Brooklyn, renowned for its legacy of musical hybrids, has rarely encountered a band quite like Minaxi. Formed in 2018, this genre-defying quartet blends the frenetic energy of Mumbai’s outskirts with the hazy introspection of Brooklyn’s alt-rock scene, crafting a soundscape that is both deeply rooted and transcendent.

Minaxi’s vision is as bold as its execution. The band seamlessly integrates elements of Hindustani and Sufi music with the guitar-driven angst of psychedelia, the shimmering textures of shoegaze and ambient music, and the emotionally raw ethos of Midwest emo. The result is a sonic palette that feels simultaneously familiar and refreshingly original, steeped in cultural traditions yet undeniably modern. 

At the core of Minaxi lies a dynamic rhythm section. Drummer Steve Carlin’s infectious backbeats provide the heartbeat, while Thomas Herndon’s funk- and jazz-inspired basslines create a groove-laden foundation. Together, they anchor the band’s experimental soundscapes. Songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist Liam Christian injects Midwest emo sensibilities, while co-songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist Shrenik Ganatra’s Hindustani roots enrich their music with intricate textures and nuanced depth.

The band’s output has been prolific. Self-released albums such as Khwab (2020) and Lazuleen (2022) sit alongside EPs like Zidd (2019) and Sialia (2021). In March 2024, Minaxi unveiled their sprawling album, The Reverberating Sound of an Absent Metropolis, exploring themes of urban isolation and cultural dislocation. Their creative momentum continues Z of A, slated for release in August 2025, the first part of an ambitious double album exploring beginnings, endings, and the emotional fallout of global disruption. In true DIY spirit, Minaxi self-records their music and conceptualizes all visuals independently, with much of the creative direction driven by Ganatra, a multidisciplinary designer and artist.

Minaxi is more than a band; it is a convergence of cultures, eras, and artistic disciplines. Their music unfolds like a dialogue—between Brooklyn and Mumbai, between tradition and experimentation, between chaos and beauty. And within that dialogue lies their brilliance.

For anyone yearning for music that transcends borders and expectations while embracing the messy, beautiful complexity of human existence, Minaxi is a journey worth taking.