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They are here to rock you!
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More and more music bands found a platform in Delhi this year, writes MANGALA RAMAMOORTHY
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A different beat Advaita performed at the SAARC Bands Festival
Finally, Delhi has something more to boast than being the political nerve centre and Capital of India. Henceforth, call it the new music capital of the country. It was not too long ago when, other than a jazz festival or two, rock/blues/jazz and expe
rimental music lovers had to find solace in Mumbai, Bangalore or Kolkata or say in far off Shillong to satiate their soul. But now the picture is changing, as these genres are finding promoters and audience here. Channel V Launch Pad rock show, Sharktooth Livestorm show, SAARC Band Festival and the Delhi International Arts Festival are just a few pointers in that direction, all of which happened in the last six months.
Shillong-based Soulmate are a regular in the city
The result: a whole lot of top-notch bands from across the country and neighbouring countries have made their debut here. The scene has also encouraged fresh talents to find their feet in the music industry. Soulmate, a blues band from Shillong, has been making frequent trips to Delhi this year to perform and have nice things to say about the audience. “Delhi is one of the top cities for music artistes to perform. It is one of the best audiences we have played for. Our fan following has been increasing with every performance. The fact that we have played so often says it all,” shares Rudy, the band’s guitarist. His thoughts are seconded by Bangalore’s Raghupathy Dixit of Raghu Dixit Project, which performed at the recent SAARC festival. “Though it was our first performance it seemed as if they already knew our music. What I also liked about the city was that they are very open to different kinds of music. Stigmata from Sri Lanka, which performed before us at the SAARC festival, is a hardcore metal band, and ours is more experimental music. But the audience enjoyed both the music.”
Relaxed rules
Organisers credit this new change, to an extent, to the Government for relaxing many rules and creating avenues for such music to flourish. Sanjeev Bhargava of Seher, one of the associates of the SAARC Bands Festival, explains, “There was a time when we had to fight the government to get permission to organise events but the current Chief Minister, Sheila Dixit, has encouraged cultural events. Also, earlier, Delhi audience was always considered as the trouble makers in concerts. Even during the band performance there was a lot of police protection as we felt there might be some trouble. But the whole event went on so smoothly and was attended by over 20,000 people that we have decided to make it an annual event now.”
Junkyard Groove from Chennai made their debut in the city
Haze, a popular pub in Basant Lok, is one of the destinations for good music. Kiran Sant, its proprietor, feels it was the lack of promoters that marred the scenario earlier. “There has always been an audience for good music. But till three years ago, live bands were not allowed in pubs. But once the government started encouraging such shows, promoters are also getting interested in organising events,” he says.Early bands had to worry about sustaining themselves in hostile environment, but now new Delhi-based bands like Lazy River, formed this year, feel confident that music can be a viable career. But Dhaval Mudgal, founder and lead vocalist for Half Step Down, sends out a warning. “This year definitely saw the numbers of gigs increasing but the quality is lacking. Unless you aren’t in the top league it is better to keep other career options,” he feels.
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