With the Indian music space going through a renaissance of sorts, independent musicians are finally getting their due. Buzzing with fresh energy, this new generation of desi artistes, who are bold and adventurous with their rhythms and bring a unique blend of genres to the table, are redefining what Indian music sounds like today. Here’s a list of newcomers and young indie artistes who have been making the right kind of noise, and who will define the new era of Indian pop music in 2026.
Reble
Hailing from Meghalaya, Daiaphi Lamare aka rapper Reble is one of the fiercest voices to emerge from the North-East. Blessed with a dynamic voice and an energetic style, her raw, unapologetic sound blends classic hip-hop, alt-rap and punk-inspired chaos. Her 2025 release New Riot showcases her signature rage-meets-artistry style, accompanied by a bold music video. She also appears on the soundtrack of 2025’s big Bolly hit Dhurandhar, contributing rap verses for tracks like Run Down the City – Monica and Naal Nachna. She also collaborated on the Malayalam film Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra (2025), where her contribution added a fresh musical edge.
Gini
Hailing from Dehradun, Gini is an emerging indie singer-songwriter quietly changing the face of Indian pop. A self-taught musician, she is known for her heartfelt lyrics with rich melodies that resonate deeply with listeners and became a Spotify India RADAR artiste when she was only 19. Her 2025 tracks Aashiyan and Naadaani, a melancholic meditation on loss, proved her artistic depth. She also delivered a standout performance at YouTube Fanfest India and toured the UK in the summer of ‘25. Her collaboration with rapper Tsumyoki on Don’t Even Text remains one of the year’s most-played Gen-Z anthems. Set for a Lollapalooza debut in 2026, Gini is poised to expand her presence globally.
Tsumyoki
Goan rapper, singer-songwriter and record producer Nathan Joseph Mendes, who goes by the moniker Tsumyoki, is one of the most original and most distinctive voices of his generation. A winner of the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Indian Local Act in 2023, the 24-year-old multi-hyphenate talent has revolutionised the genre of English hip hop music in the country. Also playing the piano, guitar and ukulele, his sound shifts effortlessly between pop, trap, R&B and experimental electronica. His latest hit Don’t Even Text, featuring Gini, blended music into a sleek melody. Tsumyoki also added significant energy to the soundtrack of Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar with his sharp verses.
W.I.S.H.
India’s first major Gen-Z girl group featuring Ri, Sim, Zo and Suchi, W.I.S.H. has successfully infused global girl-group energy into the Indian pop scene. Debuting in March 2024 with the track Lazeez from their album Sweetburn, they continued their creative streak in 2025 with releases like Galti, Therapy, Bolo Bolo and Drameboss. Their cover of Desi Girl, which became a viral hit, showcased a breathtaking blend of catchy hooks and sharp, synchronised choreography. W.I.S.H. also created Whatever It Takes, the official song for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. With their snappy fusion of Hindi and English lyrics, vibrant visuals and a distinct sound, W.I.S.H. is setting new trends and leading the charge for a revival of India’s girl-group era.
Sunflower Tape Machine
Chennai-based Aryaman Singh aka Sunflower Tape Machine blends dream-pop, shoegaze and indie textures into feel-good, nostalgic and immersive soundscapes. With only a few singles under his belt, his genre-blending music has made him rise quickly to the forefront of India’s indie music scene. His track Internet Friends has already been featured in several playlists by Spotify India and witnessed a national television release on VH1 India. Sophomore Sweetheart (2021), a bedroom pop track, made him the first Indian artiste to get on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Playlist. He will also perform at Lollapalooza India to be held in Mumbai in January.
Akasa Singh
Rising to prominence from the reality show India’s Raw Star, Mumbai-based Akasa Singh is a trained classical singer who has delivered Bollywood hits like Kheech meri photo (Sanam Teri Kasam) and the most-watched Indian YouTube video Thug Ranjha. She has also collaborated with Ricky Martin on Vente Pa Ca, solidifying her status as a singer known for her versatile pop and playback hits. In 2025, Akasa released several new songs, including Panwadi (from Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari), Raaj karega Maalik (title track for Maalik), Johnny Johnny, Sikandar naache (for Sikandar) and Kar mohabbat.ai, while also performing live at events like Eternia 2025 at AIIMS Guwahati in November.
Hansika Pareek
Hailing from Rajasthan, Hansika Pareek’s music merges her foundation in Hindustani classical music with modern pop sensibilities. Known for her raw, haunting and poetic melodies, she has emerged as one of the most distinctive voices in the contemporary indie-pop space. Her deeply emotional vocal style and minimalist production often go viral for their relatability and late-night intimacy. In 2025, she lent her voice to tracks like Tum ho toh from the Bollywood romantic hit Saiyaara and the reflective Yaad tumari aayi from Bhoomi 2025, the collaborative music project of composer duo Salim–Sulaiman, adding her signature softness to mainstream film music and indie collaborations alike.
Kushagra Thakur
Known for his vivid pop lyrics and haunting melodies, Dehradun-based Kushagra Thakur has taken 2025 by storm. After his breakout single Finding Her released in January found a place in the top 20 on Spotify’s Global Viral Songs chart, he released another track Better With You, where he presented a fresh vocal style and heartfelt romantic approach. He followed this up with the Finding Her – India Tour 2025 across five Indian cities which connected him with fans and celebrated his versatility across genres such as ballads, pop-rock and indie music, also cementing his status as a major new voice in indie-pop. No stranger to the festival stage, he has performed at Zomaland and Coke Is Cooking, among others and an international show in New Zealand, each appearance drawing massive crowds, and earning him overwhelming appreciation for his performance.
Piya Roy
Pictures courtesy: Instagram accounts of the singers