Some really fine artistes will light up the 2014 edition of Indiaβs happiest music festival. The Vaccines, MUTEMATH, Jon Hopkins, Luke Sital-Singh, Sarah Blasko & Fear Factory are just some of the acts playing at the festival.
The much-anticipated line-up for this yearβs Bacardi NH7 Weekender has been unveiled. Inarguably the most popular music festival in India, it isΒ has been bringing down global music icons to the country every edition. With this year, things only get bigger and better.
Without further ado, hereβs the entire city-wise roster for the massive gathering:
Since its inception 4 years ago, the music gala has provided an overall festival experience that no other domestic event has. Starting off as a single city outing inΒ Puneβs Koregaon ParkΒ in 2010, the festival has expanded to 3 more cities since βΒ Kolkata,Β BangaloreΒ andΒ Delhi.
Apart from most of our favourite Indian outfits featuring at the festival, the four-city extravaganza will showcase some outstanding foreign talent as well β a perfect melting pot of incredible acts, and here are the Sherpβs assorted picks of artistes you should look out for:
1. Cloud ControlΒ
Genre: Alt-pop
From: Sydney, Australia
This Ozzy act has a gripping sound, complete with lilting, haunting melodies and old-school grooves. What also got us hooked to them were their bewitching music videos.
2. Sarah BlaskoΒ
Genre: Alt-pop
From: Sydney, Australia
The singer-songwriter from Down Under weaves aΒ lush tapestryΒ by combining uncomplicated lyricsΒ withΒ part-breezy-part-buoyant tunes.
3. Luke Sital-SinghΒ
Genre: Folk
From: New Malden, UK
The 26-year-old singer-songwriter has already made his presence felt in the UK music circuit. With his plaintive melodies, minimalist sound and effortless vocals, he is one of the artistes we will be watching out for at the festival.
4. Amit TrivediΒ
Genre: Sound Track, Film Score
From: Mumbai, India
Popular for his excellent contributions to Bollywood movies Dev D, Wake Up Sid, Udaan amongst others, Amit Trivedi has come a long way from being part of a college band to composing some of the best musical compositions that exist in Bollywood today. Itβs exciting to see a mainstream Bollywood music composer grace the NH7 weekender stage.
5. Jon HopkinsΒ
Genre: Chillout Electronica
From: Surrey, England
Jon Hopkins is a musical genius. Self-hypnosis is a longstanding personal fascination that Hopkins brings into his music. Β After starting his career playing keyboard forΒ Imogen Heap, he has produced or contributed to albums byΒ Brian Eno,Β Coldplay,Β David Holmes, and others.
6. The Inspector CluzoΒ
Genre: Fusion, Groove, Rock
From: Mont-de-Marsan, France
Magical groove, original feeling and sharped sense of rowdy rhythm make The Inspector Cluzo one of the funkiest rock duets in the world. The most surprising thing with the band is, besides that they are only two guys and make more noise than a big orchestra. Itβs a unique mix of high-voltage rockβnβroll and fresh funky groove.
7. The VaccinesΒ
Genre : Indie
From : Britain
As one of the most impressive English Indie bands in the scene, itβs an absolute blessing that OML booked them for the festival this year. Their music is a feel good mix of indie and post punk revival with noticeable influences from 50βs rock and roll and good pop music. Plus, word on the street is that theyβre brilliant to watch live.
8. As AnimalsΒ
Genre: Pop rock
From : France
As Animals are a relatively new French pop duo β Zara Desbonnes (vocals) and Frederic Grange (guitar) who released their first album earlier this year. Their style? New age pop/rock with powerful melodies and arrangements. The vocalist Zaraβs powerful, emotional and warm vocals are what will really draw you in. Bangalore, Kolkata β youβre in for treat.
9. Dinosaur Pile UpΒ
Genre : Alternative Rock
From : England
Weβre excited for this one! Hailing from Leeds, West Yorkshire Dinosaur Pile up have been around the alternative scene for quite a while now β 2007 to be exact. Itβs hard to really describe what they sound like β a cross between the Foo fighters and Smashing Pumpkins, maybe? Regardless, theyβre definitely an act to watch out for.