How a small lockdown idea grew into a global celebration of independent music
If you’d told Jay Pillai in early 2020 that he was about to run a global magazine, he probably would’ve laughed, picked up his guitar, and said, “Yeah, right.”
But fast forward to today — Lazie Indie Magazine is being read in over 100 countries, has featured artists from 50+ nations, released 80+ editions (65 monthly + 15 special), and even took home the 2024 Josie Music Award for Media Company of the Year.
Not bad for something that started during lockdown, right?
🎧 So, How Did It All Begin?
Picture this:
The world was shut. Stages were empty. Musicians were stuck in their rooms, strumming into the void.
Jay — a musician himself — decided to do something about it.
He started talking to other indie artists online, just to keep the music alive. Those conversations turned into interviews. Those interviews became stories. And those stories became Lazie Indie Magazine — first published on May 27, 2020.
The goal?
Not to be fancy or commercial. Just to give artists a fair voice.
No filters. No favoritism. Just pure music, real stories, and the kind of passion that doesn’t fit into algorithms.
🌍 From Local Passion to Global Family
Read the inspiring journey of Lazie Indie Magazine
Five years later, Lazie Indie is less of a “magazine” and more of a movement.
It’s lovingly called the Lazie Indie Family — a growing tribe of artists, dreamers, and storytellers who’ve turned a small indie project into a worldwide celebration of creativity.
Each edition brings new voices — a blues guitarist from Texas, a folk singer from Armenia, a pop artist from Ghana, or a classical composer from China.
Different languages. Same heartbeat.
And get this:
Lazie Indie has never missed an issue.
Every month since May 2020, the magazine has dropped — on time, rain or shine, lockdown or chaos. That’s 66+ regular editions, 15 special editions, and countless stories that have connected people across borders.
🎸 Beyond the Pages
Then came the real fun.
Lazie Indie didn’t just stay a magazine — it turned into a stage.
🎤 The International Indie Music Festival (IIMF) was born — a one-of-a-kind event in India that brings together indie musicians from around the world to perform, collaborate, and, well… jam.
🎸 The John Anthony Guitar Contest followed — a celebration of guitar heroes from every corner of the globe, judged by music veterans and powered by sheer passion.
“Lazie Indie was never meant to be just about interviews,” says Jay.
“It’s about the spirit of independent music — about believing that a song written in a small room can echo across the world.”
🏆 And Then Came Awards
In 2024, Lazie Indie Magazine was named Media Company of the Year (Magazines/Blogs/Reviews) at the Josie Music Awards in Nashville — one of the biggest honors in the independent music world.
Not bad for a magazine that started with zero funding, a laptop, and a heart full of riffs.
That win wasn’t just for the team — it was for every indie artist who ever believed their voice deserved to be heard.
🚀 The Road Ahead
Now, Lazie Indie is tuning up for its next big setlist:
Launching French, Spanish, and Asia-Pacific editions
Growing the International Indie Music Festival into a multi-continent celebration
Strengthening partnerships with global festivals and music awards
And rolling out more special editions that showcase music that truly moves the world
What’s next? Who knows.
But one thing’s certain — the stage lights are back on, and the world’s indie artists have found their home.
❤️ Why It Matters
Because music isn’t about fame.
It’s about connection, courage, and creation.
Lazie Indie Magazine was built on a simple belief — that real music deserves real stories.
It’s about artists who play for the love of it, who write songs in the dark, who keep showing up — no matter who’s watching.
That’s what makes it special.
That’s what keeps it alive.
🎵 Be Part of the Story
🎸 Read Lazie Indie Magazine: https://www.lazieindiemagazine.com/
📸 Follow on Instagram: @lazie_indie] https://www.instagram.com/lazie_indie
📖 Connect on LinkedIn: Lazie Indie Magazine
“We started with one story during a lockdown.
Today, we’re telling the world’s stories — one song at a time.”
