r/Indianindieheads 23d ago

AMA Hi! I'm Shashwat Bulusu, AMA!

29 Upvotes

r/Indianindieheads 23d ago

Mod pick🌻 The Music Nerd's Diary: Bollywood Music’s French Chanson and Balkan Folk Connections

6 Upvotes

I'm a music nerd, and lately I've been trying to expand my listening well beyond Bollywood, because there's so much incredible music out there from other countries that most of us never really get exposed to. I grew up on Bollywood music, my whole family did, and it's still a family thing now, we jam together at home, my kids play instruments, and someone's always humming a Hindi film tune. But going out and actually exploring music from elsewhere has become its own habit.

What keeps happening, though, is that I stumble onto a connection back to Bollywood almost by accident, a rhythm, a scale, an instrument, and that pulls me in further. I start digging into the genre or the tradition behind whatever I just heard, and what gets me every time is how much work sits underneath it, years, decades, sometimes centuries of actual trial and error, an entire culture slowly working out what a rhythm or a vocal style should even sound like. That process is what I find genuinely fascinating. It's made me notice something about Bollywood too, almost as a side note:

these traditions spent all that time slowly working out a sound through real trial and error, while Bollywood, more often than not, just reached for something already proven, a hit that had already worked somewhere else in the world.

So this is going to be an ongoing diary of what turns up as I keep exploring. Here's what I've found so far.

Finding one: La Maritza and R.D. Burman's "Tu Tu Hai Wahi"

I was listening to "La Maritza," a 1968 French song by Sylvie Vartan,https://youtu.be/iibyWyFGWUE?si=s5oKvxs3klFlvgQL, and it hit me: this is the same architecture as R.D. Burman's "Tu Tu Hai Wahi" from Yeh Vaada Raha (1982), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agBokRAQggs. "La Maritza" is written in D minor, a key that carries a soft, aching sadness, but it actually speeds up near the end, the tempo genuinely accelerates as the song closes. That combination, a minor-key ache paired with a rhythm that keeps pushing forward, is a real signature of French chanson from that era. It's a very different emotional engineering trick than, say, American ballads of the same era, which tend to slow down to match sad lyrics.https://youtu.be/iibyWyFGWUE?si=9Mq4GFKUaDSdeFQL

French chanson often does the opposite, keeps the body moving while the melody aches.

Burman pulled from continental European pop constantly, not just the American and British sources people usually point to, and "Tu Tu Hai Wahi" keeps that same aching minor-key core while pushing the pace even further than the original.

Finding two: Ladaniva, Trio Mandili, and the sounds Bollywood borrowed

This week I've been listening to Ladaniva, a French-Armenian group, especially "Saraiman," https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGGbp88ziXU, and "Pourquoi t'as fait ça," https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_uJSIc0vjU.

There's a playful, folky energy in their music, full of "hurr" vocal ad-libs and a bouncy rhythm, and it kept reminding me of O.P. Nayyar's "Maang Ke Saath Tumhara."

Ladaniva draws heavily on Balkan music alongside Armenian folk, and that's probably not a coincidence. Balkan and Eastern European folk dance rhythms carry the same galloping, clip-clop bounce the tonga beat rides on, and it's Bollywood that borrowed from that tradition, not the other way around, India never really had a genre of its own built around that particular bounce.

I found the same pull toward Bollywood in Trio Mandili, a Georgian folk trio, through "Ai Dunia," https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQr_VY5ObdY, and "Kakhuri," https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDK9KOfknTw.

My wife walked in while I had both Ladaniva and Trio Mandili playing back to back, and without any prompting from me, she said it sounded like it had a Bollywood vibe.

I'll take that as confirmation I'm not just imagining all this 😊

Finding three: a Flemish blacksmith's song, and my wife's "it's Raj Kapoor" verdict

Then I played her Trio Mandili's version of "'t Smidje," https://youtu.be/GWVArZ5oiB0, a traditional Flemish folk song popularized by the Belgian group Laïs, about a blacksmith who's been aged prematurely by his own hard labor.

