24 Best Indian Indie Albums of 2024

2024 has been a rollercoaster year for the indie music scene. If you haven’t been paying attention, you’ve truly missed out. From unearthing hidden gems to exploring experimental sounds that make you do a double take, this year has delivered a wave of albums redefining what it means to be an indie record.

We’ve all been there—scrolling through curated playlists, searching for that perfect track to hit the right spot. But this year? It’s about more than just the next song. It’s about the entire vibe, the full experience. Artists who dared to push boundaries went all-in with genre-blending, multilingual experimentation, and meaningful narratives. These weren’t mere attempts—they were bold statements of artistry.

Buckle up! Here’s our round-up of 24 indie albums that defined 2024 (in no particular order). From experimental gems to unexpected collaborations, these are the albums you’ll hit replay on when your playlists run dry.

Curated by Abhay (@ThatMusicProject)

1. Ananya Sharma – A Junkyard Wonder

Mumbai-based singer, songwriter, and producer Ananya Sharma has crafted a sound entirely her own—an aural identity seamlessly blending her formal education in Western music with her Indian roots. A Junkyard Wonder is an eight-track masterpiece of dreamy indie-pop brilliance, clocking in at 33 minutes. Its standout qualities lie in intimate storytelling and lush sonic landscapes. Tracks like The Cure envelop the listener in warmth, resembling a lullaby sung by Mother Nature herself. This album isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s a celebration of multifaceted artistry.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

2. Antaheen – Long Story Short

Pune-based band Antaheen delivers Long Story Short, a genre-bending journey that feels like an existential hug. The album oscillates between Hindi and English, blending grunge grit with poetic introspection. Tracks like Ankahi Baatein invite listeners to pause, close their eyes, and let the world fall away. Antaheen’s music lingers, dances, and stays with you long after the last chord fades.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

3. Ashish Zachariah – Dastaan

Ashish Zachariah paints sonic universes with his debut album, Dastaan. With influences ranging from alternative rock to indie pop, the album offers a cinematic soundscape wrapped in melancholy. Each of the eight tracks feels like a chapter in a novel, weaving introspection and wonder. Dastaan is a gentle invitation to explore boundaries and ask, “What else can we do?”

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

4. Bad Trip Symphony – Soul Searching

Jaipur’s rap duo Bad Trip Symphony is back with their third studio album, Soul Searching. This collaboration between rapper-producer duo BadLuck and rbbt delivers introspective bars, soulful production, and a vibe that feels like flipping through their personal diary. Tracks like Kamina and Credit Card alternate between wit and raw emotion, proving why this duo continues to push Indian rap forward.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music

5. Chirag Todi – Bangers Only

Ahmedabad-based pop-jazz virtuoso Chirag Todi’s debut album, Bangers Only, is a genre-defying, collaboration-heavy delight. Sparkling melodies and jazzy interludes showcase his knack for keeping listeners grooving. Tracks like Sunshine Parade exemplify Todi’s ability to seamlessly blend pop brilliance with jazz-infused charm.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

6. Dhruv Kapoor – Dhruv Kapoor

Singer-songwriter Dhruv Kapoor’s self-titled debut album is a deeply personal exploration of identity, expressed through 13 bilingual tracks. With How Do I Get Home?, Kapoor crafts a nostalgic anthem that feels both universal and intimate. This album highlights his evolution while staying rooted in the sentimental songwriting that first brought him into the spotlight.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

7. Dino James & Shah Rule – Paapi

When Dino James and Shah Rule team up, the result is explosive. Paapi, their 2024 collaboration, swings between hard-hitting beats and introspective moments. Tracks like Kamina and Excited pack sharp wit and energy, proving that this duo is a powerhouse redefining Indian hip-hop.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

8. Peter Cat Recording Co. – BETA

After a five-year hiatus, Peter Cat Recording Co. returns with BETA, an album as retro as it is futuristic. Tracks like People Never Change and Foolmuse evoke a time-traveling journey that defies labels. BETA is an exploration of sound and concept, a testament to the band’s genre-defying brilliance.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

9. Raghav Meattle – Intezaar Tera

Raghav Meattle’s latest album, Intezaar Tera, is a heartfelt nine-track journey that proves less is more. Tracks like Bekarar ache with poetic vulnerability, while the album’s intimate storytelling resonates deeply. Meattle continues to evolve, delivering music that feels like a warm hug.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

10. Talwinder – Misfit

Talwinder’s Misfit is a bold statement about individuality. Collaborating with producers like NDS, the Punjabi music sensation delivers an album that embraces flaws and quirks with authenticity. Tracks like Wishes and Waaghinacha Dudh highlight his versatility and commitment to pushing musical boundaries.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

11. Raman Negi – Chaltey Purzay

Former frontman of Local Train, Raman Negi embarks on a solo journey with Chaltey Purzay. This debut album blends heavy Urdu-Hindi rock with diverse influences, crafting an album that feels fresh yet familiar. Tracks like Farzi Kirdar stand out for their poetic storytelling and emotional depth. Chaltey Purzay is a testament to the thriving indie scene, balancing introspection with outstanding production.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

