A soul-stirring song and video that captures the essence of the city that never sleeps and the countless people moving with no time to pause is what first brought Raghav Meattle’s music to my playlist. City Life by Raghav captures something that many of us feel so deeply while chasing the life we want in packed trains. Since then, Meattle’s musical repertoire has featured an amalgamation of personal narratives and earworm-worthy musical collaborations.

The turning point in Raghav’s life came post his stint on The Stage. “It gave me the courage to quit my job at Instamojo in Bengaluru and move to Mumbai in late 2016 to pursue a career in music,” he recalls. This move marked the beginning of his full-time musical journey, one that was filled with highs, lows, and the uncertainties of the indie world.

From playing at live venues across the country to now his songs featuring on OTT shows, Raghav’s journey has been incredibly diverse. “I’ve had the opportunity to connect with audiences on a personal level. Transitioning to digital platforms and OTT shows expanded my reach, allowing my music to resonate with a broader audience,” he shares, reflecting on the transition.

This adaptability mirrors the Indian indie scene’s own remarkable transformation. “When I started, indie artists had limited platforms and recognition,” he observes. “Over the years, there’s been a surge in independent music festivals, digital platforms, and a growing audience that appreciates diverse musical genres.” The democratising power of platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Spotify, he asserts, has become “pivotal in building a career in music,” allowing for direct engagement and fostering a more intimate connection with his discerning listeners.

Yet, this burgeoning landscape is not without its complexities, shares Raghav. The traditional gatekeepers of the industry may have evolved, but new challenges have emerged. “You need to keep up with how to use them to get the best result,” Meattle states, highlighting the continuous learning curve. For his album Songs From A Matchbox, the singer-songwriter faced certain hurdles. The solution? “To address this, I initiated crowdfunding campaigns for the album, which received an overwhelming response.”

However, a significant challenge, he notes, remains the “lack of structured support systems for indie artists.” This very ethos of empowering artists led to the inception of first.wav, a platform dedicated to providing creative supervision and a viable alternative within the music industry.  “Recognising the gaps in resources and support, I wanted to create a platform that offers creative supervision to the artists we work with,” shares Raghav. With first.wav, his vision is grand: “We’re essentially building the future of Indian music.”

His own musical evolution mirrors this outward-looking perspective. “Since my early days, my music has matured both lyrically and sonically,” he shares, attributing this growth to “collaborations with diverse artists [that] have introduced me to new genres and styles, enriching my sound.” While he views himself more as a songwriter than a frontline artist, his passion for constant creation in the studio is palpable.

The road of an independent artist in India, while liberating, is paved with its own unique trials. “Touring as an indie artist presents challenges like logistical planning, financial constraints, and ensuring audience turnout in diverse locations,” adds Raghav. His strategy? “Collaborate with local artists, leverage social media for promotion, and plan tours strategically to balance costs and reach.” At a time when most of us are chronically online and dependent on multiple platforms to move through life smoothly, social media plays a crucial role beyond just promotion for artists; it offers immediate feedback and a direct line to listeners. How does Raghav leverage this? “While I remain true to my artistic vision, I also consider audience preferences and trends, striving for a balance between authenticity and relatability.”

As for the future of the Indian indie music scene, Raghav Meattle remains optimistic. “The future of the Indian indie music scene looks promising,” he declares, citing increasing support and a burgeoning listener base. When it comes to the incorporation of AI in music, he provides a nuanced perspective: “While it offers innovative tools for music creation and distribution, I believe the human touch – fandom, emotions, experiences, and imperfections – remains irreplaceable in crafting authentic music.” This sentiment underscores his journey – one imbued with an unwavering belief in the power of human connection through melody.

With collaboration, community, and the courage to carve his own path as part of his kit, Raghav Meattle continues to find his way onto countless playlists, all while enriching them further by spotlighting emerging talent through first.wav. To emerging indie artists, his advice is simple: “Stay true to your unique sound and story.”