The moment it came on, she said, "it's Raj Kapoor," same musical style.

She's right. It's the same sweeping, aching, string-led sadness that runs through "Waves of the Danube," https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxvW8Z9-7Kg, the waltz Raj Kapoor kept returning to across Barsaat, Awaara, and Bobby. Different country, different language, same emotional engineering, and it took an untrained ear catching it in passing to notice it, not mine.

More entries to come as I keep exploring. If you've caught a connection like this yourself, I'd love to hear it 👇


r/Indianindieheads 6h ago

Offical Music Video SKY-APE - Paper, do you have a voice?

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3 Upvotes

r/Indianindieheads 3h ago

Offical Music Video Mrityu, VG – 5vi Anusuchi [Conscious Himalayan Boom-Bap / Indian Underground]

1 Upvotes

Independent boom-bap release out of Uttarakhand documenting regional autonomy, mountain defense, and political resistance. Heavy 90s-style breakbeats with bilingual Hindi & Kumaoni lyricism.

🎬 Official Music Video: https://youtu.be/MCQNqKSPyXA

🎧 Stream Audio: https://ditto.fm/5vi-anusuchi


r/Indianindieheads 4h ago

New Music Manish Lama - Delhi Rains

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1 Upvotes

r/Indianindieheads 7h ago

New Music OG Tehran - “Aushadi”

1 Upvotes

I actually get to understand the song much better in second listen and realised so many good points about it. Sharing the review here: https://creditriskandme.substack.com/p/dhh-review-02-ogs-aushadhi-ad9?r=82bvtw&utm\\_medium=ios

OG gang, what do you think?


r/Indianindieheads 22h ago

New Music Hosh ft. Sterling point

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11 Upvotes

r/Indianindieheads 1d ago

Playlist indie heads mein naya hoon, playlist kahan rakhoon?

10 Upvotes

hey, new to the sub. just wanted to share my playlist.
and also would like to discover some new songs so please drop yours as well :)


r/Indianindieheads 1d ago

Discussion Thread I need to get out of my indie music bubble

33 Upvotes

I feel like I've been listening to the same indie sound for way too long now. Every time I find a new artist, it's the same acoustic guitar, soft vocals, slightly sad lyrics situation lol. maybe a sax if we’re feeling spicy.

Nothing against it, I just really want to hear something that sounds completely different. I don't care where the artist is from either. Could be someone from Turkmenistan for all I care. I just want to find some genuinely underground artists and hear music I wouldn't normally come across.

Send me your most niche finds or even your spotify playlists. I'll actually sit and listen through them. I’ll even give you a review lol.


r/Indianindieheads 1d ago

Original Content (OC) (OC)My first verse -lookin for feedback & a collab

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3 Upvotes

This is my first time writing a verse and recording,so I'd really appreciate some honest feedback. Wht do u think and is anyone here up for a collaboration?r


r/Indianindieheads 1d ago

Official Audio Vidhya Gopal - Kaaga

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2 Upvotes

As someone who likes to discover lesser known artists, occasionally there are artists or songs that are jus' a pure gem. And this song was one such find today. 😌


r/Indianindieheads 1d ago

New Music Arvin - Rakaan

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2 Upvotes

r/Indianindieheads 1d ago

New Music Karsh - Parchhai

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3 Upvotes

r/Indianindieheads 2d ago

Discussion Thread Is this still Tuff?

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10 Upvotes

r/Indianindieheads 2d ago

Official Audio SarpDansh - Anjaan Mauhalla

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7 Upvotes

Just came across this artist. Bhai kitna pyara gaana hai ye!

YT: https://youtu.be/1__M2NHEJu8?si=j7jcYD-OS5tYLy6p


r/Indianindieheads 2d ago

Offical Music Video PRAKHAR- KARIGARI

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2 Upvotes

r/Indianindieheads 2d ago

Official Audio Calling independent artists Audium is looking for its first creators

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

We're building Audium, a new music platform focused heavily on independent artists and the listener experience. We're currently preparing the first beta, and looking for independent artists who want to be among the first creators on Audium.

