamed of herself that she can’t even look at herself to exploring and loving herself to the extent that she has found the courage to never be bad again because she will never feel the need to. “I could turn to dust/ I could slowly fade/ I could be my own person/  I could wait.” Life is not easy and in the path of it, we all stumble here and there but it also does not end there. To move forward is the very essence of it. To live it fully, as Ananya does, you need to let go of some things and reach out to others.

Bless Ya Heels by Tribe Mama Marykali

If you’ve always enjoyed listening to Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Little Mix and the more women who sing powerful songs about women, then this one’s for you. Tribe Mama Maryakai aka Katharina Valayil, is a Malyali singer who grew up in Nigeria. Her music celebrates women of color with a lot of sass with the undertone of the seriousness of the message she wants to put across. Her music celebrates womanhood in all its various forms. 

Through her music, she is rebelling against the structures that label women and put them in a box. With catchy beats and addictive lyrics, she’s using her platform and art to talk about the serious issues with regard to the historical oppression of women. The lyrics of Bless Ya Heels, “Wash your feet in the rain and pray/Before you move towards my temple/ Bless ya heels/ You stand on sacred ground…I am a Star of Venus/ I am Goddess witch/ Badass bitch…Tribe mama from the core/Am diggin’ in the core now!” channel the divine womanhood of women of color that is mostly neglected.

Mutual by Ranj X Clifr 

Ranjani Ramadoss is a musician from Chennai, India. Her journey started with two bands Kelvikkuri (jazz fusion) and Paula & the Associates (Neo-soul/pop). Now, she’s started her new project called RANJ which she launched in 2021. Her music is either English or Tamil and conveys different stories and themes. In her song, Mutual, she explores the difficult stage of a relationship when it doesn’t feel right. Each human relationship is complex and requires different things, approaches, and behaviors to be successful. A lot of times, the comfortable state of a relationship is hard to let go of. Ranjani explores the same with her lyrics, “Just because it’s comfortable/ Don’t mean that it’s suitable/ Think that its agreeable/ It don’t feel like home at all”

ILY by Shane (Prod. by Searcy & StephC Baby)

ILY by Shane is the right music for you if you find yourself listening to catchy beats and groovy music. It’s not heavy on the lyrics and easy to vibe to and will definitely make it to your everyday playlist. Shane is a singer, songwriter, and musician based in Shillong, India. Most of his music is of R&B Soul and Hip Hop genre. The catchy beats and lyrics that hit home make his music something that you should be checking out ASAP.

sophomore sweetheart – sunflower tape machine

sophomore sweetheart by sunflower tape machine sounds and feels exactly like its name. It will transport you to the first year or young days of your college life. The music makes you feel the nostalgia of exploring new things, new people, new places, and new experiences all for the first time. It feels like a trance of the young days where you can easily lose yourself. What adds to this feeling is the music video which is various clips combined in a film format that prompts you to see it as if you’re watching your own life reeling through the camera.  Aryaman Singh from Chennai is the founder of the experimental project, sunflower tape machine which is all about analog synth sounds inspired by the 80s and dreamy chords.

Mona Lisa Smile by Gouri and Aksha

What started as a musical theatre show for Aladdin in Mumbai is now a band of two, Gouri and Aksha. Gouri was a budding singer from Kerala when she met Aksha from Punjab in Mumbai. The duo started their journey with Instagram videos but today are successful with shows in Japan and the USA. Their music is a blend of their voices harmonizing together. Their song, Mona Lisa Smile is a mix of jazz and pop and leaves a calming effect on you. The music and the lyrics are the kinds you sway along to and vibe in peace on a rainy day with a book and a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. They are also there on Prateek Kuhad’s album Shehron Ke Raaz.

Itne Pyaar Se (Thoda Darr Lagta Hai) by Sanjeeta Bhattacharya x Tanmaya Bhatnagar

Love feels great to embrace but with great love comes the fear of losing it too. Sanjeeta Bhattacharya and Tanmaya Bhatnagar’s Itne Pyaar Se (Thoda Darr Lagta Hai) is a beautiful song about the many complexities that come with romantic relationships and how various couples embrace them. The lyrics, “Itne pyaar se/ Bhi thoda dar lagta hai/ Tere saath par, yeh darr bhi, acha lagta hai”, in their very raw form tell the stories and emotions each one of us goes through when in love. 

The music video, apt to the lyrics, portrays relationships and couples that are flawed and nowhere perfect to the dreamy lands of rom-com. In its true essence, the song is a raw exploration of what love feels like. The song closes with “Roke rukta nahi, dil beparvah lagta hai/ Bujhe bujhta nahi, dil lau jaise jalta hai” which tells the real tale of most love stories and what emotions people feel when in love.

Songs can make and break a mood. That’s the power the right kind of music holds against us. When you’re the main character in your life it’s not easy to always find the right music for the right feeling. Mostly because you lack a music producer in your life, unlike the movies. Hence, we decided to take on the role of this famed music producer and give you a few suggestions that you can hopefully add to your playlist to add the right melody from soft to raspy to this movie on life and make it a little less dull. 

