In early 2020, when the world went into lockdown and silence fell across stages and studios, independent musicians found themselves navigating an uncertain future. For many, the absence of live performances and audience interaction was disorienting. But for some, this pause became the ground for innovation and creativity. It was in this unique global moment that Lazie Indie Magazine was born.
The magazine was founded by Jay Pillai, a musician from India with more than 30 years in the independent music scene. Known for his work with the bands The Autumnleaf and later Lazie J, Jay was no stranger to the challenges faced by artists outside the mainstream industry. Alongside his school friend and longtime bandmate, Manoj, who played drums in both bands, Jay had already been running a YouTube spotlight series highlighting indie musicians he admired. These artists were often peers he had known for years.
When live events came to a halt, Jay wanted to create something more permanent—something that would not just showcase but preserve the voices of indie musicians during this time. That idea took shape as a magazine. On May 27, 2020, the first edition of Lazie Indie Magazine was released. What began as a souvenir for fellow musicians soon transformed into a monthly publication, released with clockwork precision on the 27th of every month since its inception.
Building a Global Community
What made Lazie Indie Magazine stand out immediately was its clarity of purpose. The magazine was not bound by geography, genre, or commercial interests. Instead, its mission was simple: to recognize and promote independent musicians based on quality, without bias of race, ethnicity, religion, or stature. Every artist featured was given ample space to tell their story, ensuring that the magazine became a true platform for visibility and discovery.
In just a short span, the publication found appreciation across the world. Today, Lazie Indie Magazine is read in over 100 countries, with artists from more than 50 nations interviewed and profiled in its pages. The rapid growth was not just a testament to the hunger for genuine platforms in the indie scene but also to the magazine’s ethos of inclusivity and respect.
Musicians Writing for Musicians
One of the unique features of Lazie Indie Magazine is its contributors. Unlike many other music publications, its columnists are themselves accomplished musicians and professionals from the industry. They bring first-hand experience to their writing, offering insights that come from years of performing, producing, International Indie Magazine or working in music. Importantly, they contribute not for commercial returns but out of a shared commitment to uplifting fellow artists.
This authenticity is what has allowed the magazine to resonate so deeply with readers and musicians alike. Every edition feels like a collaboration born out of mutual respect and passion for music.
Expanding Beyond the Pages
As the magazine grew, so did its influence. Lazie Indie Magazine has been nominated for awards, expanded its readership, and become more than just a publication—it has evolved into a movement. The network of artists who have been featured or supported now forms a global community known as the Lazie Indie Family, thousands strong and connected by a shared belief in independent creativity.
The magazine’s reach even inspired larger initiatives, most notably the International Indie Music Festival (IIMF). In collaboration with the Kerala Tourism Department’s subsidiary, KACV, Lazie Indie Magazine helped establish this annual festival to bring together indie musicians from across the world. With three successful editions already completed, the festival has gained global attention for its stellar lineups and diverse showcases, creating ripples far beyond India.
From Passion to Movement
Looking back at the journey, Jay Pillai describes it best:
“A lot of people ask me if this is a passion project for me. I would say when one’s passion project becomes a passion project for many, we call it a movement. Join the Lazie click here Indie Movement.”
What began in the quiet of lockdown as a small gesture of solidarity has become an international stage for independent artists. Lazie Indie Magazine today is not just a monthly publication—it is a symbol of resilience, creativity, and the power of collective passion.
For independent musicians, it offers a platform. For music lovers, it offers discovery. And for the global creative community, it offers proof that even in the most challenging times, movements can be born that reshape the cultural landscape.