Walk into a Gen Z playlist today, and you will notice something striking: Bollywood no longer dominates the space it once did. Instead, indie artists and underground musicians are climbing charts, filling venues, and building fan bases that rival mainstream pop stars. From Coke Studio Bharat’s viral collaborations to intimate jam sessions in cafés, a new wave of Indian indie music is thriving, and Gen Z is at the heart of it.
For years, Indian independent music lived in the shadows of Bollywood’s big-budget soundtracks. But the tide is turning. Platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Instagram Reels have democratized discovery, giving young artists a stage without gatekeepers. Names like Prateek Kuhad, OAFF, When Chai Met Toast, and Seedhe Maut have become household favorites for Gen Z listeners, who crave authenticity over formula-driven film tracks. Their songs are raw, personal, and deeply relatable, mirroring the emotions and realities of a generation seeking honesty in art.
The live music scene tells a similar story. Indie gigs and underground festivals have multiplied across cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. Crowds of young fans pack into small venues, not just to hear music but to feel connected to a culture that values individuality and freedom of expression. Unlike traditional concerts, these gigs often feel like community gatherings, where listeners discover new sounds and artists build grassroots followings that eventually spill into the mainstream.
Coke Studio Bharat has also played a defining role by blending folk traditions with modern beats, giving indie musicians the visibility they once lacked. Songs born from regional roots are now topping national charts, proving that Gen Z is not just embracing indie but also celebrating cultural diversity through music. This fusion reflects the global-local mindset of India’s youth: rooted in tradition but open to experimentation.
What makes this revival even more powerful is its inclusivity. Indie is no longer confined to English lyrics or metro cities. Regional languages, rap, lo-fi, and experimental genres are gaining recognition, allowing young listeners to hear their identities represented in music. The indie movement has become a mirror of Gen Z’s values: authenticity, diversity, and self-expression.
As the sound of India evolves, it is clear that Gen Z is not just consuming music, they are shaping it. By championing independent voices, they are redefining what popular music in India looks like. The revival of indie is more than a trend. It is a cultural shift that reflects a generation unwilling to settle for noise when they can have art!
