This Year In Music: 50 Homegrown Releases That Were On Our Radar In 2024

2024 was such a big year in global pop music. Here's a quick refresh: Nicki Minaj started the year with FTCU that carried us well into March with Billie Eillish's new album. Sabrina Carpenter's Espresso was the song of summer until it was time for Charli XCX's Brat girl summer. Chappell Roan broke through as a new dawn for the queer community. Drake and Kendrick had a whole thing going on until it ended badly (for one of them). India's dream band Coldplay finally came here, causing havoc with a ticketing fiasco. Linkin Park made a comeback with a new vocalist. Lady Gaga returned to her dark pop roots with Disease and then Kendrick dropped a whole suprise album. Phew!

So far we were used to just sitting by our screens watching one artist/ music event trend after another but this year changed everything. Hanumankind blew up internationally and became the biggest single to ever come out of India with 'Big Dawgs'. For a little while we were part of the fast current of global music scene and it felt amazing. But while we were entranced by these viral sounds on our reels, we had a whole plethora of local artists cooking right here at home. In case you missed it, we've curated the ultimate playlist of Homegrown music from 2024 to wrap up the year. Check it out below:

The biggest track to come out of India this year, Hanumankind's Big Dawgs, produced by Kalmi gathered a whopping 180 million views on YouTube. The music video of the track, directed by the artist's frequent collaborator Bijoy Shetty, blew people's minds with it's gravity-defying stunts in a Wall Of Death. The track also got an ASAP Rocky remix recently, a first for an Indian artist.

Experimenting on machines and sounds alongside his producer Scuti is something Prabh Deep is quite fond of. From the DSP mixtape, Wajood emerged from one such jam sessions after Scuti got his hands on some new gear. The track explored themes of personal preference and self-discovery, extending the narrative from the rapper's previous album Tabia.

Midnight Agenda's EP, Gothwave Bounce Vol 1., reflected societal misfortunes and the need for self-solicitation, through satirical and emo-influenced lyrics. From the EP, the artist blended his signature synthwave sound on this punchy new track through both production and vocals, evoking the alternative underbelly of the 80s.

Known for their folk metal sound, Bloodywood paid a nu-metal homage to their home city in a high-octane track encapsulating Delhi's extremes. Released alongside an absolutely face-melting music video, videographer Kushagra Nautiyal along with guitarist-producer Karan Katiyar captured Delhi’s popular markets and iconic landmarks with cameos from local music heroes.

Dokodoko and Dreamhour created a 6-track EP that they described as "...music born out of confusion, chaos, and occasional clarity." Channeling the sweet melancholia that makes our lives more romantic and gives it depth & meaning, Cruel World tapped into the gothic, darkwave tendencies we've all been leaning towards with artists like Molchat Doma & Crystal Castles lately.

The song’s gritty, desi-infused boom-bap beat underscored Yelhomie and Moko Koza's verses, rooted in authenticity and a deep sense of identity. Produced by Yugi from Mizoram and engineered by sKar of Naava records, the track came straight from the Northeastern hip-hop music scene diving into the turmoil in Manipur and its effect on its youth.

Deepika became a third culture anthem reflecting the homesickness that arises from growing up bicultural. In the track, six-year-old KOAD captivated by Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, asks his mother to take him to India. This playful premise of a crush dove into the longing for a cultural connection and the idea of homeland.

In June, Mumbai-based artist Pritpal Sudan AKA Sudan released his anticipated eponymous album featuring a series of warm organic electronica tracks. The opening track omg encapsulated the sound of the whole album as the artist let his creativity take charge and moulded his expression through an electronic sound, without following the templates of existing subgenres, giving birth to an opus that's truly his own.

Revant brought us Moss, a haunting experimental electronic EP born from the ashes of personal turmoil. After losing his home earlier this year, the Mumbai-based producer channelled his experiences into a raw and introspective soundscape delving into themes of displacement and identity; of not belonging anywhere. The EP explored a new sound that drew on a variety of influences including shoegaze, noise, techno, hip-hop and ambient music.

