This podcast delves into the multifaceted journey of the esteemed artist Molly, whose evolution transcends mere musical chronology to encompass a profound exploration of her artistic identity. Our primary objective is to garner insights into the essence of Molly as an artist, tracing her formative influences and significant contributions to the music landscape. We examine the intricate tapestry of her experiences, from her early proclivities in Chennai to her ascent in Mumbai’s vibrant music scene, elucidating how her diverse background informs her genre-blending artistry. Through a meticulous analysis of her works, we endeavor to uncover what drives her creativity and the lessons her journey imparts to aspiring artists. By juxtaposing her personal narrative with the broader trends in the music industry, we aim to illuminate the pathways that contemporary artists may traverse in this dynamic landscape.

Who is

She’s not here to follow trends—she’s here to write her own story. Maalavika Manoj, better known as Mali, is the soulful voice behind some of India’s most emotionally honest indie pop. With lyrics that cut deep and melodies that linger long after the song ends, Mali is quietly leading a movement of introspective, fearless music.

From Chennai’s local stages to international recognition at the MTV European Music Awards, her rise has been anything but manufactured. Mali writes from the heart, often about change, identity, and growing up in a fast-moving world—and fans are listening.

In this episode, we explore Mali’s creative journey: how she left the mainstream behind to stay true to her indie roots, how being a woman in the Indian music industry shaped her sound, and why her debut album Caution to the Wind struck such a powerful chord.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Spotify
• Apple Music
• Black Roof
• Sony Music India
• Sapta
• Anim
• Kappa TV
• Harris Jayaraj
• RJ Arjun Thomas
• Molly
• Ella Fitzgerald
• Danush
• Sid Shrutkar
• Anirud Ravachander
• Tim Cook