12. Raghu Dixit – Shakkar

Raghu Dixit’s Shakkar is a vibrant celebration of his musical journey, blending folk-rock influences with Hindi, Kannada, and English elements. Known for his soulful melodies, Raghu captures listeners’ hearts with tracks like Priyotoma, a deeply emotional and beautifully lyrical highlight. Shakkar is both a reflection of his roots and an expansion of his sonic horizons.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

13. Seedhe Maut – Shakti & Kshama

Seedhe Maut brings duality to life with Shakti and Kshama. The two works complement each other like yin and yang—Shakti is raw and unapologetically powerful, with tracks like Raat Ki Raani exuding bold energy. In contrast, Kshama delves into vulnerability, inspired by Ramdhari Singh Dinkar's poetry. Together, these albums create a powerful narrative of dominance and reflection.

Listen to Shakti now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

Listen to Kshama now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

14. Pina Colada Blues – Medusa

Kochi-based Pina Colada Blues delivers Medusa, a multilingual blend of Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, and English. The title track Medusa, featuring Anohnymouss and Joel James, is a standout with its catchy beats and haunting lyrics. The album offers an electrifying whirlwind of sound, weaving culture and innovation into a 24-minute musical journey.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

15. Shashwat Bulusu – Fitrat

Shashwat Bulusu’s debut EP Fitrat is a genre-defying exploration of masculinity and societal norms. The seven-track project blends shoegaze, indie folk, electronica, and rock, infused with his signature Hindi-Urdu lyricism. Tracks like Jhoota Sapna layer personal storytelling with broader social critique, making Fitrat a bold and powerful artistic statement.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

16. Yashraj – Meri Jaan Pehle Naach

Yashraj takes listeners back to the disco era of 1970s Bombay with Meri Jaan Pehle Naach. This seven-track EP pairs groovy beats with nostalgic vibes, visually represented by retro-inspired artwork. Tracks like Kaayda/Faayda shine with clever wordplay and infectious rhythms, offering a modern homage to the golden age of Bombay nightlife.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

17. Shonai Collective – Epiphany

Epiphany by the Shonai Collective is an eight-track instrumental album that blends bebop, modern jazz, and global influences. Collaborating with artists from Japan and Kerala, Shonai creates a seamless and introspective soundscape. Each track exudes effortless sophistication, paying homage to jazz traditions while pushing creative boundaries.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

18. SNARM – Till The End

Hailing from Assam, SNARM’s debut album Till The End delivers a nostalgic ode to 80s glam and melodic rock. Tracks like Someday Somewhere showcase soaring guitar solos and anthemic choruses, blending timeless melodies with modern flair. This album is a promising start for SNARM in the melodic rock scene.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

19. Zaeden – Zaeden 02

Zaeden builds on the success of his debut album with Zaeden 02, an eight-track EP showcasing his growth as an artist. Tracks like Kya Hua?, a collaboration with Pakistani singer-songwriter Abdul Hannan, stand out for their heartfelt lyrics and emotive production. With influences ranging from Korean pop to Indian indie, Zaeden continues to push boundaries and redefine his musical identity.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

20. Rnzx – Messy

Mizoram’s sibling duo Rina and Zeli Khawlhring, known as Rnzx, return with their sophomore album Messy. The 10-track project blends the rich sounds of Mizoram with modern indie-pop and electronica. Tracks like Him and Her and Don’t Love Me Anymore captivate listeners with emotionally charged lyrics and innovative production, making Messy a fresh and ambitious release.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

21. Gunda – Allah Rakha

Reinventing himself as Gunda, Indian hip-hop artist Tienas delivers Allah Rakha, a whirlwind of genre-bending music. The album merges 70s grooves with modern production, creating a nostalgic yet fresh sound. Tracks like Kisi Ke Pyaar Mein and Agar Tum Kaho Toh shine with their emotive depth, proving Gunda’s ability to blur musical boundaries and eras.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

22. Aksomaniac – Explained Twice

Trivandrum-based multi-instrumentalist Aksomaniac offers a deeply personal EP with Explained Twice. Combining R&B, jazz, blues, and pop with a Western classical foundation, the 13-minute project explores themes of relationships, vulnerability, and identity. The EP’s raw honesty and textured soundscapes create a poignant auditory experience.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

23. Dohnraj – Gods & Lowlifes

Dohnraj’s Gods & Lowlifes is an eclectic exploration of genres and emotions. Each track feels instinctively crafted, guiding listeners through uncharted musical territories. With a focus on storytelling and unconventional choices, the album is a celebration of artistic freedom and a journey into the unexpected.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

24. Nerak – Shikshan

Inspired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s quote on education, Nerak’s Shikshan is a powerful EP with themes of growth and resilience. Tracks like Waaghinacha Dudh embody raw emotion and intensity, delivering a heartfelt plea for societal transformation through education. Shikshan is a brief yet impactful musical manifesto for change.

Listen now: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music