Bangalore-based producer Father, Son & Alcohol, known for his glitch-hop and funky sound dropped his latest EP, Paranoid. The album was a masterclass in intricate microhouse, where the artist weaved together otherworldly textures and rhythms into a surprisingly upbeat production. Drawing inspiration from IDM, the EP defied expectations by blending complex soundscapes with buoyant energy.

From the New York-based artist's latest album, Private Blizzard, the track Speed of Light came through as a cinematic expression of dealing with heartbreak. The track was catchy and wholesome with harmonies and warm electronic sounds but with lyrics that contrast the overall cheery tone. Dealing with a sense of betrayal as the artist's partner seemed to move on faster that he's imagined, the track created a sublime atmosphere tinged with both resentment and acceptance.

Bilingual rapper tricksingh's collaboration with Hasan Raheem was a departure from his upbeat sound and the realm of laid-back R&B and indie pop Hasan is known for. Their track, produced by Eyepatch explored the conflicted emotions one goes through in a heartbreak. The collaborative track was touching but grounded well, with a stripped-down catchy beat accompanied by a visualizer of a long drive — something we're all inclined to do when we're feeling lost.

An up-and-coming indie alt rock band from Bangalore, The Sandcats, merged 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 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.

Seedhe Maut's music video for Raat Ki Rani was probably one of their best works. The video immersed viewers in the gritty world of their fictional underground call center, 'Seedhe Maut Nigam Limited'. Directed by Manil Kandwal, the video paid homage to Hindi cinema, with vintage Bollywood posters and a striking colour palette to match. The vocals in the song's chorus evoked a retro melody and Seedhe Maut's signature lyrical style powered the rest of the track, while the visual cues transported viewers to a bygone era.

Yuhina, the vocal-centric electronic artist from Gangtok, paired up with Bangalore-based electronic artist Space Hydra, known for his gritty sound influenced by dark-wave, industrial and retro-futurism. They remixed Yuhina's track, Lego House with some darker production that's buoyed by a driven beat and dissonant melodies.

The Bug, from New Delhi-based band Green Park's album Newly Aged encapsulated a lifetime of honed musicality and artistry, blending alternative, indie pop, jazz, bossa nova and indie rock jazz into a mesmerizing psychedelic dream.

From a massive and impressive album called Rehab, Space Boy was a poignant organic house track by the visual artist, designer, electronic musician and dancer Naman who 'wonders about the origin of the universe' and from what I hear, translates his findings into his tracks.

From what in my opinion is one of the best albums in Indian hip-hop history, Baahar by Kinari gave us a glimpse of the unapologetic declaration of self that need not be the gorgeous, screamed, cold, and hauntingly menacing sound that the entire album consists of.

Ankit's deep baritone vocals blended perfectly with Harul's somber guitar passages in this track from their meditative album, An Eldritch Odyssey. Transposing the sensibilities of doom and black metal to the acoustic realm, their trance-like sound was a gift for the fans of post-industrial, gothic/ darkwave music and even for lovers of doom and black metal.

Melythm, an instrumental rock band from India gave us a progressive, guitar-driven composition incorporating elements from post-rock, alt-rock, and art-rock genres. Influenced by a diverse range of artists like Chon, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Guthrie Govan, and Nate Smith, Dusky reflected their experimental and thematic approach to instrumental music.

Frogrock was an experimental art pop track, serving as a cute queer coming-out story about a frog perched on a rock. This magical song came from Shoumik Biswas who goes by Disco Puppet and who is also part of the Bangalore-based collective, Consolidate.

Saiyan by Janaka Selekta and Tritha combined traditional Indian vocals with a contemporary DnB twist, showcasing Tritha's versatile and emotionally captivating singing style alongside Janaka Selekta's powerful jungle and drum & bass sound.

Deeda by Delhi-based producer Shantam Khanna was the first release from his EP, Out The House. Blending UK breakbeat, garage, and house music, the album navigated different moods, tempos, and textures.

