The NH7 Weekender music festival line up is out. India’s “happiest music festival” or at least the fastest expanding and therefore the most famous music festival, is kicking off from October 23rd, starting with Shillong.
Headlining the festival are, English musician DJ Mark Ronson, most famous for Uptown Funk and AR Rahman. The line up also includes American thrash metal band Megadeth, who might be a little past their time perhaps, but India is a ripe territory for ageing has-beens. Besides these performances, there will be plenty of Indian acts.
The festival, spread over five cities - Pune, Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata and Shillong - has different line ups for each city. And sadly, for those attending in Shillong and Kolkata only, will miss out on Mark Ronson and Rahman’s performances. Megadeth though is performing only in Kolkata and Shillong. So that should make up for it, somewhat.
For those who don’t care about them or well, just can’t make it to the cities where they are performing, there is plenty of homegrown talent you can catch. Here are some of the acts that you should definitely watch out for:
Soulmate
Soulmate is a blues rock band from Shillong, Meghalaya. It is primarily composed of guitarist Rudy Wallang and vocalist Tipriti ‘Tips’ Kharbangar and the rest of the band has seen several changes. Rudy is amongst the finest guitarists in India, while Tipriti is a vocal powerhouse. One of the best bands in India, it’s no wonder that they come from the North east. They are performing in Shillong, Delhi and Pune but no show in Kolkata and Bangalore.
Prateek Kuhad
He opened the act for Alt-J when they performed in India, earlier this year. Prateek Kuhad’s dreamy vocals and soothing lyrics are fresh and nostalgic at the same time. He is performing in Kolkata and Pune.
Peter Cat Recording Co.
A very interesting and original band from Delhi, Peter Cat Recording Co. is described as an anomaly on the city’s music scene. This is a four-piece gypsy jazz/cabaret band formed in 2009, from San Francisco/New Delhi. Their sound is inspired by Bollywood music of the 60s and 70s, which itself was heavily influenced by American music. This derivative, meta band makes soul stirring and thoughtful music. You can catch them only in Pune.
Aayushi Karnik
This 20 year old musician from Surat, Gujarat is a musical prodigy of sorts. A self taught musician, listening to her you’d never guess it. She will be performing at the Pune leg of the festival.
Ska Vengers
This Ska and Reggae influenced band from Delhi is all good energy and vibe. And also part revolt. Their songs often have a deeper political issue at their core, like their latest track which is inspired by freedom fighter Udham Singh. They are performing only in Shillong.
Pune, the city of the music festival’s origin has the most number of acts at this year’s NH7 Weekender. The festival will take place in Shillong from October 23-24, in Kolkata from Oct 31-Nov 1, in Delhi from Nov 28-29, in Pune from Dec 4-6, and in Bangalore from Dec 5-6.
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