Indian music has diverse origins. Because we are a collective of assorted people, our songs vary greatly from region to region. This music is influences each other. This shows greatly in the current music being produced. A lot of the sounds are also internationally inspired. The result is some great fusion sound. These harmonious combination, between Indian classical music and rock, or Indian folk music and metal, typifies the current scene of Indian music bands. There is such innovation and experimentation in this genre, that mainstream Bollywood just feels monotonous in comparison. From the lyrics, to the music, to the creativity, to the charm. These bands have it all! This weekend, add some spice to your music list, and tune in to hear the sounds of 11 of the best Indian rock bands. Believe us, these Indian music bands will not disappoint you!

#1 Swarathma

Literally, Swarathma translates into “sound of the soul”. This is an apt name for a band that produces such soulful music. Based out of Bangalore, this band combines Indian folk and classic music with reggae and blues music. Its members are Vasu Dixit on the rhythm guitar, accompanied by Sanjeev Nayak on the violin. Pavan Kumar KJ is the percussionist, Varun Murali is on the guitar, Joel Milan Baptist plays the drums and Jishnu Dasgupta is on the bass guitar. All the members except Baptist take turns or play different roles in the vocals. A lot of their music is socially- and politically-aware. Swarathma has even been involved in environmental causes. One of the top music bands in India, they believe in creating while retaining the essence and roots of their origins intact! Check out their version of Ekla Cholo Re, the famous song by Rabindranath Tgaore and Duur Kinare.

#2 Agnee



Agnee shot to fame with the Splitzvilla theme song ‘Aahatein’. This Indian music band is very popular and is a known name for the Indian youth. This band generally deals with Classic Rock with hints of Jazz and Carnatic Music. The primarily sing in Hindi. The band members of Agnee are Kannan Mohan on vocals, Varun Venkit on drums, Chirayu Vedekar as the bassist and Kaustubh Dhavale is the guitarist. Just as an indication as to how brilliant the band is, Kannan Mohan is very well trained on the Indian classical instrument, Mridangam. He has been awarded the Best Mridangam Player of the Year thrice in a row. Check out Kabira and Sadho Re by them. With its spiritual energy, the songs are bound to move you. The fire they have in their name is what their passion reflects too!

#3 Parikrama

Parikrama is one of the oldest Indian rock bands currently active. Formed over 25 years ago, Parikrama, has quite literally, made revolutions in the world of music. Parikrama has produced some of the most influential sounds for Indian music bands. Their music, which carries a distinct classical Indian touch has also been influenced by Pink Floyd and The Doors. The six member band, which often includes Imran Khan on the violins and Shambu Nath on the table, has often been considered one of the top music bands in India. For a lot of people, it is actually among the best Indian rock bands. The band is also very dedicated to its fanbase: they actually have never released an album, preferring to distribute their music for free. It is a sign of their genius that their concerts are mostly sold out. Make sure to try But it Rained and Open Skies by them.

#4 Indian Ocean



Another major band, who are actually considered the pioneers of Indian Rock, is Indian Ocean. Formed in 1991, Indian Ocean is still among the most commercially and popularly successful rock bands in India right now. Their status among Indian music bands is that of the best Indian rock bands. Some even consider them the best band in India. They produce stunning fusion rock that combines folk songs with heavy bass and guitar influences. They are heavily influenced by popular movements, mysticism and environmental causes; which reflects in their music projects. Their band is led by Rahul Ram, and includes Nikhil Rao, Amit Kilam, Tuheen Chakravorty and Himanshu Joshi currently. This is another example of a socially conscious band, who releases music for their fanbase for free. Yet they are so popular, that you can be sure that if you see a concert with no place to step in, it is probably Indian Ocean on the stage! In fact, you must have heard Bandeh from Black Friday (2005). Besides that, try Kandisa, Kaun and Khajuraho.

#5 Joshish



“Joshish” literally means “passion” or “drive” in Arabaic, and the band memebers chose this name for themselves, because they felt this was what described their relationship with music the best. This post-progressive rock band was formed in Bhopal in 2006. The band found a good listener base, as this genre was relatively sparse amongst Indian music bands. As a result, Joshish shifted base to Mumbai. Singing in Hindi and Urdu, their music thrills, inspires, and imbues great tranquility. This band of four has won the hearts of people not just with their music but with their honest approach towards things they do. The band members, Sameer, Sanju, Aryaman and Shardul, have recently released a new album, titled Ird-Gird. Just in this short span, this band was chosen among the top ten albums of 2017 by Rolling Stones. This makes them among the top music bands in India currently. You can check out their album on their website.