DJANNA by Sampriti, Irfana Hameed, and Kikomba was a rare fusion of Amapiano, a global dance music phenomenon, and Assamese lyrics; offering a unique blend of deep house, lounge music, and Kwaito.

Singapore-based rapper Yung Raja is known for his bilingual music that tastefully merges Western and Southeast Asian influences. On High Fashion, a nod to his personal style, the artist merged classical Indian string elements with heavy 808s and trap beats, showcasing his signature flow in both Tamil and English.

Kiss Nuka delivered a hard-hitting single, WOMEN OF RESISTANCE - CONGO, from her EP, Witches Brew, hoping to raise awareness of the ongoing struggle in the region. This was part of a series used to amplify the stories of women's struggles and their resistance. All money raised from the series was donated to organizations that are working within the affected regions.

Singularities was a four-track drum and bass EP that brought together lush atmospheres and invigorating rhythms by the Bangalore-based producer/DJ known for his fusion of halftime, glitch hop and downtempo. Dew Drops captured the essence of liquid drum & bass with its fluid, melodic tones while also delivering punchy, danceable beats that maintain their energetic appeal throughout.

“I realised that while I had come a long way and achieved a lot, I had lost a part of myself along the way. The instinct to survive and fit in had overshadowed my true self," shares Delhi-based producer/DJ Jai Pei. This realisation sparked the creation of PANELIA, a project focused on authenticity and creative self-expression. Obey The Machine was the first single from the project's debut album, featuring electronica, break, and jungle, with textured soundscapes, leftfield rhythms, and cinematic flourishes.

Pune-based Ren's debut EP, The Fear Of Falling In Love / The Fear Of Falling Apart came with a sound that lies somewhere between alt-rock, pop-punk, and hyper-pop. The EP captured the emotional weight of losing a piece of your heart. next december, the EP’s pop-punk opening track, paid homage to the sound sculpted by bands like Jimmy Eat World, Fallout Boy, and Neck Deep and echoed an almost hopeful yearning for permanence.

New Delhi-based electronica producer and singer Alboe found inspiration for his album, Enroute 24, in something that actor Shah Rukh Khan said about his stardom. The nine-track album centred around a fictional story of hyper fame and featured instruments like the tabla, harmonium, and santoor combined with house music. Imarat in particular, recreated an Indian version of Leonard Cohen's Nevermind, combining it with a Kabir Doha (two-liner poems).

I Remember cut deep into the historical and ongoing struggles faced by the Bahujan community, with caste oppression being a specific focus. Heavily influenced by grunge and the gritty, disillusioned emotional sound of 90s rock as a whole, a sense of urgency and rebellion came through in every beat and riff. It was as much a call to action as it was a history lesson, demanding listeners to question the so-called 'protectors' who’ve repeatedly betrayed the communities they’re meant to serve.

Four Tet and Skrillex teamed up with UK garage mainstay Champion and versatile vocalist Naisha for Talk To Me, a track that had been teased in both Skrillex and Four Tet’s DJ sets for a while. In 2023, the trio reconnected and transformed Flipside into Talk to Me with the Hindi verses by Naisha. The minimal textures sound with IDM influences and a garage bassline made it a Disclosure-like dance floor anthem.

This ethereal track pulled us in with soft piano chords, Indian classical vocalisations, and the iconic movie star Rekha’s reflections on her growth into the woman she is today. As the beat kicked in, Akshara took us on a lyrical and sonic journey, emerging as the magnetic character she told Homegrown she's looked up to all her life.

Won’t Break For You subverted the Apsara archetype by presenting the Apsara not as an object of someone else’s desire, but as someone who desires and wants to be desired on her own terms. This was a song about a woman letting go of her pursuit for perfection and taking control of her life.

Surf Club had all the makings of a quintessential summer anthem. Its cha-cha-like beat evoked a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the groove in Drake’s Hotline Bling. Powered by eejebee’s rhythmic pulse and FKJ’s smooth synths, Paloma’s vocals glided seamlessly across the track, adding an easy, breezy vibe that perfectly captured the essence of tropical relaxation.

