​April marks a monumental milestone—our 60th monthly edition and the official 5th Anniversary Edition of Lazie Indie Magazine. This isn’t just another milestone; it’s a testament to five years of unwavering commitment to independent music and the artists who bring it to life.

On May 27, 2020, Lazie Indie Magazine was born—not in a grand office, not with a well-funded team, but in the quiet corners of a room, fueled only by a heart full of music and a belief that independent artists deserved a platform that truly understood them. It was raw, unpolished, and uncertain, but it was real.

What began as a single voice in the vast world of music journalism has evolved into a global movement. We have celebrated, uplifted, and stood by indie musicians from over 50 countries, giving them a platform where their stories, struggles, and triumphs matter. Lazie Indie Magazine has never been just about interviews or features—it’s about the spirit of independent music. It’s about artists who refuse to be boxed in, who create because they must, and who chase their dreams despite the odds.

This journey would not have been possible without the incredible team of contributors who have poured their passion into this vision. A heartfelt thank you to Tomiko Dixon, Lyia Meta, Emma Goldberg, Galaxy FM represented by Barbara and DJ Grant, Ann Aria, Jorg, Manoj, Sherise D'Souza, Ms. Beinta, Hari Krishnan, Adithya, and Gowri Nair—your dedication has shaped Lazie Indie Magazine into what it is today. Your voices, insights, and relentless support have made this journey truly special.

Beyond the magazine, our vision has expanded into new realms. A special thank you to Sunder, Sushma, and Manoj—who has been our rock, standing by through thick and thin for the past 30 years as my drummer and then a collaborator in most of my ventures—and to all our friends who supported us in creating a global platform for indie artists, cutting across borders while remaining deeply rooted in India. The International Indie Music Festival (IIMF) has now completed three incredible editions, bringing together musicians from more than 20 countries, including African Countries, Oceania, Australia, New Zealand, Middle and East Asia, Europe, and America, in a celebration of pure, independent artistry. We also take immense pride in the John Anthony Guitar Contest, a stage that has given talented guitarists the recognition they deserve. A huge thank you to the Intercontinental Music Awards (ICMA) for co-sponsoring the guitar, elevating this contest to even greater heights.

Lazie Indie Magazine has forged significant partnerships to create something truly impactful for independent artists in India and beyond. At IIMF, we joined hands with Kerala Arts and Crafts Village to provide a dedicated space for indie musicians. We partnered with the Intercontinental Music Awards to co-sponsor guitars for the John Anthony Guitar Contest. What’s most heartening is that while Lazie Indie Magazine has remained fiercely independent, each of these collaborations has grown into a thriving, self-sustaining entity. Yet, all of them align with Lazie Indie Magazine’s core principle: to stay independent and support indie musicians worldwide without bias. This is the foundation of great, enduring movements.

These five years have tested us—running this magazine at its grandest while refusing to compromise on our ideals has often meant walking a tightrope. We have faced challenges, made sacrifices, and at times, struggled to make ends meet. But through it all, we stayed, we served, and we built something that matters. This is the testimony I want to share with the world—especially with those who are just one step away from taking the plunge to create something meaningful of their own.

When I started the magazine, I received a lot of well-meaning advice: "You will make a fool of yourself and lose whatever credibility you have earned as a musician because INDIES DO NOT HELP A FELLOW INDIE." And yes, there were moments I wondered if they were right. But I also wanted to challenge this belief—to see if musicians could rise above their own struggles and support one another. Could an indie musician, with no corporate backing, create a global platform that only massive companies could dream of?

Five years later, I have my answer. There are so many people who think the same way, who help each other, ensuring better coverage and a better life for indie musicians. The first step is always the hardest. You must brave the heat, take the risk, and stay the course.

So, as Chef Gusteau in Ratatouille said, "Anyone can cook," I say this: Anyone, from anywhere, who is willing to bite the bullet, work hard, and stay focused, can build something valuable for others. But there are a few conditions—one must not be conceited or self-centered, one must not be impatient, and one must be willing to accommodate and give space for each collaborator to have ownership. Finally, one must have the guts to say NO to anything that could eventually harm the cause, even if it challenges personal prejudices.

A special and deeply personal thank you to Inge Zimmermann Probst, our meticulous proofreader, whose dedication has ensured that every edition remains error-free. Your unwavering support, sharp insights, and belief in this vision have meant more than words can express. From day one, you have stood by this journey, and Lazie Indie Magazine would not be what it is today without you.

To celebrate our 5th Anniversary month, we will be arranging a few online talks. A couple of them will be to announce our new offerings, and a couple of them will be just to share our thoughts. We shall announce the details soon and would love for each one of you to join in.

But this is only the beginning. The road ahead is vast, and we are ready to walk it with even more fire, more purpose. The future holds new stories to tell, new artists to champion, and new battles to fight for the indie music revolution.

To every artist, every reader, every supporter who believed in this vision—this milestone is yours as much as it is ours. Here’s to five years of defying the odds, and to many more ahead.

With gratitude and unyielding passion,
Jay Pillai
Founder, Lazie Indie Magazine