How music festivals are becoming launchpads for indie artistes
Music festivals like 'Soundscapes of India' are increasingly serving as professional launchpads for independent artists to gain exposure to industry scouts. The event showcased a diverse range of musical styles, helping performers secure future gigs and festival slots.
Why it matters
It reflects the growing professionalization and commercial viability of the independent music scene in India.
When keyboardist Abhijit Pohankar and his Global Varkari group presented Marathi abhangs for the Delhi crowd, they were aware that a language barrier might cloud the audience grasp. So, Pohankar explained what abhangs are, the meaning of the songs and the ragas on which they are based. Harini Iyer, founder and vocalist of the Chennai-based Tamil Jazz Collective and Tsewang Nurboo, frontman of the Ladakh-based band Dashug, adopted their own methods to deepen the audience’s appreciation.
Soundscapes of India — a three-day showcase, organised by the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) and curated by MusiConnect India — brought together sounds from across India. There was music from Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Ladakh, Chennai, and beyond — some known names and some new. From fusion rock and folk to Carnatic jazz and Hindustani classical jugalbandis, the range was diverse.
Abhijit Pohankar of Global Varkari. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
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