I Wear My Roots Like a Medal straddled Dhee's two worlds as a diaspora kid, allowing her to embrace a pop sound catered towards a global audience while honouring her background. As she sang in English, her rich alto voice dripped like honey over a Tamil Folk beat, intermixing the cultures that compose her identity.

On Urban Junglist, from Many Roots Ensemble's album Echoes Of Origins, we were taken into an almost menacing landscape. It was a moody and atmospheric piece that blended elements of jazz and hip-hop. The interplay between the saxophone and the rhythmic section created a dark and mysterious cocoon, inviting listeners into a world of shadows and intrigue.

Bappi Lahiri, one of the first tracks to come out from Pataka Boys' debut album, Thugs From Amritsar took its name from the famous Bollywood musician and featured a content-rich guest verse from M.O.N.G.O, a British-Bengali rapper from the cult UK crew Mud Fam.

The title track of Inspector Maal's album, Namaste, truly encapsulated the album's essence. A mesmerizing blend of acid-infused chill garage and ethereal chimes, it was a sonic meditation on the self and the universe. Here, the artist invited us into the depths of his consciousness, a realm where boundaries dissolve.

Beqarari was a track addressing the terrifying trappings of sex work and the emotional toll it takes on those engaged in it. It was based on the popular ghazal, Beqarari Si Beqarari Hai by Pakistani poet Jaun Elia, who is considered one of the masters of capturing the melancholy of the self.

A culmination of years working on their 'new fusion' sound with various musicians in India, Pluto Monkey's EP Ethnic Transmissions aimed to establish itself in the Indo-fusion scene, offering a unique blend of bold elements and ambient soundscapes rooted in the Eastern hemisphere.

On the title track of Yash Sahai's latest EP, the artist gave voice to the feeling of travelling without destination but in a hyper self-aware, 'too-smart-for-my-own-good' kind of way. For me, Laailaaj was a certified 'loner at a house party' anthem that you listen to after one too many drinks.

Tambdi Chamdi by Kratex and Shreyas was probably the only Marathi track to have come out of electronic dance titan Spinning Records. Earlier this year, it also became one of the biggest tracks in the country, spreading all over social media, festivals, and clubs, which eventually led to this Fisher-esque, big room remix by KSHMR.

Spryk built his EP, Afterglow, around the idea, 'what if robots could dream?' and manoeuvred between electronica, dubstep, and high-energy club sounds, marrying experimental textures with a dancefloor-ready intensity to capture it. On Enigma, he showed us his knack for surprise and sophisticated layers with broken rhythms and atmospheric sweeps.

From their recent album, In Search Of Something, KillZen brought a modern, experimental approach to retro-inspired samples and drums on Lovespell that came straight out of the 80s with its new-wave romanticism.

Straight from a coming-of-age movie about a misunderstood young adult, Fuzzy World by KIMKID gave us a mix of the existentialism of grunge, the angst of punk, and the high-spirited whimsy of freshly entering adulthood that often borders on psychotic. It made the confusion of not knowing what to do with your life sounds like a party that's very mad-hatter coded.

In a hypnotic swirl of nostalgia and euphoria, the opening track of SYEYL's EP Temporal Drift captured the heady rush of falling in love for the first time. A sitar loop sampled from a 1950s Indian record formed the track’s spine, layered with lush synthesizer chords and a haunting vocal sample scavenged from YouTube.

Experimenting with Hoomans was born out of an a cappella draft of Eternal Ramblings with his bandmates. From a process akin to a mad scientist's laboratory, with cables, mics, and caffeinated beverages strewn across the studio, came a sci-fi rock track pushed the boundaries of sound; challenging the nature of the auditory experience.

The inimitable Glass Beams' Mahal presented a psychedelic funk odyssey with Middle Eastern undertones. It was a genre-defying masterpiece that weaved together elements of neo-psychedelia, indie-jazz, instrumental funk, Australian reggae fusion, and alternative rock.

Raveena's Pluto came from a period of introspection. It is a beautiful piece of alt-soul that floats in zero gravity, showcasing her jazz influences as well as the sheer versatility of her dulcet vocals.

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