Lazie Indie Magazine: From Lockdown Idea to Global Indie Music Movement
Wiki Article
In the spring of 2020, as the world grappled with the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic, many artists found themselves cut off from their usual platforms of expression. Live shows were canceled, studios closed, and musicians everywhere faced the silence of a stage-less world. It was during this period of pause that Lazie Indie Magazine was born.
The magazine was the brainchild of Jay Pillai, an independent musician from India with more than three decades of experience in the music world. For years, Jay had been part of bands such as Lazie J and its earlier form The Autumnleaf. Along with his school friend and bandmate, drummer Manoj, Jay had already been engaging with the independent music community through a YouTube spotlight series that featured indie artists he had known and admired over the years. The idea for a magazine grew naturally from this effort: a way to honor the artists, preserve their stories, and give them a platform during a time when the world seemed to be shutting down.
On May 27, 2020, the very first edition of Lazie Indie Magazine was released. What began as a simple souvenir for fellow musicians quickly evolved into a monthly publication that now reaches readers across the globe. With remarkable consistency, a new edition has been released every 27th of the month since its inception, and its readership has expanded to over 100 countries, with featured artists coming from more than 50 nations across continents.
A Vision Without Boundaries
At the heart of Lazie Indie Magazine lies a clear and uncompromising vision: to identify and promote quality independent musicians regardless of where they come from. The magazine does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, geography, religion, Independent Music or stature. Instead, it focuses purely on the artistry, giving every musician interviewed a fair and meaningful space within its pages. This ethos has made Lazie Indie Magazine a trusted name among indie musicians who often struggle to find platforms that appreciate their work without bias or commercial strings attached.
Another unique aspect of the magazine is its contributors. The columnists and writers are not merely observers of the music industry—they are seasoned musicians and industry professionals themselves. Their passion for supporting fellow artists ensures that the content of each edition resonates with authenticity and purpose. None of them write for returns; they write because they believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back.
Growth Beyond Pages
Over the years, Lazie Indie Magazine has become more than just a publication; it has grown into a movement. The magazine has been nominated for prestigious awards, its circulation has steadily increased, and it has fostered a global network of thousands of musicians who proudly call themselves part of the Lazie Indie Family.
This sense of community led to an even larger initiative: the International Indie Music Festival (IIMF). In partnership with the Kerala Tourism Department subsidiary (KACV) in India, the Lazie Indie team launched IIMF as click here an annual gathering for indie musicians worldwide. The festival has already completed three successful editions, each featuring a stellar lineup of artists and leaving a lasting impact on the independent music scene. With audiences and performers from around the world, IIMF has proven to be a landmark event that reinforces the magazine’s mission of breaking barriers and bringing artists together.
A Passion That Became a Movement
Reflecting on the journey, Jay Pillai explains:
“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 Indie Movement.”
What started as one musician’s effort to help fellow artists has grown into a worldwide family and a recognized force in the indie music industry. Lazie Indie Magazine continues to inspire, uplift, and empower musicians who might otherwise go unheard, proving that genuine passion and collective goodwill can turn a small idea into a global movement.
For artists seeking recognition, readers looking to discover new sounds, or anyone who believes in the power of independent art, Lazie Indie Magazine stands as a beacon of creativity, inclusivity, and resilience.