Some songs pull you in with quiet honesty. Others arrive with a burst of energy, demanding your attention. This roundup has a bit of both. It brings together songs that reflect a range of moods offering a glimpse into the artist/band’s world. Whether you’re in the mood to feel deeply or just stumble onto something unexpected, this list is a small window into the rich, ever-surprising world of independent music.
1. Kanne/En Kadhaa- Sri Sriram
Sid Sriram returns with Kanne/En Kadhaa, a melodically rich non-film romantic ballad released in both Tamil and Telugu. Dropping just weeks after his devotional single Sivanar, this track explores the vulnerability and transformative intensity of love. Composed, produced, and sung by Sid himself, with lyrics by Vivek and Kittu Vissapragada, it’s a blend of traditional roots with contemporary sound. True to Sid’s signature style, it’s emotion that drives the heart of the song.
2. Who Will Stand Beside You- Squarez Attached
Squarez Attached’s new single Who Will Stand Beside You brings together prog rock and funk influences. Through steady grooves and introspective lyrics, the Delhi-based band touches on the theme of personal choices and their impact. Having said that, it’s a fun song to listen to and at places feels like a conversation between two people, perhaps making things more relatable for the listeners.
3. Hynñiew Trep- Cana Nongkhlaw
In Hynñiew Trep, Cana Nongkhlaw blends jazz with traditional Khasi music to create a reflective, improvisation-led piece. The title means “Seven Huts” and refers to the seven clans of the Khasi people. Rooted in personal history and Indigenous reclamation, the song is a thoughtful experiment in decolonial resistance, language revival, and cultural identity.
4. Tera Rang- Sabr Sounds x Atif Ali Khan
A collaboration between Sabr Sounds and vocalist Atif Ali Khan, Tera Rang is a track that blends classical influences with a modern sound. It strives to honour musical legacy while offering a fresh, textured sound. Sabr Sounds is the project of producer Shubhraj Purkayastha, known for his work on songs like Pahado Mein, Mukhatib, and Raza, all marked by a subtle, emotive style while Atif Ali Khan is a distinguished Ghazal and Hindustani Classical music singer, hailing from the illustrious Kasur Gharana.
5. Hyozan- Nemophilis
Pune-based band Nemophilis takes a quieter turn with Hyozan, an acoustic reimagining of some of their earlier work. Known for their Linkin Park tributes, the band shifts to softer textures using instruments like cajón and acoustic guitar. The tracks revolve around mental health, while the album title- Japanese for “iceberg”, adds a layer of existential reflection, inspired by a real incident in Antarctica.
6. Parchaiyan- QARAN ft. Vilen
Bollywood producer QARAN teams up with indie artist Vilen for Parchaiyan, a single that explores inner conflict and self-acceptance. Using shadows as a central metaphor, the track reflects on pain, vulnerability, and the strength it takes to confront hidden parts of ourselves. It’s a moody, introspective collaboration that balances emotional depth with polished production.
7. Tantric Acid Vol. I- DJazz
It’s a 3-track EP that blends Acid House and Disco with a vintage-meets-modern approach. Featuring the signature TB-303 basslines and the warmth of the Fender Rhodes electric piano, the project channels both energy and groove. It’s equally at home on the dancefloor or during a deep, focused listen.
8. Afra Tafri- Priyanshu Baraily X Noxious Shah X Prod. Sumiran Rana
Afra Tafri is a reflective take on the emotional ebb and flow of relationships. The lyrics combine poetic metaphors with everyday sentiments, set against a melody that feels understated and familiar. The production finds a balance between traditional and modern elements, giving the track a grounded, feel-good vibe.
9. Do you Dare- Alobo Naga & The Band
Alobo Naga & The Band’s EP Do You Dare draws from personal experiences, struggles, and hopes, making it a reflective and honest body of work. What sets it apart is its collaborative nature, featuring a diverse lineup of artists including Neil Zaza, Bambi Kevichusa, Noel Zoek, and more. Each voice adds something distinct to the sound, giving the EP a layered, collective feel.
10. Junk the Blame- Vasundhara Vee
Junk the Blame is a spirited call to creatives and entrepreneurs feeling worn down by the pressures of social media. Rooted in radical acceptance, the track encourages a return to hope and purposeful action. It also features real-life entrepreneurs Gaurangana Sood, Arjun Sagar Gupta, and Vineet Mathur, adding a personal, relatable touch to its message.
11. If I Die Today- Lyla
Sung by Nashik-based artist Lyla and composed and produced by Surel Ingale, If I Die Today is a bossa-nova track that quietly explores the weight of existence and invisibility. It’s built around the uneasy thought of whether one’s absence would make any difference at all. The song’s mellow tone contrasts its introspective theme, making it both haunting and delicate.
12. Last Night- Aamir Rizvi ft. Sashank Roy, Aditya Servaia, Supram Bhattacharya
This track is an indie-rock take on teenage romance and the emotional intensity of youth. It captures how even small moments can feel huge in our twenties, especially when tied to that one relationship that stays with us. Musically, the track blends jangly guitars, drums, bass, and arpeggiated keys, with a clear nod to influences like Two Door Cinema Club, The Killers, and Arctic Monkeys.
13. Little Child- Siddarth Nayanar ft. Aanchal Bordoloi
Little Child marks a shift from Aanchal Bordoloi’s usual acoustic style, with Siddarth Nayanar bringing textured guitar work and layered production to the track. The song explores the idea of inner child healing, engaging with the parts of ourselves that still carry past pain. Framed as an internal conversation, it reflects on how unresolved emotions can affect present-day relationships and personal conflicts.
14. Ecstasy- Ritvik Virmani
Ecstasy is a playful blend of funk and rock ’n’ roll, with Ritvik teaming up with a group of artists to create something loose and full of energy. The track leans on groove-driven guitars, steady rhythms, and vocals that carry a sense of ease. At its heart, Ecstasy is about having fun, letting go, and enjoying life without overthinking it.
15. Veil- greymatter
Veil is the debut single from Bangalore-based band greymatter, tackling the idea of hiding behind a false persona in everyday life. The track questions whether we choose to keep wearing the mask or show up as our true selves. Musically, it brings together heavy breakdowns, melodic choruses, an orchestral bridge, and an eccentric guitar solo, showcasing the band’s blend of intensity and emotion.
