Archive · 21 Nov 2025
Selling Out in Indie Music: A Shift in Perceptions
In the past, indie musicians in India avoided success and money to stay true to their art.
Now, they embrace these things without feeling guilty, as seen in the popularity of artists like Parekh & Singh and Ankur Tewari in mainstream media.
Selling out was a major concern in mid-2000s indie rock scene in India
Accusations were based on abstract principles like integrity and authenticity
Success and money were seen as compromises to artistic morals
Change began in mid-2000s with MTV's shift and indie artists' growing exposure
Today, selling out is no longer a concern, with artists embracing commercial opportunities
- Who
- Indie musicians in India
- What
- Changed their perception of 'selling out'
- When
- Mid-2000s to present
- Where
- India's indie music scene
- Why
- To grow and diversify the scene, engage with audiences, and make a living from music
Mid-2000s indie purists
Present-day indie musicians
Selling out
Mid-2000s indie purists
Avoid success and money to maintain artistic integrity
Present-day indie musicians
Embrace commercial opportunities without guilt
- Original enemy
- MTV and commercial music channels
- Current status
- Mainstream acceptance and embrace of commercial opportunities
- Notable change
- Hip-hop's cultural dominance and 'hustle culture' influence