Gajendra Verma says indie artistes have more opportunities of going global today

Gajendra Verma

There is something about the unfinished moments of love. At times they seek closure, at other times, they seek an alternative ending to the story. Singer and songwriter Gajendra Verma has explored these feelings with his latest single, Mud Ke Tu Aa, which talks about longing for someone who has walked away. "Sometimes love isn't dramatic. It exists in pauses and unspoken words," he said.

According to Verma, who started his career with Emptiness in 2010, now is the best time to be an independent artiste in India. He asserted that the indie music wave is no longer confined by geography or labels. The examples are right in front of us - Ed Sheeran collaborated with Arijit Singh on Sapphire, while Diljit Dosanjh has taken Punjabi music to the global stage, even joining forces with Sia and David Guetta for his latest. Pointing to these collaborations, Verma said, "The space feels more confident and global than ever before. Artistes today are thinking globally from day one, while still staying rooted in who they are."

Even as indie artistes are having their moment in the sun, the digital boom has brought challenges. With an overwhelming volume of music being released, standing out requires consistency. He, however, views the shift positively. "Artistes now have more freedom and a direct connection with their audience. You can create on your own terms."

2010
When Gajendra Verma forayed into independent music with ‘Emptiness - Tune Mere Jaana'