Regional music industry sees phenomenal growth in India

Mumbai, Jul 17

India’s regional music industry has grown tremendously over the last decade. It has gone from the fringes of India’s independent scene to its very heartbeat, driving an overall industry now worth more than ₹3,200 crore.

This evolution reflects a wider cultural renaissance in which artists working in Marathi, Punjabi and other regional languages, draw on rich local traditions while embracing global production values.

Talking to Bizz Buzz, Varun Parikh, Founder of Bay Owl Studios says, “With technology facilitating the ease of music production and recording, we’ve seen more and more local artists showcase their creative talents, along with a new genre of cross-cultural collaborations coming to the fore.”

This new wave of ‘modern-indigenous’ narratives resonate with audiences not just across the subcontinent, but globally as well, catalysing a surge in streaming numbers, live performances and brand partnerships, he said.

At Bay Owl Studios, we have always aimed to empower regional artists, helping them to articulate their unique identities without compromise, nurturing their authentic creativity, and ensuring that regional music is not merely a niche offering but a defining force in India’s broader musical tapestry. As the market continues to expand, we remain committed to providing the infrastructure and creative guidance that emerging talents need to flourish, championing diversity in language and style. Looking ahead, we are exploring grassroots and other partnerships, such as that with the upcoming Abbey Road Institute Mumbai, to help facilitate and empower every independent voice, regardless of geography, with access to world-class learning and production facilities, he added.

Regional music has always been an integral part of India’s sonic landscape. What we’re witnessing today isn’t the emergence of regional music, but its rightful spotlight. The difference now is the growth of infrastructure around the music ecosystem, bringing it to the forefront.

With platforms like TuneCore, the barrier to music distribution no longer exists. Artists from across India can release their music globally, keep 100% of their rights and release independently. Add to that the growth of internet penetration post Jio, the mass adoption of music streaming, regional music and its fans are now connected.

Akhila Shankar, Head of TuneCore, South Asia says, “Whether it's Punjabi hip-hop or Tamil pop, we’re seeing artists command loyal fanbases and brand attention, all without the traditional gatekeepers. What’s exciting is that this growth is being driven from the ground up — by creators and audiences.”

As regional languages and identities take centre stage across media, music is both a reflection and catalyst of this cultural shift. At TuneCore, we’re proud to support this movement with tools that help artists stay independent and true to their roots, while reaching listeners worldwide, she said.

EoM.