Feel-Good February: Indie Music of the Month

India’s indie music scene continues to reflect the realities and moods of contemporary listeners, moving fluidly between upbeat pop, personal storytelling, and sharp social observation. This month’s releases span multiple genres and formats — from feel-good Indie Pop and experimental hip-hop to introspective acoustic songwriting. Together, these artists highlight how independent music in India remains rooted in honesty, individuality, and creative control, offering listeners music that feels relevant without trying too hard to impress.

Danny & Tasho – Tehzeeb (Tips Music)

Tips Music kicks off 2026 with Tehzeeb, a lively Indie Pop track that focuses on simplicity, relatability, and easy listening. Sung by Danny and composed and written by Tasho, the song is built around catchy rhythms and straightforward lyrics that celebrate everyday joy. The track’s strength lies in its clarity — it knows exactly what it wants to be and delivers it without unnecessary complexity.

Directed by Suryansh Deo, the music video features Priyanshu Painyuli and Riddhi Kumar, whose relaxed performances complement the song’s light tone. Their on-screen presence adds to the song’s accessibility without overpowering the music. Danny’s vocals remain expressive and energetic throughout, while Tasho’s composition keeps the track contemporary and replay-friendly. Tehzeeb works as a feel-good release that sets a positive tone for the year.

Panther – Shehero Ki Safed Sadko Pe Sehro Ke Sangeen Safar (EP)

Panther opens 2026 with his five-track EP Shehero Ki Safed Sadko Pe Sehro Ke Sangeen Safar, a project that balances experimentation with emotional consistency. The EP reflects the contradictions of modern ambition — outward progress paired with inner struggle — and remains cohesive through Panther’s distinct voice and perspective.

Each track explores a different emotional space. Rocket captures momentum and ambition, while Amar reflects growth shaped by experience. Katte leans into aggression and survival instincts, offering a rawer tone. Rehna Nahi Si, featuring Rish, addresses emotional distance and heartbreak, and Kaafi, featuring Rishi Roy, closes the EP on a quieter, reflective note. The artwork by longtime collaborator Tuhin Chandra mirrors the EP’s introspective nature. With a full-length album and multi-city tour planned later in the year, this release sets a focused direction for Panther’s work in 2026.

Phir Na Aana by Ashwani Gupta (Acoustic Pop)

Ashwani Gupta’s acoustic pop release Phir Na Aana addresses the uncertainty often associated with modern dating. Centered around the idea of a “situationship,” the song speaks to emotional attachment without commitment and the difficulty of moving on. Written, composed, and sung by Ashwani, the track takes a direct and relatable approach, particularly resonating with younger listeners.

Musically, the song blends acoustic pop with live sarangi played by Arpit, adding texture without overwhelming the arrangement. The production, mixing, and mastering by Hrishi Giridhar keep the sound clean and intimate, allowing the lyrics to remain central. Released on December 22, the track encourages emotional clarity without relying on melodrama, making it a grounded and thoughtful addition to the month’s indie releases.

Dhanji & RASLA – hASHISHBHAI

hASHISHBHAI brings together Dhanji and producer RASLA on a track that stays firmly rooted in sharp lyricism and controlled delivery. The song reflects Dhanji’s signature approach — direct, observational, and unconcerned with mass appeal — while RASLA’s stripped-back production keeps the focus on the vocals and pacing. Lyrically, the track leans into personal commentary and social observation, avoiding conventional hooks in favour of clarity and intent. The collaboration feels deliberate and focused, reinforcing Dhanji’s position as an artist who prioritises perspective and substance within India’s independent hip-hop space.

Yung Dsa – Maaf Kar

Pune-bred Marathi rapper Yung Dsa follows up on his earlier viral success with Maaf Kar, a recent Marathi hip-hop single that blends personal reflection with raw lyricism. The track, produced by Cosmo Drop, finds Yung Dsa addressing the ups and downs of sudden recognition, owning past choices while remaining grounded in street-level honesty. Maaf Kar combines gritty delivery with emotional vulnerability, showing the artist balancing ambition with awareness of his roots and circumstance — a theme that resonates within the evolving Marathi hip-hop scene and with listeners who value authenticity in independent rap.

Arpit Bala – Rani Teri Ek Jhalak (Bargad Trending Version)

Arpit Bala’s most recent release is “Rani Teri Ek Jhalak (Bargad Trending Version),” a short, refreshed take on the popular bargad sound that’s been gaining traction across social platforms. Released on December 19 2025, the track is under two minutes long and pairs Arpit Bala with collaborators sufr and toorjo dey, offering a condensed, radio-friendly spin on the original vibe while maintaining its emotional appeal.

Yungsta – Roshni

Delhi-based rapper Yungsta’s “Roshni”, released in December 2025, is a reflective track that leans into personal storytelling rather than loud hooks or bravado. The song moves at a measured pace, allowing his verses to breathe as he touches upon growth, self-awareness, and the quiet moments that shape an artist’s journey. With a restrained beat and thoughtful lyricism, Roshni highlights Yungsta as a lesser-known but steadily evolving voice in India’s independent hip-hop scene, one that values honesty and mood over spectacle.