By Aastha Anupriya
If I were to write about how crassness has seeped into every void there is in popular music, this article would never end. But I intend to make this about the positives – about everything that an average Indian doesn’t but must listen to, everything that is so vastly underrated that it makes my heart ache.
This is about the best (even if just in my opinion) music artists that everyone needs to start listening to right now.
- Of Monsters And Men
This Reykjavik-based band has songs like Sloom and From Finner to their credit. Their debut album My Head is An Animal created waves worldwide, topping the charts in the US, Australia, Ireland and Iceland, and very deservedly so; all my physical productivity is sacrificed at the hands of the time I spend resting my head, eyes closed, listening to Yellow Light.
This: https://soundcloud.com/ofmonstersandmen
- Amber Run
Amber Run isn’t an old band, and it has not a large number but a brilliant collection of songs to their name. I’m guilty of having learnt of it very recently, and I haven’t been able to take Pilot and 5 am off my mind.
Here, have your fill: https://www.youtube.com/user/AmberRunVEVO
- The Lumineers
The Lumineers were born out of a personal tragedy for its founding members in 2002, they kept growing and there has been no looking back. They have been nominated for two Grammys, and why not? Their song Ho Hey is an absolute gem!
- Mumford & Sons
Move over Coldplay’s “India” video already and watch this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNy8llTLvuA), for it’s beyond heartening to watch decked up bandwallas singing along to The Cave. This song is the kind of stuff made with the best of all elements and trust me, it is not an exception when it comes to Mumford & Sons.
- London Grammar
There is an awful lot you’re missing out on if you haven’t listened to this British band. There is depth and there is soul in every piece of music they produce. Their debut album If You Wait achieved platinum certification in Australia and the UK. Personal recommendation: Strong.
Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/londongrammar
- The Indian Jam Project
This group of instrumentalists is on a good road. They do Indian-ised versions of popular theme songs from Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and the like. What’s not to like about the Pirates of the Caribbean Theme Song being played on the tabla and the flute? *drools*
Find them here: https://soundcloud.com/tusharlall
- Snow Patrol
I saved my favourite for the last. I have listened to Snow Patrol the way one would listen to a friend – blindly, faithfully, constantly. I don’t even know what to write about them further. If you have listened to the likes of New York, you would know. If you haven’t, find the good things happening here: https://soundcloud.com/snowpatrol
Music is the language of the universe. Though everyone is welcome to have a share in it, we must ensure that the ones who deserve a lion’s share, get it.
Tell us who we missed out on!
