What exactly is ‘Indie Music’ as in independent music from India? Though the term indie rock/music is generally used to define alternative music in the West, the explosion of non- Bollywood Indian music by our very own artists across categories has raised the need to re-define the term ‘indie’ at least in the desi music’s context.
Radioandmusic.com cornered singer-frontman and founder of Mihir Joshi Band, who is also an RJ to unravel the mystery of indie rock/music/sound… whatever.
Excerpts:
How relevant is the term indie when most artists seem to wait for a chance to join the Bollywood bandwagon?
I think they are two different categories of artists. There are some indie artists who totally want to be that way. Truly indie- true to the meaning of the word and the genre. And there are those who are “independent” artists viz. not yet affiliated to Bollywood but who would love to be in it.
I guess there’s a third breed too now. Bands/artists who have a good indie music following and who are also into Bollywood. But the point I’m making is; there’s a difference between an indie artist and an independent artist, at least the way I see it.
Can indie rock-- or for that matter-indie music in India sustain itself viz. Do bands/artists get paid-enough to earn a living?
I think a lot of Indie artists have now come to a point where they want to give it their all. They want to work hard to sustain their music and support their lives. It’s not easy but it’s getting there.
Of course, a lot of indie artists also have day/steady jobs and play music on the side, but a lot of indie artists are not full time into music and I think it’s possible only because their music and gigs are keeping them afloat.
What can indie music offer to audiences/listeners- what is its USP?
That’s just it. In India “Indie” music is everything from rock to alternative to blues to anything that’s not Bollywood. So the generic USP is just this. It’s not Bollywood, which is the best part of this music. I think there’s an indie band or some form of what’s called “indie” music in India that can satisfy all kinds of audiences. The indie music explosion is just happening and people are beginning to really get into it.
How can indie music expand its listener base without catering to the lowest common denominator?
The only way is to reach out to more people. Nowadays, there’s YouTube, various internet radio sites, press, sites like ‘NH7.in’ and ‘whatsthescene’. I think bands are managing to get the word out to enough people through these mediums and people who are net savvy and wanting to explore are checking new things out.
Can we expect a breakthrough song/album that cuts across territories and audiences from indie acts- in the near future?
Yes.
Anything you'd like to add.
I’m looking forward to getting my album out there using all the ideas I mentioned. Our first video is (already) out on YouTube and it’s already had a fair amount of response and the feedback - mostly very positive. I’m looking forward to gigging a lot more with the band with our music in the days to come.