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The Weeknd just returned to the Grammys after a 3-year boycott. In 2021 the artist called out the secret committees of the recording academy for not being diverse enough. He refused to submit his music to the academy until they changed. And this year they did. CEO Harvey Mason Jr. himself came out to announce that they added 3000 women members to the committee and that 40% of the 13000 voters we're people of colour. The announcement was followed by The Weeknd who performed one of the tracks from his latest album.
This was the first time in a long time that I personally wasn't too disappointed by the Grammys. And most of it can be credited to this new voting committee. Change doesn’t just happen on its own; it takes people willing to call out the system, push back, and ruffle some feathers for systems to course-correct, and music is no different. The way we consume music is still dictated by gatekeepers — whether it’s awards committees or algorithms. Popular artists dominate the space, and the industry plays it safe, feeding us the same mainstream sounds while independent, experimental, and underground artists barely get a fraction of the spotlight.
I see this firsthand when curating our monthly playlist. YouTube’s algorithm pushes tracks with millions of views, making it harder to discover fresh, underrepresented voices. But that’s why we do what we do —because representation matters. Music is, first and foremost about the diversity of sound, perspective, and culture. The industry may be slow to change, but that won’t stop us from digging deeper to find artists who deserve to be heard.
This year we're bringing some of the freshest voices from across the country and the world to the Homegrown Festival 2025. Go through our handpicked playlist and get aquainted with a line-up that's unlike anything you've ever heard before.
'People Never Change' throws together sounds, eras, and cultures to craft something entirely fresh. It’s like stepping into a time machine where the future is told through a retro lens, where indie, bossa nova, jazz, and psychedelia are all mashed up into a dreamy, alternate reality. '21c', for example, feels like a futuristic ballroom with shimmering synths and warped basslines transporting you to a dance floor decades ahead of its time.
Prabh Deep’s lead track from his EP, 'The KING Returns' is an anthem of self-worth and dominance that leaves no room for doubt. It’s a flex, a statement, and a deep dive into his journey, with reflections on past struggles as well as future ambitions. The music video, created with John Jacobs, brings this resilience to life with striking visuals and paints the artist as one in a league of his own.
In 'Identity Theft' from Yashraj's latest EP, 'Ladke Convict', the Mumbai-based rapper collaborates with fellow artists Hanumankind, Chaar Diwaari, and Manïn to deliver a high-energy and satirical take on the theme of identity theft in the music industry. This adrenaline-fueled rage track doesn't hold back in its production, delivery, or lyrics.
With Western electronic textures and ancestral rhythms, Meghalayan rapper Reble draws deeply from her Jaintia and Khasi heritage, weaving particularly evocative verses. Her lyrics paint a picture of intellectual evolution and paying homage to the rich history of her tribe while acknowledging the complexities of our collective past.
Aksomaniac and Adil's new pop song, 'Nazar' featuring Mayank and Aman is a groundbreaking fusion of Malayalam R&B and desi hip-hop. This audacious blend results in a captivating love song that transcends language barriers. Aksomaniac's introspective Malayalam verse, filled with longing and poetic imagery, is the perfect counterpoint to Adil's confident and rhythmic hip-hop delivery.
The track kicks off Tom VR’s album, 'Please Keep Shimmering', with a deep, introspective energy, capturing the push and pull between isolation and optimism. Crafted during his time in a monotonous customer service job and shaped by the eerie stillness of the lockdown, the track is a haunting mix of intricate rhythms and lush synths. It channels the nostalgia of euphoric club nights but is grounded in a more reflective, somber reality.
Sickflip’s production on 'Roshni' was the perfect sonic backdrop for storytelling — moody, immersive, and rich with emotion. His organic approach elevated Ritviz’s classical-tinged melodies, creating an intimate and expansive soundscape. The track’s atmospheric depth mirrored the video’s themes of isolation, nostalgia, and emotional duality. With Seedhe Maut shifting gears into a softer, more introspective mode, Sickflip’s music tied everything together, amplifying the tenderness of the narrative.
Farhan Rehman's new track with Dynamite Disco Club delivers a groovy, funk-infused rhythm. 'Not a L.u.v Thang', is driven by an irresistible bassline and soulful chopped vocals. A smooth, vibey saxophone weaves in a jazzy flair, making it a perfect pick for fans of disco, house, and soul-inspired beats. This one is a sure-shot banger for your party playlist.
Rae’s new single brutally honest take on vanity and the shallow standards we live with, all wrapped in his signature wit. Inspired by a questionable hookup and looking up 'world’s ugliest colour', the track doesn’t try to be deep — it just tells it like it is. The music video, directed by Rae himself, is a surreal ride through a wasteland of excess and self-indulgence, featuring him as a bald, syringe-headed treasure hunter.
The Mumbai-based singer-songwriter rose to fame with his breakout hit, 'Nadaaniyan', that took over indie charts and hearts and the entirety of Instagram in India, delivering a sound that’s equal parts catchy and heartfelt. "This song comes from a very innocent place and is inspired by the day-to-day nuances of a young romantic relationship," Akshath shares.
Brand Labs - Our partners and collaborators will be hosting a series of brand labs and activations over the course of the Homegrown Festival 2025. You can expect to see a whole host of exciting pop-ups from Black & White, Adidas Vibes, Tata Motors, Royal Enfield Royal Enfiled, Stone X, New Era, Fila, Heineken, and AIX.
