Over the past several years, the independent music industry has massed audiences like never before. Especially during the pandemic, there was a major shift observed in listeners' choice from mainstream film music to indie artists. We witnessed many new singles/EP/albums during the lockdown.

The indie music industry was always perceived as a male-dominated space. To prove that otherwise, many female artists are reclaiming the narrative with their resolute, experimental, and reflective music. They have been rigorously innovative and always on the hunt to find new ways to express themselves with music.

Music truly has the power to connect and create a community. And speaking of which, here's a list celebrating emerging as well as creative female voices of the indie music scene.

1. Aditi Ramesh:

Lawyer-turned-singer Aditi Ramesh's jazz and blues will ensure to wash away all your blues. Mix that with her in-depth knowledge of Carnatic and you'll get to listen to something we can fondly call a masterpiece. Sambar Soul, one of Ramesh's songs that gained overnight popularity proves how well she can blend quirky lyrics with soothing jazz and blues.

2. Alisha Batth:

Dynamic, powerful, and dramatic are some of the expressions that define Alisha Batth. Mumbai-based queer singer-songwriter, Batth's style of singing and her music remind you of Any Winehouse. Her single 'All I Want' is proof of that. If you're looking for a voice that exhibits dynamism and expression at the same time, Alisha Batth is what you would want to add to your playlist.

3. Anoushka Maskey:

Like many other independent artists, Anoushka Maskey started her musical journey in the lockdown, giving soothing hits that became our personal earworms. Her debut EP 'Things I Saw In A Dream' has seven beautiful tracks which revolve around appreciating the little things in life. Listen to her music here.

4. Ashwini Hiremath:

Ashwini Hiremath is breaking the stereotypical ceiling of 'women cannot be rappers' with her track Krantinaari. Rap, where rhythm and poetry intersect, speaks to you in a compelling manner. Krantinaari does the same, challenging the male-dominated society, thus being a powerful outcry against patriarchy. Listen to the Mumbai-based rapper here.

5. Frizzell D'Souza:

The Mangalore amp Bangalore-based singer-songwriter's journey started by posting covers on her social media pages. It was in March 2020 when a discussion with a friend sparked the idea of creating her own independent music. And that's how 'New', D'Souza's debut song was released. The song is all about the lost spark that makes a relationship feel monotonous. The genre of the song is Blues, it seamlessly fits in D'Souza's melodious voice.

6. Hanita Bhambri:

You must've heard her soulful voice in the very famous collaboration with Zaeden in Kahu Toh Main Bhi Kya (KTMBK). What you wouldn't know about Hanita Bhambri is her ability to be absolutely vulnerable through her music. Her composition effortlessly fits in with her soothing voice. Her songs give out feelings of melancholy and hope at the same time. Listen to her songs here.

7. Kamakshi Khanna:

Lately known for her beautifully sung single 'Duur' being adapted by The Fame Game on Netflix, Kamakshi Khanna started her musical journey when she was 20 years old. The Delhi-based singer-songwriter gave soulful singles like Qareeb, Tere Jaisa, and Duur. Belonging from a family of music lovers, Khanna has been featured multiple times on various Spotify playlists as the cover artist, Rolling Stones India, and more.

8. Zoe Siddharth:

India's only English singing reality show The Stage gave us many hidden talents - one of which is Zoe Siddharth. Since then, she has garnered a community of indie music lovers on her Instagram and YouTube channels. Siddharth's versatility is effortlessly switching between indie to pop to RnB.Her single 'Human' is a soulful reminder of how a little kindness can help people get through tough phases in their lives.

Genders do not define music, talent and creativity do. These 8 women of indie are proving it right and how! These are just a few names of artists we love. There's an endless list of female indie artists that are ruling the indie space and paving their way through the pre-defined stereotype.

Radio City Indie celebrates Women's Day with these incredible musicians - not just today, but every single day. We wish all you women a Happy Women's Day. Thank you for being you!