The Indiecision ’08: Best Song Indian

The Indiecision â??08 is a recap of the year gone by in Indian indie and a recognition of the work of its artists and those involved with the creation and promotion of the music.

The Best Song Indian is the best single recording released, in any format (CD, video, MySpace, etc) by an Indian independent artist in 2008. The nominees for Best Song Indian are

‘Bilqis’, Rabbi Shergill

We’re not really sure if Rabbi’s still indie what with the Bollywood soundtrack and all, but this song off his love ballad-heavy sophomore studio album had the deepest traces of the old urban balladeer we were all enchanted with back in 2004/05. ‘Bilqis’ was political, powerful and saved Hindi pop from being a completely soulless genre.

‘Light Tribe’, Shaa’ir + Func

For all its political overtones and Monica Dogra’s searing outrage at the system, Light Tribe gave us some memorable moments, none more than it’s eponymous first song. ‘Light Tribe’ announced the arrival of Shaa’ir + Func v2.0 with aggressive electronica and a need to make a statement. A song that’s far better live than on record, ‘Light Tribe’ is the definition of the new, fearless Shaa’ir + Func.

Hit ‘More’ for the rest of the nominees and the Best Song Indian ’08.

‘Mysore’, The Raghu Dixit Project

This deceptively simple tune introduced us to one of the most soulful and powerful voices in indie rock. ‘Mysore’ was the sound of an artist basking in a spotlight that was long overdue. Raghu Dixit immersed us in his brand of folk-pop-rock with an endearing emotive. Everytime he sang it, it felt as if he was singing it for the very first time.

‘Nada Nada’, Avial

The first time we heard ‘Nada Nada’ our feelings pretty much described the musical equivalent of the abbreviation WTF. We then hit Repeat. Mallu rock got not only a major boost to its largely ignored catalogue with Avial’s effort, but also a sense that the music was as important as the language. ‘Nada Nada’ blended regional language and power-alt in only the best way possible.

‘Ate A Banana’, Scribe

One word – Bakhtawar! Scribe’s debut full length album brought us, apart from some killer hardcore, references to Indian pop culture with only the panache of a metal act destined for greater things. ‘Ate A Banana’ sees a Scribe at the top of their game; crisp, tight and ever so tongue in cheek.

And the Best Song Indian ’08 is

‘Nada Nada’

Head to the Indiecision â??08 homepage for all the details and the awards.