IT ’SROCKING

Great Indian Rock, Rock Idols, Jazz Utsav, Independence Rock… These are but just a few names that have helped Delhi rock, and make it a hub for music festivals. And thanks to Delhi, India has found its place on the world rock music map

 

For those who missed Woodstock in 1969, New Delhi should be the next destination for Rock’n’Roll, or for any genre of music actually. Delhi has emerged as the capital hub for music festivals in India, what with Great Indian Rock (GIR), Independence Rock, Rock Idols, Delhi International Arts festival, Jazz Utsav and the latest entrant, Eastwind, being held here.

WHY DELHI?

Surojeet Dev, drummer, Them Clones, a popular Delhi rock band, has an answer for this, “Delhi, contrary to popular perception, is the hub of rock music. In fact, there is a huge scope here for all genres of music because there is a balance of different moods here. Mumbai and Bangalore have a more metalrock audience. Kolkata is more inclined towards classical rock. In Delhi, a band playing any genre of music will find a big audience.” Siddharth Menon, events manager, RSJ events, which conducts GIR, Jazz Utsav and Rocktober Fest amongst others, agrees with Surojeet. “Bangalore and Mumbai have a very defined taste for music. Delhi does not have one unified music culture and that’s what adds to the flavour of music here. Also, people in Delhi are willing to explore.” For those who might think of music festivals as just ‘Rock’ festivals, this is what Siddharth has to say. “Festivals are a huge hit in Delhi because this city is very
culturally aware. The enthusiasm
doesn’t border on just rock. Delhi has a huge audience for classical music as well.”
 

G Arjun, the bassist of the Delhi-based electronic band Jalebee Cartel, also feels that acceptance for music played in such festivals is not just limited to rock anymore. These festivals are huge platforms for musicians of other genres as well. “Lately, the music scene in Delhi has seen a lot of change. People now accept new artistes along with their style and genre. Festivals are probably the best way to introduce new talent to people.”

Advaita is a fusion band that has found music festivals in Delhi a good testing ground for original music by young composers. Says Anindo Bose, the keyboard player for the band, “Eastwind, Delhi International Arts, Jazz Utsav, Independence Rock, GIR, Rocktober Fest, Big Horn Festival and the SAARC Festival all happened here last year. The SAARC fest had bands from all the member nations and the concerts were held in Central Park, Connaught Place. The Delhi audience has matured to listening to different sounds. These days, it’s not just the youngsters who go to these festivals, but their moms and dads are also interested.” Adds Anindo, “The audience loves festivals because one ends up seeing so many live acts by bands for a minimal charge of say, Rs 100-150!”

WHAT’S IN IT FOR THE BANDS?

For the audience, music festivals mean a chance to be exposed to a large number of live acts and for the bands, it is a chance to serenade a large crowd. “The concept of rock festivals is an adaptation from the West. For the audience it works because they get to see many bands under one umbrella. For the bands, it is an opportunity to reach out to mammoth turnouts of say, 5,000 people who have gathered to listen to all the bands, while one band alone performing a gig will draw around 1,000 people, at best!” says Surojit. Advaita, which was founded by young college-goers who wished to move away from doing covers of famous bands to promoting original music made by them, finds music festivals the right medium. “Festivals are such a success in India because of the number of bands here. Today, bands want to do original music rather than covers and college-bands are also doing a great job, so festivals make a lot of sense,” says Anindo.
Arjun feels that it is the live-wire feeling and the adrenaline rush that makes the artistes very keen to perfrom at music fests. “I think the internet plays an important role too. People now have the access to a lot of music. They can see international shows and festivals sitting at home. They love what they see. So when they can experience music live, they love it, and that goes for us artistes too.” While bands that have not made it big on the Indian and international scene come to these fests to get greater exposure, those successful are here for the money part of it too. As Arjun says, “Most artistes, including us, perform either for free or for a very nominal fee. But I hope in time this will change so that artistes also benefit from these festivals.” Lekin, as Subir Malik, keyboardist, Parikrama says, “It also pays well. But while money is an important part, it’s also the fun involved that draws us.”

SO WHERE’S THE MONEY, HONEY?

Eastwind Festival is just a year old, but has met with huge success. That is because of the unique concept of the festival, where three bands get to perform simultaneously. The audience, therefore, has the option of choosing during the three-day long event. Adhiraj Mustafi, the organiser, says, “We promote both regional and contemporary music. We wanted Eastwind to be a cultural platform for bands to get global attention. The vibes for content and originality are at an all time high in India right now.” Ask him how he got started with this concept and whether he does it only for the love of music, and Adhiraj says, “I yearned for a festival like Eastwind even when I was 22. I joined the corporate sector, but then I realised that I wanted to be associated with music, so I got into this. Whatever profits we make, we roll it back into the company.” Bridging the differences between music and money, music festivals have become a means to make profits to fuel talent. “People like to go and listen to music and they don’t mind paying for it. Music is an art which now comes with a premium and there are takers for it. Before GIR, Indian rock scene meant doing covers, but now originals have come into fashion. Jazz Utsav began in 1984 as a free-for-all event, but is now a ticketed event. This has enabled the organisers to bring in increased international flavour. Music binds everyone and audience also appreciates listening to international bands,” clarifies Siddharth from RSJ, before adding, “You need to make profits to be able to invest. But we do it more for the love of it. That is where it started from actually! There is a lot of good music in India and it should get a global platform. We now have a voice of our own.”