<\/p>\n
At a time when virality often decides musical relevance, Indian Ocean stands as a reminder that longevity can still be earned the old-fashioned way. So when they performed on a cool evening at the Iconiq White NH7 Weekender in Pune, their music travelled easily between past and present. Gen-Z <\/a>listeners sang along just as passionately as fans who first discovered the band in the 1990s. \u201cAll artists must do what they feel like and we must cater to any market,\u201d the band\u2019s drummer Amit Kilam told Financialexpress.com in an exclusive interaction.<\/p>\n In a conversation with Financialexpress.com<\/a>, Indian Ocean\u2019s lead singer and guitarist Rahul Ram and drummer-singer Amit Kilam talked about how they love performing for their younger audiences. \u201cNewer music percolates down to the newer generations. Otherwise, if everybody wants to repeat and do things for the current audience\u2019s taste, there would be nothing new,\u201d Kilam continued.<\/p>\n On the other hand, Rahul Ram expressed how Indian Ocean finds it a delight to perform for college students and their younger fans for their spontaneity. \u201cEk alag anand aata hai [There\u2019s a different kick to it],\u201d Ram said, adding, \u201cWe have fans across six decades.\u201d<\/p>\n The transformation of India\u2019s independent music ecosystem has been shaped in large part by younger listeners. As the industry gradually moved away from band-led music to a more diverse space of independent artists, Gen-Z audiences have played a significant role in championing emerging voices.<\/p>\n Their instinct for discovering and supporting underdogs has helped push several independent musicians <\/a>into the spotlight.<\/p>\n Indian Ocean\u2019s recent collaboration with Garv Taneja, popularly known as Chaar Diwari, reflects this generational crossover. Known for his quirky visuals and experimental style, the indie artist represents a new wave of musicians redefining India\u2019s alternative music scene.<\/p>\n Kilam described Chaar Diwari as part of the \u201cnew Indian music\u201d, praising the creativity emerging from younger artists today.<\/p>\n Even after more than three decades, Indian Ocean remains open to experimentation. During the chat, Kilam revealed that Chaar Diwari wasn\u2019t the only one on the list, but one of many younger artists they would want to collaborate with. Not naming the rest, Kilam hinted at newer projects coming soon, from folk to EDM and hip-hop to rap.<\/p>\n While they are not a band that chases trends, they remain curious about global sounds and collaborations. Ram even joked that he would happily collaborate with BTS <\/a>if the opportunity arose. \u201cYou ask me tomorrow, I\u2019ll do it!\u201d he said. Ram is not a stranger to Korean music himself. \u201cIt\u2019s like Bollywood, you can\u2019t escape it,\u201d he said. Kilam agreed, adding that experimentation is essential for creative growth. \u201cIf you\u2019ll never try, you\u2019ll never know,\u201d the drummer said.<\/p>\nGen-Z effect on India\u2019s music landscape<\/h2>\n
Looking ahead: From folk to global collabs<\/h2>\n
From indie pioneers to Bollywood soundtracks<\/h2>\n