Ziddi Blog

Coke Studio Bharat Continues Blending Indie + Folk at Scale
Coke Studio Bharat continues to expand its footprint in India by blending independent music with regional folk traditions, creating one of the most visible platforms for culturally rooted yet contemporary sounds. Since its relaunch as Coke Studio Bharat, the platform has shifted focus toward showcasing local languages, grassroots artists, and traditional influences, while packaging them…

Tip of the Day: Stay Consistent, Not Perfect
Why consistency matters more than perfection Waiting for the “perfect” release can slow you down more than you think. In today’s music landscape, consistency often beats perfection. Regular releases help you stay visible, keep your audience engaged, and signal to platforms that you’re active. Algorithms on platforms like Spotify tend to favour artists who drop…

Tip of the Day: Register Your Songs with a PRO
Why PRO registration is important for artists If your music is being played in public, on radio, at events, or even in cafés, you should be earning from it. That’s where a Performing Rights Organization like Indian Performing Right Society comes in. Registering your songs ensures you collect performance royalties whenever your music is used…

Hungama Music’s Shutdown Continues to Reshape India’s Streaming Landscape
Even after its decline and reduced relevance in recent years, the shutdown and scaling back of Hungama Music continues to influence how India’s streaming market is evolving. Once a key player in India’s early digital music ecosystem, Hungama Music was among the first platforms to offer licensed music streaming and downloads in the country. However,…

Tip of the Day: Tell the Story Behind Your Song
Why storytelling drives engagement A good song grabs attention, but a story makes people stay. Sharing the context behind your track through short videos helps listeners connect with your music on a deeper level. It could be what inspired the song, a moment from the writing process, or even what the lyrics really mean to…

India Is Now Seen as Both a Talent Source and a Major Fan Market
India is increasingly being recognized not just as a large audience base, but also as a key source of global music talent, marking a significant shift in how the country is positioned within the international music industry. For years, India was primarily viewed as a consumption market, driven by its massive population and growing streaming…

Festivals Face Increasing Environmental Oversight
India’s live music boom is now facing a new layer of scrutiny as environmental concerns and regulatory pressures around large-scale festivals continue to grow. Authorities and local administrations across multiple states have begun tightening rules around noise levels, waste management, crowd control, and land usage for large events. The shift comes as music festivals expand…

Are Global Labels Replacing India’s Indie Ecosystem, Or Fueling It?
Over the past few years, global music companies have been expanding aggressively into India. From partnerships with film studios to talent scouting initiatives and artist development programs, labels are no longer treating India as just a distribution market. They are investing in it as a long-term creative hub. This has sparked an important question within…

Tip of the Day: Collaborate to Grow Your Audience
Build together, grow together One of the most organic ways to grow as an indie artist is by collaborating with others in your scene. When you work with artists who share a similar vibe or audience, you naturally tap into each other’s listener base without forcing it. These collaborations don’t always have to be big…

Tip of the Day: Pitch Early on Spotify for Better Playlist Chances
Why timing matters If you’re releasing music on Spotify for Artists, don’t wait till the last minute to pitch your track. Submitting your release at least a week in advance gives Spotify’s editorial team more time to review it, and that can make a real difference. Early pitching also signals that you’re organised and serious…

Authorities Step Up Action on Explicit and Violent Content
India’s music industry is facing increased scrutiny as government authorities and regulatory bodies step up action against violent and explicit lyrical content, particularly in genres like hip-hop and regional pop. In recent months, multiple songs across languages have been flagged or removed from platforms following complaints related to violence, misogyny, and explicit themes. In some…

Geopolitics Is Reshaping Music Releases and Collaborations
Political tensions are increasingly influencing how music is distributed, released, and collaborated on in India. From delayed concerts to blocked film releases and restrictions on cross-border artists, the music ecosystem is feeling the impact of geopolitical developments more directly than before. Recent events show that music is no longer insulated from political realities, particularly in…