Music, at its core, is an exchange—an artist pours their soul into their work, and in return, the audience offers their time, energy, and often their hard-earned money. Whether it’s a live performance or a studio album, Indian musicians—like their counterparts worldwide—owe their audience something beyond just a song or a concert ticket. But what exactly is that?
Authenticity over Trends
In an era where streaming numbers dictate careers, it’s easy to get caught in the trap of chasing trends. Yet, audiences often gravitate toward musicians who bring authenticity and depth to their work. For instance, Prateek Kuhad has won over his listeners with his fusion of Indian pop and folk music, delivering performances that feel sincere. Similarly, the band Swaraag mixes traditional Rajasthani music with Western influences, showcasing a commitment to authenticity that has garnered them a dedicated following.
That being said, many Indian musicians go out of their way to engage with their fans. Artists such as Anoushka Shankar have embraced spontaneity and innovation in their work, as seen in her recent project Chapter III: We Return to Light, which mixes traditional and contemporary influences. Moreover, musicians like Lisa Mishra, Diljit Dosanjh, and Chaar Diwaari regularly interact with their audiences, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses, personalized messages, and even free releases as a way of giving back. Meanwhile, singers like Kayan and Priya Ragu are driving the rise of intimate live sessions and artist-led initiatives for their fans, further demonstrating their appreciation for their supporters.
Going the Extra Mile at Live Shows
When it comes to live shows, especially when the audience buys tickets, they’re expecting more than just a live rendition of a recorded track. In the post-pandemic era, Indian audiences crave immersive and memorable experiences. A musician owes them a performance—not just a setlist. This means rehearsing properly, ensuring sound quality, punctuality, interacting with the crowd, and respecting the energy of the venue. Artists such as Arijit Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan, Karan Aujla, and Diljit Dosanjh have set high standards in live performances, delivering marathon concerts that draw in audiences for hours. Similarly, bands such as Peter Cat Recording Co. have gained international acclaim for their immersive and evocative live shows.
However, incidents like Neha Kakkar’s recent controversy in Melbourne serve as a reminder of the importance of professionalism. Fans grew frustrated when the artist arrived three hours late to her concert, with some openly voicing their disappointment. Though she apologized on stage, the situation underscored a crucial point—when audiences invest in an experience, they expect artists to respect their time and commitment.
The Role of Social Media
This relationship between an artist and their audience doesn’t begin and end at a gig or an album launch. With social media bridging the gap, musicians owe their fans a level of accessibility and respect. This doesn’t mean oversharing personal lives or constantly being online, but it does mean acknowledging the people who support them. A simple interaction, a thank-you, or an effort to communicate directly can make all the difference in building a lasting bond. Many Indian musicians already do this, whether through exclusive fan clubs, surprise album drops, or personal messages. Some even go the extra mile by financially supporting struggling fans, donating to social causes, or using their platform to highlight important issues. For instance, the metal band Bloodywood addresses issues like bullying and discrimination in their music, strengthening their bond with fans. Similarly, Yung Raja has used his social media presence to raise funds for underprivileged communities. These efforts matter—a lot.
The Changing Sound of Indian Music
Audiences in India are evolving—exposure to global music, growing festival circuits, and stronger indie scenes mean listeners expect more. Releasing the same formulaic music may get streams, but it won’t build a legacy. Indian musicians owe it to their fans to push the envelope, experiment with new sounds and refuse to play it safe. The legends of the industry—from A.R. Rahman to the Indian Ocean—have lasted because they dared to be different. Yet, it’s worth noting that a new wave of artists is already challenging norms and redefining Indian music in exciting ways. For instance, BombayMami, a Swiss-Indian singer, combines traditional Indian music with R&B and hip-hop influences, creating a fresh sound that sounds super brilliant to the audience. Beyond her music, she uses her visuals to tell the Indian story, weaving cultural elements into her videos to give her audience a more immersive experience. Similarly, Hunumankind continues to highlight Indian traditions in his work—his recent “Run It Up” video featured traditional martial art forms, integrating Indian heritage with contemporary hip-hop.
The Bottom Line: Respect
Ultimately, what Indian musicians owe their audience boils down to one fundamental thing: respect. Respect for their listeners’ time, financial support, and love for music. Whether it’s through a gripping live show, a meticulously crafted album, or just a moment of real connection, fans deserve an experience they won’t forget. After all, without them, there’s no stage, no streams, and no music industry to begin with. But at the same time, it’s also important to recognize the artists who are already putting in the effort to create, engage, and inspire. Music is a two-way street, and when both artists and audiences invest in each other, the industry as a whole thrives.