Five Indie Artists Shaping 2025
India’s indie music scene has never been louder, looser, or more alive
There’s something deliciously rogue about India’s indie music scene in 2025. It’s no longer confined to basement gigs in Hauz Khas or beer-soaked Sundays in Pune — it’s sprawling, self-assured, and sonically borderless.
These are artists who’ve chosen to sidestep the formulaic treadmill of Bollywood, diving headfirst into soundscapes that are lush, unclassifiable, and, frankly, too cool to care about genre boxes. Whether it's a brooding jazz odyssey or a Hindi ballad that swerves into psych-rock, the indie universe right now feels like one long, cinematic build-up.
These five names — cult favourites, classic kings, and breakout stars — are not only setting the tone for 2025, they're laying down the blueprint for what India’s music future might just sound like.
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Delhi Indie Project
Delhi Indie Project is celebrating a decade of musical innovation in 2025. Known for their eclectic fusion of indie rock, Indian classical, and Bollywood influences, the band recently opened for Bryan Adams during his India tour, performing to thousands in Gurugram. Their latest release, "Main Teri Yaad (Reprise)," featuring singer-songwriter Srijita Konar, showcases their evolving sound.
Raman Negi
Raman Negi, formerly of The Local Train, has firmly established his solo career with the release of his second album, Chaltey Purzay, in October 2024. This genre-bending record delves into themes of modern life, individuality, and societal norms. Tracks like "Darmiyaani Ungli Chronicles" and "Zeest" reflect his introspective songwriting and willingness to challenge conventional narratives. Negi's authentic storytelling and sonic experimentation make him a standout voice in the indie scene.
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Tejas
Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Tejas Menon has been making waves with his versatile musicality. After contributing to the soundtrack of Netflix's “The Archies," Tejas has been performing at major festivals and venues, solidifying his place in the indie music landscape. His blend of pop, rock, and indie elements creates a sound that's both fresh and familiar.
Peter Cat Recording Co.
New Delhi's Peter Cat Recording Co. achieved global acclaim last year with their album BETA, released in August 2024. The band, known for its fusion of jazz, cabaret, and indie pop, recently completed a 77-stop world tour, "Good Luck Beta '24," covering North America, Europe, and India. Their performances are characterised by theatrical flair and a commitment to musical exploration, solidifying their status as pioneers in the indie music scene.
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F16s
Chennai’s The F16s have long been the darlings of India’s indie rock scene, but in 2025, they’re evolving into something far more expansive. Their latest full-length album builds on the satirical bite of their 2021 EP Is It Time to Eat the Rich Yet?, which dissected wealth inequality with a wink and a synth line. Now, the band is channeling that same irreverent energy into a more textured, genre-fluid sound that draws from post-punk, psychedelia, and even Brazilian Tropicália. Their songwriting—often sparked by frontman Joshua Fernandez’s skeletal ideas—has become increasingly collaborative, with each member contributing to a sonic palette that’s both lush and unpredictable.