Team Radio City Freedom

If 2020 was when the indie music scene took a leap, 2022 established indie music as a mainstay alongside film/folk/devotional music. This year witnessed releases from a wide range of artists cutting across genres. While there have been tons of singles released, it is heartening to see artists coming up with EPs and albums. Here we list 5 EPs/albums from 2022 every indie music lover needs to listen to

HBIC- Raja Kumari

Raja Kumari announced the launch of her indie label Godmother Records with the release of her EP HBIC. According to the singer-songwriter/rapper the five track EP  "is a collection of disruptive, aggressive rap records in a sea of male ego".While she has managed to get rappers KR$NA and Shah Rule to collab with her on the EP, the song that stands out is the recreation of Alisha Chinai and Biddu`s gem "Made In India". 

Wolivo- Ali Saffudin

Srinagar based Kashmiri singer songwriter Ali Saffudin released his 10 track debut album Wolivo this year. The album released under indie label Azadi Records features Ali`s strong vocals along with guitar distortions, slick grooves and some incredible drum works. Our pick from the album is Main Nahin Maanta, a reinterpretation of the famous nazm by Habib Jalil. Habib Jalib`s revolutionary poem became a tool of dissent against the military dictatorship in Pakistani in 1962 and resurfaced during the protests in the Indian subcontinent against the National Register of Citizens. Ali`s rendition trenches into the same powerful camaraderie that championed liberty and freedom. The song features Ali`s vocals as the hero, expertly mixed by Prash `Engine-Earz` Mistry.

The Night Is Clear- Parekh & Singh

Parekh and Singh`s third full length album striked you as different but if one has followed the Kolkata based dream pop duo they are sure to find similarities in the sonic structure. The sound transcends eras and coupled with quirky chord progressions and lucid lyrics, the nine track album is a must listen. Our pick from the album is the last song "Nightingale" purely because of the immaculate production and arrangement. It gets you hooked on the instant you play the song. 

Surmayi- Kanishk Seth

Kanishk Seth has been riding high on the back of his success with the songs Rangi Saari and Ki Jaana which have been adapted into mainstream movies. Alongside the commercial tracks, Kanishk`s heart lies in fusing Indian classical/folk with electronic music. Thats exactly whe he has done in the 3 track EP Surmayi. Our pick from the EP is Saacha Sahib, an interpretation of Saint Kabir`s words, sung by the great Javed Bashir and Kavita Seth. 

Caught In A Parade- Easy Wanderlings

If there`s one band who made 2022 their own it has to be Pune based 8 piece ensemble Easy Wanderlings. From releasing an EP to being one of the most prolific performers on tour, Easy Wanderlings have catapulted themselves into indie stardom. Their EP Caught In A Parade is an amalgamation of moods for every kind of listener, from Enemy, a soft rock number to the more upbeat soul and funk influenced “Makin’ My Move”.