At this point in time, the independent music scene in Delhi can only be described as burgeoning; with oodles of promise and plenty of ear-porn for us, the audience members. The expansion of genres has been immense, and there have been many a new name{s} on the scene. We’ve picked out the ones you should definitely go watch/listen to/ patronize.
10 Delhi Based Musicians To Catch Live Now
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RUN! It’s the Kid
Dynamic melodies, front man Shantanu Pandit’s soulful voice, and a flair for words, RUN! It’s the Kid is an indie folk act that’s been around since 2013, and comprises Dhruv Bhola, Bhairav Gupta, Shantanu Pandit and Danik Ghosh. Best listened to in an intimate space that’ll allow you to zone into nothing but the music, their songs are satirical takes on the lives and lies of people in the 21st century. We guarantee you won’t be able to get their earnest, albeit buoyant tunes out of your head.
Listen to them, here.
Keep up with them here.
Basanti Aur Woah
A relatively new player on the scene, Basanti Aur Woah is breaking all racial, religious and time barriers. The duo draws inspiration from poets and singers from all verticals of time {Ghalib, Rumi and Shubha Mudgal, to name a few} and amalgamates groovy, electronic rhythmic beats with traditional folk riffs, on a bed of Indian and Middle-Eastern melodies. It’s fresh, it’s worth getting on your feet for, and it comprises of Mahima Dayal and Azhar Anwar – Basanti and {aur} Woah respectively. They both come from different musical backgrounds, but come together seamlessly.
Listen to them, here.
Keep up with them here.
Begum
A three piece band, their sound is best described as experimental dream-pop. They also refer to their music as 11th century seduction sounds, while some refer to it as ‘post-modern’. We say, just listen to them, lose yourself in the swirls of your own imagination and draw your own conclusions. The band comprises Kshitij Dhyani, Karan Singh and Kartik Pillai. Hard to define, easy and almost dream-like listening.
Listen to them, here.
Keep up with them here.
N*Hilate
Nisheeth Rao explores a new soundscape with his brand of ‘ghetto funk’ which combines nu-disco and traces of UK garage with pure, unadulterated house music. His forte is groove-worthy rhythm, with a no holds barred policy when it comes to style and genre. He’s grown popular and fast because of his versatility, and his ease when it comes to providing to the crowd with exactly what they want. We promise you won’t be able to resist moving to it.
Listen to him, here.
Keep up with him here.
Shadow And Light
With this duo, be prepared for them feels. They don’t limit themselves by genre, but each track focuses on a particular emotion {or a few} that translates effortlessly. The lyrics, melodies and the intricacy of the arrangement will draw you in and subtly place you right in the mood they want you to be in. There is depth and passion in abundance, with vibes that’ll leave you feeling almost like you just had a spiritual epiphany. That’s the power of music right there, folks. Pavithra Chari and Anindo Bose make up Shadow and Light.
Listen to them, here.
Keep up with them, here.
Curtain Blue
Here is an alternative electronic act, a pioneer of sorts in his own right. Abhishek Bhatia, the man behind the music, who’s been a vocalist with Delhi-based band The Circus {7 years now} displays exemplary skill in a variety of bass beats and tonal distortions to produce a sound that goes beyond your run-of-the-mill dance music. There is a focus on lyrics, the quality of which- in their content and delivery, is practically haunting. His prowess as a vocalist is already well established, but what he does with Curtain Blue is to pave a new path for himself as a producer; we strongly recommend watching him live. Mesmerizing is the first word that comes to mind.
Listen to him, here.
Keep up with him here.
RIVER
There is a spine-tingling effect that a well-orchestrated set of harmonies has, and as we see it that’s what RIVER has mastered. Comprising of Abhilasha Sinha, Tarana Marwah and Kamakshi Khanna, who were brought together by their shared love for song that is deeply focused on layered melodies. Three voices, singing in unison, achieving a powerhouse of sound. Their simplicity helps you to focus on just the music, and you will be blown away.
Listen to them, here.
Keep up with them here.
The Yellow Bucket
In an age where complex compositions are on the rise, Ritwik De and Subhadra Kamath are going back to basics. Stripping down songs to nothing but raw acoustic melodies, accompanied by both their voices, their sound reminds you of a languid summer day, the kind which brings back a sea of memories. It lingers with you, and helps you appreciate the simplicity of life, love and music.
Listen to them, here.
Keep up with them here.
Peter Cat Recording Company
For smooth, fluid sound that combines the feel of cabaret, and elements of waltz, make PCRC your go-to. One listen to their music, and you’re transported to a dimly-lit {albeit classy} smoke-filled room, with the image of fancily dressed people, and an undercurrent of mystery in the air. There is no doubt about their power to tell stories that feed the mind, and the soul. Peter Cat Recording Company comprises of Suryakant, Rohan, Kartik and Karan. For an experience that resonates with all your faculties, we recommend you watch them live.
Listen to them, here.
Keep up with them here.
Nigambodh
Delhi has loyal fans, nay, fanatics within the metal scene. It is a genre that has dominated for years; there was a time there was not much else to find when it came to independent musicians. Nigambodh has taken the best of that concept, and in their own take of things gone down the Hindi lyric route, as opposed to the stereotypical English medium. It’s a juxtaposition between classic Hindi literature and the scenarios of modern day, portrayed in a style that Delhi has and always will love.
Listen to them, here.
Keep up with them here.