For the music fandom, Seattle’s KEXP has been a cultural institution. Born as 'KCMU' in 1972 from the University of Washington’s humble student-run setup, it has since transformed into a sonic lighthouse, guiding listeners toward groundbreaking music from every corner of the world. It was one of the first platforms to amplify grunge in the late '80s, giving a boost to bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden before they became household names. Through the decades, KEXP has retained its reputation as a tastemaker, championing artists across genres and geographies. And now, in a historic moment for Indian independent music, Peter Cat Recording Co. (PCRC) has become the first band from India to grace its coveted stage.

Peter Cat Recording Co. is no stranger to carving its own path. Since forming in Delhi in 2009, they have built a reputation as one of the most boundary-defying bands to emerge from India’s indie scene. With a sound that swings between cabaret, jazz, psychedelic rock, and disco, PCRC is a band impossible to box into a single genre.

Fronted by the enigmatic Suryakant Sawhney, with Karan Singh (drums), Dhruv Bhola (bass, samples), Rohit Gupta (keys, trumpet), and Kartik Sundareshan Pillai (keyboards, guitar, electronics, and trumpet) completing the lineup, the band has spent the last 15 years evolving. From their early days playing intimate DIY gigs in Delhi to commanding international festival stages, their ascent has been steady and well-earned.

Their music, often described as the sound of 'a radio station from the near future or a vinyl from the distant past', has reached an audience far beyond their home turf. This global reach was cemented during the pandemic when streaming algorithms sent them straight into new ears across North America and Europe, leading to their biggest international tour yet. Their 2024 album, BETA further solidified their place in the global indie landscape.

On October 15, 2024, PCRC walked into KEXP’s studio, a space that has hosted legends and rising stars alike, to record a session with Larry Meiselle Jr. The line-up of songs included 'Flowers R. Blooming', 'Floated By', 'Foolmuse' & 'Black and White'. When the performance finally premiered on March 4, 2025, it marked a watershed moment not just for the band but for India’s entire independent music scene.

For an artist, performing at KEXP is a stamp of legitimacy in the global indie music ecosystem. It’s where cult favorites are born; where boundary-pushing musicians find their audience. And for an Indian band, breaking through on this revered platform is monumental. It signals that Indian alternative music isn’t just a niche curiosity; it’s a force worthy of standing alongside the best from around the world.

Unlike many indie bands that fade before their prime, PCRC has mastered the art of endurance. Their ability to consistently evolve, whether through new sonic experiments or via measured and strategic touring, has set them apart. They’ve built an ecosystem around their music — relying not just on streams and gigs but on thriving merchandise collections and creative brand collaborations that keeps them financially independent.

PCRC’s KEXP session opens doors for an entire generation of Indian musicians. Historically, Western music media has paid little attention to indie acts from India, specifically english-language ones. But as PCRC has proven, there’s an audience beyond borders for India’s homegrown sounds.

Their success also signals a shift. Indian artists are finally entering the global consciousness. Social media and streaming platforms have already bridged the gap, as seen with Hanumankind’s viral track that led to an A$AP Rocky feature. In this era of a globalized music landscape, homegrown artists that break through are no longer outliers but key players. We’re likely to see more bands taking the KEXP stage, more indie acts landing festival slots at Primavera or Coachella, more cross-cultural collaborations, and more Indian music becoming a fixture in global culture; not as a novelty, but as a fundemental mainstay.

Follow Peter Cat Recording Co. here and watch their KEXP performance at the top of the page.

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