Song: Missing Pages by Shehzan Mehta, Zaisha, Reet Shah

Are you feeling melancholic? Looking for a song to accompany your soul as you feel some of the saddest moments of your life? Then this song is for you. With a soothing piano melody and soft and comforting voices echoing each second, this song will give you the space you deserve to feel all those emotions and move on at your own pace—a song for days when you need someone to let you cry and nudge you forward. 

Song: Behno Do by Sanjana Devarajana 

Remember the time when you wanted to get up so badly but it seemed like the whole world was against it? For times like that, this song is a perfect addition to your playlist as it instills the faith that you lost in yourself. With a soft melody that builds up to an empowering one combined with the melodious voice of Sanjana, there is no way you will stay beaten down for long.

Song: Void by Aanchal Bordoloi

Feeling a little blue but tired of soft and pop voices to cheer you up? If you’re looking for something indie with a husky voice to tell you that you’re not alone and that they’ve got you and you can let it out, then Aanchal Bordoloi must be added to your playlist, this instant. Reminding us all about the beauty of yearning for someone with her guitar and raspy voice, Aanchal serenades us into another world with Void.

Song: Roses by Kalpana

Whenever we pick roses it’s the thorns that worry us the most. It almost always makes us forget how beautiful the rose truly is just like love. A song to remind you how beautiful love can be if you just let it in, Kalpana manages to take you on an aural as well as visual trip with her song with Roses. The soft musical accompaniment is the perfect addition to her comforting breathy voice that is bound to remind you about the soft touches of kind love. 

Song: Sunday by Aditya A & Naalayak

Do you relate to Garfield a lot and just can’t stand Mondays, and hope that the Sunday last forever? Well, you’re not the only one thinking like that as Aditya & Naalayak released a song dedicated to this amazing relaxed day that they just keep hoping never ends. A relatable song with a chill melody, this song is the perfect addition to your “take it easy playlist”.  

Hope these song suggestions help you navigate your life a little better than yesterday! 

In the realm of mental health, where silence often reigns and stigma persists, art performances and emerging as powerful tools for breaking the chains surrounding the topic. Among these diverse forms of artistic expression, music takes centre stage, proving to be a transformative force in healing mental health. Let’s delve into the deep impact of mental health art performances and the therapeutic resonance of music.

“Holding On” by Sanjay Maroo

These poignant words set the stage for a musical journey that explores the dualities of life- the euphoria of success and the depths of rejection and fear. The song is a dedication to those who persist and refuse to surrender their dreams despite setbacks. It’s a call to awaken those who may have quietly moved away, urging them that it’s never too late to try again. The artist shares personal experiences passionately pursuing a dream, basking in the glory of success, but also grappling with the pain of rejection and the haunting fear of failure.

“Nahi Hu Mai Theek” by Vasu Kainth

In a bold and crucial move, an artist addresses the often stigmatized topic of mental illness through his song “Nahi Hu Mai Theek”. This musical composition shines a light on the shadows that mental health struggles cast on individuals. By bringing mental health struggles to the spotlight, the artist contributes to breaking the silence and dispelling the stigma that surrounds it. The song becomes a voice for those who grapple with invisible battles within their minds, creating space for empathy and understanding.

Sitar for Mental Health by Rishab Rikhiram Sharma

Sitar for Mental Health gives us a unique blend of ancient practices and contemporary experiences, utilizing traditional Indian Classical music as a powerful medium. The goal is to invoke states of deep reflection, receptivity and introspection, fostering awareness about mental health through the auditory sensory processing system.

These immersive experiences last around 60 minutes and go beyond the boundaries of conventional performances. They incorporate a variety of instruments, including the Khartal, Sound Bowls, Daf, and deep percussion, creating a multi-sensory journey. The focus is not merely on music but on the silence between notes, encouraging deep listening and gradual adoption of musical improvisation and consciousness.

Rishab, the artist behind Sitar for Mental Health, skillfully navigates the Sitar as a tool for transformation. The audience is taken on a journey that begins with a personal intention, allowing them to sense and visualize their emotions. The experience encourages letting go of mental and physical attachments in that moment, providing a therapeutic space for introspection and healing.

In the dynamic world of music, every store carries a story and each melody paints a vivid picture of emotion. The latest music releases have taken up this ethos, offering a diverse range of tunes that resonate with the human experience. Let’s dive into the enchanting world of these musical masterpieces.

“You Are A Criminal” by Mallika Mehta

“You Are a Criminal” by Mallika Mehta is her latest creation which is a powerful emotional orchestral pop composition. The song invites listeners on a compelling journey through the intricate nuances of heartbreak and betrayal. Mallika’s passionate delivery breathes life into every emotion, making that track a poignant experience for anyone who has ever felt the sting of betrayal. With a fusion of soul-stirring lyrics and a captivating melody; “You Are a Criminal” stands as a must-listen, promising an emotional rollercoaster that leaves a lasting impression.

