Tivandrum-based indie artiste Aksomaniac’s latest track Amsham has gone viral on social media, crossing over 2 million views within just 10 days of its release. But for him, numbers are only a small part of the story. What truly defines his work is its cinematic storytelling, layered emotions and deeply personal honesty. In a candid chat with us, he opens up about storytelling, self-censorship and finding his voice. Excerpts: ‘Every project starts with writing and visualising’For Aksomaniac, music isn’t just about sound — it’s about narrative. “Every project starts with writing. That’s the core of everything I do. I usually take my time, especially since I’m still new to writing in Malayalam. “My music comes from real-life experiences; pain is what drives me. Amsham is about being reluctant to fall in love, while other songs draw from different personal experiences. Most of my songs have sad undertones. This one was different — the character is playful, flirty and mysterious,” he says.The music video reflects this shift, layered with symbolism and cinematic storytelling. It also marks his debut as a director and editor on a full-length music video. “From scratch — making the song to finishing the video — it took about two to three months. But it didn’t feel like work. It was just fun,” he explains. The process extended beyond songwriting, he says. Living with filmmakers — who eventually directed the video — meant the project evolved organically at home. “We spent a month arguing, writing and reworking ideas. That’s honestly the best part. You understand each other better, and the story becomes stronger,” he says.‘Self-censorship is a responsibility’Aksomaniac’s videos are bold and often push boundaries. But with visibility comes scrutiny — something he is acutely aware of. “I do self-censor, but I see it as a responsibility, not a restriction. Storytelling isn’t about provocation, but connection. Even if I have something strong to say, I want to say it with kindness. That way, even someone who disagrees might still hear me out,” he explains.This balance often comes from intense creative debates within his team. “We argue a lot. Someone pushes an idea, someone pushes back. It’s always about how we can say the same thing, but better,” he tells us. ‘Social media gave me the confidence to start’Like many artistes of his generation, Aksomaniac’s journey is closely tied to social media. “I joined Instagram when I was in the sixth grade. That’s where everything began — even the name ‘Aksomaniac’,” he says. More than just a platform, it became a safe space. “There’s a certain intimacy to it. You record something, post it, and you don’t have to face reactions in real time. That gives you the confidence to put yourself out there. Social media has democratised everything — you don’t need massive budgets to find your audience anymore,” he says, adding that he still continues to record in this room rather than at a studio. ‘There’s space for everyone in indie music’As India’s indie music scene expands, so does the diversity of voices. From regional crossovers to viral hits across languages, the landscape is more fluid than ever — something Aksomaniac sees as an opportunity rather than pressure. “I’ve always been competitive, but I see it as fuel. When I see other artistes doing great work, it excites me. It pushes me to learn and do better. Everyone is telling their own story. My experiences are different from someone else’s, so the music will always be different too,” he says.