#6 Sifar



Sifar started out in 2008 as a few college boys’ dream in Delhi. The music of this three-person band won them popularity among a young, college-going crowd. This was because as young people, they channeled the vibe of the youth well, and translated this into their music. For this band, the music is designed around the arresting vocals. Singing in Hindi, they have gained quite some acclaim for themselves, and are frequent performers at college fests and events. Unlike most other bands on this list, their music represents a more modernized range. It is less influenced by Indian folk or classical genres. Still, there is no questioning that they are one of the best Indian music bands right now. Check out their songs Mita Do and Kala Aasman.

#7 Parvaaz



Parvaaz is a Bangalore-based rock band that has established itself with its music albums and performances across the country. Very interestingly, unlike most other bands, who sing in Hindi and English, or Hindi, mixed with Urdu, Parvaaz sings in Kashmiri and Urdu! This eclectic mix has won them fans from all over. There is an overall freshness to their sound. They are heavily influenced by Psychedelic and Progressive acts along the globe, but like other Indian music bands, they have a distinct voice and sound of their own. The name of their band means “flight”, and indeed, their music has taken flight in the hearts of their fans! So far, they have released on full-length album and are working on a second. Do not miss Khufiya Dastan and Color White by them!

#8 The Raghu Dixit Project



One of the most popular names on this list, Raghu Dixit is an institution on his own. While he is a popular composer and singer in the Hindi and Kannada film industries, some of his best work is as part of The Raghu Dixit Project. He creates happy, joyful music that goes beyond language and age. He has performed internationally to great acclaim, and made a name for his band as one of the top music bands in India. He is heavily inspired by folk and classical music traditions of India. This was especially visible in his work in the TV show, The Dewarists. Listen to the beautiful album, Jag Changa, for vivacious, soulful sounds.

Also Read: Best Modern Folk Artists to Listen To

#9 The Local Train



The Delhi-based The Local Train is one of the newest Indian music bands on this list. The band started in 2008 in Chandigarh, and is currently based out of Delhi. The band is extremely popular among youth, and performs extensively across colleges and fests in India. Their influences are primarily international, including Nirvana, Aerosmith, The 1975 and Porcupine Tree. At the same time, they are also influenced by some of the best rock bands in India, such as Indian Ocean. This sort of mix means that their sound is both western, with an Indian soulfulness. As they primarily sing in Hindi/Urdu, they have captured a huge national audience. Lend an ear to their stunning singles, Choo Lo and Aaoge Tum Kabhi.

#10 Underground Authority



You can’t have a list of Indian music bands without a mention of a band from Kolkata. While Bhoomi is the classic band that has determined the evolution of Indian rock bands, for the purpose of this list, we are looking at Hindi/Urdu and English artistes only. Another major act in India that came up in the past, and has made a greta name for itself is Underground Authority. The members, Santhanam Srinivasan Iyer, Adil Rashid, Soumyadeep Bhattacharya and Sourish Kumar experiement with alternative rock and rap rock. Their music is popular for carrying powerful political and social messages: their music is quite anti-capitalist. This popular band has performed in several prominent stages, including Tuborg Unseen Underground Pub Rock Festival and India’s Got Talent. Do not miss out Azaad and Rasta Tera!

#11 Motherjane

Motherjane is one of the few Indian metal bands on this list, and we can assure you that you will not be able to get over their masterful music-writing and composition. Influenced by progressive metal and Carnatic music, Motherjane combines the best of the two genres to create soul-stirring music. This band was set up in 1996, purely by coincidence, so that drummer John Thomas, guitarist Mithun Raju and bassist Clyde Rozario could perform in a college fest after a last-minute back out. Later, band members were added and replaced, with the most spectacular add being Baiju Dharmajan on the guitar. With Dharmarajan on board, the band acquired an innovative and powerful guitarist. So much so, that they even opened for Megadeth in 2008. There are easily among the top music bands in India. While their entire album, Maktub is worth checking out, we highly recommend the song Chasing the Sun.

It’s said, “Where words leave off, music begins”. We can’t sufficiently emphasize the brilliance of these bands in words, so we suggest you simply start checking them out and give them a hear!