“Neem Neem” by Anurag Sinha, Yasser Desai & MFA Records

Presented by Anurag Sinha and MFA Records, “Neem Neem” is a melodious masterpiece that enchants the soul. Sung by the talented Yasser Desai, and featuring the voices of Manmeet Kaur and Jatin Suri, this song is a musical journey that transcends the ordinary. The enchanting melodies of “Neem Neem” promise to send the listeners to a world of soothing tunes and heartfelt emotions. The video, a visual delight, shows us a captivating performance that promises to tug at the heartstrings. “Neem Neem” is a chartbuster in the making, offering an unforgettable musical experience.

“Tu Jo Paas” by Suzon

“Tu Jo Paas” is a light at the end of a dark tunnel. The song expresses deep emotions of joy and reliability in a romantic relationship. The singer finds immense happiness and a positive demeanour when their loved one is close, emphasizing that without them, life feels dull, The recurring desire to maintain this laughter and joy and a plea to never leave, creates a sense of security. The verses beautifully intertwine feelings of love and simplicity, portraying the beloved’s impact on every aspect of the singer’s life. Acknowledging the loved ones’ role in fulfilling aspirations and being the anchor in times of emotional turbulence adds layers of depth to the lyrics.

“Hi” by THE 9TEEN

“Hi” by THE 9TEEN is a soulful and poignant melody, “Hi” captures the essence of connection and strength that emerges from challenging circumstances. “Hi” intricately weaves a narrative of what two individuals experience when physically distant but emotionally close. The song is creative and a breath of fresh air with stunning vocals, and visuals.

“Mann” by The Yellow Diary

“Mann” is a song that is sure to touch your heart. In a heartwarming video, Moses discovers Tarini’s lost diary in a busy metro station. What happens after is a meeting by chance that unfolds as they connect over the diary’s pages, leading to laughter and shared moments. This touching tale shows us how fate, in the form of a lost diary, can unite two strangers and blossom a heartwarming friendship.

These latest music releases offer a rich tapestry of emotions, from heartwarming to heartwrenching. Each song sings a unique story, creating a melodic journey that resonates with listeners on a deeply personal level. Whether you seek the emotional intensity of betrayal, the enchantment of soulful melodies, the resilience found in love, the strength born from distance, or the heartwarming joy of newfound friendship, these songs promise an unforgettable musical experience. So, immerse yourself in the beauty of these compositions, let the melodies carry you away, and savour the profound emotions they evoke.

How often do you open Spotify or YouTube and give up because you just can’t find the right song to match your mood? It’s hard but hey once you find the right one you won’t be able to stop playing it on repeat. We understand your pain and we understand the joy that you experience and hence to make your life a whole lot easier we present to you a playlist that will surely evoke a lot of emotions.

Humne Bhi by The Western Ghats

With a catchy beat with soulful lyrics and melody, this song brings out a lot of emotion. Ranging from happy to nostalgic to a tab bit melancholy, this song is bound to bring a subconscious smile to your face. With vocals that will make any none morning person wake up with a peaceful smile, this song is for days when you just wish to vibe with a song in your room.

Mumkin Nahin by Khanabadosh

The feeling of heartbreak after a breakup is something almost everyone is familiar with. The change in environment and life in general that this particular phase brings is not something small. Some may try to hold onto that past in some way, through friendship or otherwise, but it’s not always possible or clean. Expressing the messy aftermath of a breakup where a couple decides to remain friends but doesn’t succeed in leaving it all behind, this song is a reminder that sometimes life moves on irrespective of whether we are ready or not. And although our past will hold a piece of us, it will only be a piece never the whole. It’s a song for days when you just can’t let go and keep up with the change.

Tootay Unplugged by Ankur Tewari

Another song that deals with the theme of loss and the pain of moving on. A soothing vocal accompanied by heartful lyrics this song will soothe any unrest soul. It’s one of those rare beauties with such great lyrics that they will leave you gasping in awe. The metaphors that each line brings out are absolutely beautiful. It’s a song for days when you are at a loss of words for the loss you’re feeling within.

Jaan Baaki by Shubham Kabra

A song that will make you bawl your eyes out with tears of sadness and love, this is a song that you just can’t stop appreciating. The way the music video switches between past and present help enhance your understanding of the lyrics. Two lovers bound together by one soul, and how lonely one becomes in the absence of another but still trudges forward in life is very beautifully portrayed in the video. Plug into your earphones and let the soothing vocals of Shubham Kabra and the hum-worthy melody of the song take you on a journey of cherishing true love.

Tere saath by Choloman Chhondo

A song to dedicate your special someone, it’s a song that will surely remind them how special you truly are to them. An adorable song with a joyous melody, this song will make you dance in your room with joy and happiness. And if somebody dedicates it to you, you will most likely blush from head to toe with love.

Hope these songs evoke a range of emotions in you as they did in us when we curated this playlist for you.