What makes Indie folk music, you may ask? It doesn’t only cover traditional folk music with modern instruments but also has production techniques that make it audience friendly and pleasing. If we have a look at the eastern world in recent years, this genre has grown significantly in popularity throughout South Asia. It has given budding artists a platform to demonstrate their skills and reach a larger audience. All along, they even rejuvenate and maintain regional folk traditions. Let us have a look at the growth of indie folk music in South Asia and throw a spotlight on some of the region’s indie-folk faces.
How did it rise?
Indie folk music in South Asia stems from a complex tapestry of traditional music passed down through centuries. You won’t believe how this genre manages to draw on a wide range of regional influences. You can find traces of Sufi, Baul, and Qawwali traditions. You can hear Sarangi, flute, guitar, sitar, piano and violin together. Nonetheless, indie folk did not emerge as a unique genre in the region until the early 2000s.
Whom can we thank?
Two Pakistani stars
Arieb Azhar, a Pakistani musician, was a prominent pioneer of indie folk music in South Asia. The man is so versatile that he has left no genre to derive inspiration. However, his music drew on traditional Sufi and Qawwali traditions while including rock, blues, and jazz elements. Azhar’s songs were highly individual yet politically heated, covering corruption, injustice, sectarianism and whatnot. Don’t worry, the music is still extremely enjoyable! If you look at his album, “Wajj,” the way it became a critical and financial success made me believe in the public’s taste. During a time when the genre was an outcast, this album solidified his position as one of the region’s most prominent talents.
As South Asian indie folk music continued to grow, new musicians rose from all corners. Ali Sethi, a Pakistani singer, is one such artist. His music relies on the traditional ghazal heritage with massive use of indie folk elements and few hints of pop. It is shocking how his singles go from being heart-wrenching to throwing disco beats. Black magic much?
An Indian Kohinoor
Another significant character of the indie folk world is Raghu Dixit, an Indian musician. His music is a movement. His music is a personality. The way he relies on Kannada folk traditions while also incorporating rock and pop influences is heart-warming. Dixit’s performances are larger than life and aren’t that a sure-shot trick of captivation? The guy is a full package of musical talent, performance skills and industry knowledge. Naturally, it made him a prominent figure in the Indian and international festival scenes. His album, “Jag Changa,” was a huge success, and he has then collaborated with a range of regional musicians broader than the Amazon.
A legendary Nepalese band
There’s this band called Nepathya from Nepal. Are they the pioneer of indie folk music in Nepal? Yes. Do they wildly hypnotize the masses that they gather? An even bigger and louder Yes. Nepathya was formed in 1990 and has been a major presence in the Nepali music industry for nearly three decades. A b and’s distinct style? Check. A blend of traditional folk with rock and reggae? Check. Earned millions of followers worldwide? Check. Thanks to them, Nepalese indie folk music has grown in popularity, both locally and abroad. Many bands even appeared at international music festivals such as South by Southwest in the United States and the Rainforest World Music Festival in Malaysia.
In a nutshell
Indie folk music is an important and lively component of the South Asian music landscape. The genre has given budding performers a chance to connect to their heritage and display their musical abilities. Best part? Artists are getting popular and some old folk traditions are also being preserved. It is a win-win. The genre is in a dynamic period right now, and it’ll continue to grow and win hearts in the years to come. Don’t forget to check out the new musicians that are constantly breaking into the scene!
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