5 Global Indie Artists To Add To Your Playlist
The international music scene is flushed with new genres and never-before-heard sounds. From carving a path for South-Asian representation in the international music scene, to soothing our senses with their vocals and sounds, these artistes are taking on the industry with their innovative and explorative techniques.
If you want to switch things up from the same 5 pop songs on repeat, we suggest lending an ear to these musicians who blend their traditional cultures into contemporary music. Apart from their music with a message, each of these fiercely talented women have carved a niche for their unique style. From wearing only vintage finds to a Y2k redux and placing their bets on the new names to know, these wunderkinds are using fashion as part of their performance and creative process. We give you a glimpse of their CVs and their closets.
Raveena Aurora
Although born and raised in the US, Raveena Aurora grew up on Bollywood songs and desi culture. Her debut album ‘Lucid’ melds contemporary R&B with traditional Indian sounds. Her whimsical aesthetic complements her honeyed vocals, where she adds a bindi and Indian jewellery to vintage outfits.
Instagram: @raveena_aurora
Joy Crookes
If emotional is how you like your music, you’ve got to listen to the deep, emotive lyrics carried by Joy’s gentle husky voice in her EPs. Born to a Bangladeshi mother and an Irish Father, the BRIT nominated South Londoner’s dual identity finds a way in both her music and visuals. As a versatile performer, her wardrobe packs a similar kind of variation, but always with comfortable shoes. In fact, scroll through her IG, and we can guarantee a comfy shoe in each - fuzzy slippers, flatform sneakers, slides...
Instagram: @joycrookes
Madame Gandhi
Electronic music producer, drummer, artist and activist - Kiran Gandhi is a feminist powerhouse. There’s nothing she hasn’t done - from touring with M.I.A., Kehlani and Oprah, to running a marathon across London while free-bleeding, to playing congas at the 63rd Grammy Awards and a Harvard MBA. Her style is a too-cool-for-school mix of athleisure with oversized tracksuits and cool kicks.
Instagram: @madamegandhi
Saleka
A rising star in the R&B scene, Saleka began taking classical piano lessons at 4. Her music tells stories of unrequited love, vulnerability and mental health. She initially planned on becoming a classic pianist but pivoted to songwriting and singing in her late teens. The young talent has opened for well known R&B artists such as Summer Walker, Boyz II Men and K Michelle. She roped in her dad, M. Night Shyamalan, to direct her latest music video for her single ‘The Sky Cries’ which will appear on an upcoming episode of the filmmaker’s show, Servant. Her style stays true to classics, carried sophisticatedly with her ultimate accessory - her distinct long dark hair.
Instagram: @saleka
Ambika Nayak
You’ve perhaps seen one of her ‘Reels’ on Instagram. Better known as Kayan (her last name spelled backwards), Ambika Nayak is a 23-year-old vocalist and composer from Mumbai. Her two acts ‘Kimochi Youkai’ and ‘Nothing Anonymous’ have played across multiple venues in India including Sula Fest and the NH7 Bacardi Weekender. In her videos, she pledges allegiance to her favourite athleisure label, Jaywalking, and its cheeky printed T-shirts.
Instagram: @kayan.a
