Nothing can stop the musical jamboree this November. Celebrated musicians from India and abroad will be congregating to showcase the best at the 100 Pipers India Music Week that is scheduled to be held between November 16 and 20 across various spots in the city and simultaneously at Bengaluru and Mumbai as well.
From jazz to electronica, pop to rock, dance to psychedelic trance, drum and bass and blues and folk — almost every genre finds some representation at the fest. “What excites me most is that it is about engaging with Indie music in India in totality, and will involve everyone from musicians to fans to the music industry,” says Amit Saigal, an organiser.
Some of the highlights for the Week will be Jeff Lang, a well-known Australian legend of the virtuoso guitar, Avinash (BLOT) who will collaborate with Jerome (a classical trained musician who has chosen electronic music as a career).
Then there’ll also be Stephanie Thazar from the French Island of Reunion and Indian heavyweights like Raghu Dixit Project, Parikrama among others.
Talking about the Royal Norwegian Embassy’s association with the fest and its varied line-up, Ann Ollestad, the Norwegian ambassador, says, “Never have I in India seen such an ambitious programme, engaging so many vibrant and dynamic young musicians. I am also looking forward to the lasting effects of the networks this festival will produce.”
As a first, the music festival will also witness a two-day music conference which will bring together the global business of music and will stand as a networking opportunity for all involved in the world of music. The discussions will range from copyright issues, songwriting to music production tips by artists from all over the world, while workshops will be aimed at improving knowledge base of musicians and their support structures, skill enhancement and capacity building.
“We’re trying to provide a platform and create an amalgamation of culture of India and abroad. The conversations will be topical and of interest. And the workshops of musicians, the support structure and the labels and those who work at the periphery will all facilitate exchange of ideas and sharing of knowledge,” adds Amit.
And it has given fans all the reason to be upbeat about the lineup of biggies landing in the city.
“The mix of heavyweights and really talented new names will be an interesting combo to watch. Plus, it will provide upcoming musicians and technicians a valuable opportunity with interact and learn from the experience maestros. It will be a good one,” sums up Lohit Singh, a sound recordist.