The algorithm cannot be trusted. Be it Spotify, YouTube or Instagram, all our favourite apps have a hidden agenda; pushing us content that gets paid for the most. And even when money isn't the driving force, all it takes is one like or interaction on a reel about Molchat Doma and suddenly your feed looks like a radio from The Motherland.
Over at YouTube, global pop hits and Bollywood bangers have the smaller artists overshadowed as well. So where then, can one keep track of all the artists from their favourite genres? Right here.
In our monthly playlist, we’re bring you the freshest music from across the country by artists that represent the essence and spirit of the musical zeitgeist. Whether you're a fan of Desi hip-hop, an EDM fanatic, a metalhead, an indie-pop girly, an alt-rocker or a softie who enjoys acoustic ballads, we have something for everyone. We don't pit genres against each other and we don't gatekeep. Our playlist is like an eccentric party and all the weirdos are invited.
Want join in? Follow Homegrown Handpicked below.
Seedhe Maut's latest music video for Raat Ki Rani, is probably one of their best works. The video immerses viewers in the gritty world of their fictional underground call center, 'Seedhe Maut Nigam Limited'. Directed by Manil Kandwal, the video pays homage to Hindi cinema, with vintage Bollywood posters and a striking colour palette to match. The vocals in the song's chorus evokes a retro melody and Seedhe Maut's signature lyrical style powers the rest of the track, while the visual cues transport viewers to a bygone era. The music video's release coincides with the launch of their new EP, Shakti, and their upcoming live concerts in London and India.
From the New York-based artist's latest album, Private Blizzard, the track Speed of Light comes through as a cinematic expression of dealing with heartbreak. The track is catchy and wholesome with harmonies and warm electronic sounds but the lyrics contrast the overall cheery tone. The artist is dealing with a sense of betrayal as his partner have seemed to move on faster that he's imagined. The bittersweet emotion that comes through as a result creates a sublime atmosphere tinged with both resentment and acceptance.
Both Nikhil and Shalmali are celebrated playback singers in Bollywood. They are the voices behind some of the biggest hits from movies like Aisha, Queen, Race 2, & Yeh Jawaani Hai Diwani respectively. But for their latest collaboration, both artists step out of their regular sound with a more acoustic, minimalist ballad. Diving into the universal emotions associated with a first crush, the track captures the excitement and uncertainty that often accompanies a young love. The use of traditional instruments, such as the guitar and harmonica, adds to the song's timeless appeal and the harmonies between the two voices couples with the melodic composition; making for a perfectly balanced soundscape.
Bilingual rapper tricksingh's collaboration with Hasan Raheem is a departure from his upbeat sound into the realm of laid-back R&B and indie pop Hasan is known for. Their track, produced by Eyepatch explores the conflicted emotions one goes through in a heartbreak. On one hand the track is titled, Stay With Me but through the lyrics, the rapper is coming to terms with a betrayal; trying to push his partner away to avoid hurting any more. The collaborative track is touching but is grounded well with a stripped-down catchy beat accompanied by a visualizer that depicts the artist driving, something we're all inclined to do when we're feeling lost.
Yuhina, the vocal-centric electronic artist from Gangtok, has paired up with Bangalore-based electronic artist Space Hydra, known for his gritty sound influenced by dark-wave, industrial and retro-futurism, for a remake of her track, Lego House. For the remake they transform Yuhina's track about constant reinvention and renewal with darker production assisted by a driven beat and dissonant melodies. Lego House (Redux) is also the first single in a series of collaborations between the artists.
An upcoming indie alt rock band from Bangalore, The Sandcats, blend 2000s garage rock, post-punk, and modern pop to create music that offers an exploration of the human condition, set against the backdrop of today’s rapidly evolving societal landscape. Inspired by the iconic indie sounds of The Strokes, The Killers, and Arctic Monkeys, their sound is a dynamic fusion of high-energy riffs and emotive lyrics that tell vivid stories. Their debut single was written by Ritwik in an attempt to better understand himself and was finally released this month after remaining in the vault for a few years.
Subhi wrote her latest track during a time when she and her partner and I were navigating the challenges of a long-distance relationship. "The song captures the essence of the patience and commitment required to sustain love across distances. Long-distance love is never easy, but with faith and perseverance, the wait is truly worth it. I’m thrilled to share this part of my journey with the world," she tells Homegrown. Featuring dancer Eshani Patel in the music video, Intezaar is a power-packed release by the artist.
Mumbai-based Kidshot joins Dehradun-based rapper Kalam Ink for a collaborative dive into their creative journeys. Highlighting their rise rise as self-made artists and shedding light on the harsh realities of street life, the track wasn't planned, yet it sounds like it was meant to be. “The inspiration for ‘Do Shabd’ came from observing how small, seemingly insignificant phrases can have a profound effect on people, and this led me to explore the theme in the song," shares Kalam Ink. Released under Molfa Music, the track was also recorded in a single take.
If you enjoyed reading this, here's more from Homegrown:
Dhee's Latest Single Explores Generational Trauma & Multicultural Identity
4 Rising Homegrown Artists Who Are Fusing Indian Classical Music With Pop & RnB
Dhruv’s New Album, 'Private Blizzard' Is A Sonic Journey Of Heartbreak & Healing