The idea is pretty simple:

  • You don't need a label.
  • You keep ownership of your music.
  • Upload your releases directly.
  • Get basic analytics for your music.
  • Have the ability to promote/sponsor your own releases on the platform.
  • Directly communicate with the people building Audium.

We're initially opening this to a small group of founding creators. The first 20 creators will get founding status and some permanent benefits that we won't offer to everyone later.

I'm not looking for huge artists.

If you're an independent artist with music already released, or you're preparing a release, I'd genuinely like to hear it.

- Audium


r/Indianindieheads 2d ago

Discussion Thread Thought on this song? (Aasmani)

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8 Upvotes

r/Indianindieheads 2d ago

Original Content (OC) NAMAH: | Wafa

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2 Upvotes

We got sick of seeing nothing but 15-second covers on our feeds, so we built NAMAH to bring raw, unfiltered Indian alt-rock back to life. Not a perfect track as its just the beginning.

Our debut single "Wafa" is officially out. It’s an anthem for the exact moment you leave their late-night text on read so you can get back to building your own empire.

We respect the ears in this group. Watch the video, turn the volume up, and let us know if the guitar tone hits right. ⚡️


r/Indianindieheads 2d ago

Discussion Thread Delhi, looking to connect with A&Rs / artist development people

3 Upvotes

I'm an independent hip-hop artist currently in Delhi for a few days. I'm finishing up my upcoming 6-track project, AETHER, and I'm looking for someone from the industry who'd be willing to hear it and give me an honest professional opinion on the music, positioning and where I could improve.

Not looking for free promotion or management, genuinely looking for feedback + a conversation. If you're an A&R, artist manager, or work in artist development and are around Delhi, I'd love to meet for a coffee if you're open to it.

I can send the project/EPK beforehand so you know what you're getting into.

DM me if you're around.


r/Indianindieheads 3d ago

Album/EP/Mixtape Shashwat Bulusu - Pinocchio

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19 Upvotes

I just heard the new album. It is heartbreaking. It’s a different sound but I cant find anything that so beautifully talks about abuse and mental health. I feel seen. As a queer person this album has hit me hard

I really want to discuss the album with others. I have too many things to discuss and questions.

https://open.spotify.com/album/4C6Cgfuc0ZjnEMV76tnyUK?si=q7YSVSRAQYCI8TIkZwoH3w&utm_source=copy-link


r/Indianindieheads 2d ago

Playlist RATE MY 2am PLAYLIST....

2 Upvotes

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/15bfixCUvJVRmfToue4eDt?si=sXs2cN79R42fY2fawqt3IQ&utm_source=copy-link&pi=pjxe2nOLQReJX

This is my playlist of dukh bhare gaane 🥹 .... Rate it out of 10 .... Also suggest new dukh bhare gaane extremely underated one


r/Indianindieheads 3d ago

Discussion Thread thoughts of bhabhi hunter playing at a restaurant?

3 Upvotes

thoughts ON*

ive made a playlist for the restaurant, and I've put up bhabhi hunter as well. and now I'm thinking over it


r/Indianindieheads 3d ago

Playlist Hindi Song Recommendations..

4 Upvotes

Can anyone suggest some underrated hindi album songs, romantic and emotional in nature.
While I feel I have heard major movie songs some classic album released/artist songs I would have appreciate some good hindi singles suggestions.


r/Indianindieheads 3d ago

Original Content (OC) Looking for a rapper/singer to make some music with.

3 Upvotes

I’m a full time music producer and mixing engineer from Gurgaon. I’ve worked with a lot of brands,artists and labels. I mostly make indie, hip-hop, R&B, Rock, Metal, orchestral, electronic, but I’m open to experimenting. Since 10 years, I am only working for other artists and labels, but I wanna make my own music and release it now.
I can handle the production, arrangement, mix and master. I even have my own studio as well. Just looking for someone who writes their own stuff and is actually down to make and finish songs together.
If you’re interested, DM me some of your music or even rough demos.