Some really fine artistes will light up the 2014 edition of India’s 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 year’s Bacardi NH7 Weekender has been unveiled. Inarguably the most popular music festival in India, it is has been bringing down global music icons to the country every edition. With this year, things only get bigger and better.
Without further ado, here’s 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 in Pune’s Koregaon Park in 2010, the festival has expanded to 3 more cities since – Kolkata, Bangalore and 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 – a perfect melting pot of incredible acts, and here are the Sherp’s assorted picks of artistes you should look out for:
1. Cloud Control
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 Blasko
Genre: Alt-pop
From: Sydney, Australia
The singer-songwriter from Down Under weaves a lush tapestry by combining uncomplicated lyrics with part-breezy-part-buoyant tunes.
3. Luke Sital-Singh
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 Trivedi
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. It’s exciting to see a mainstream Bollywood music composer grace the NH7 weekender stage.
5. Jon Hopkins
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. After starting his career playing keyboard for Imogen Heap, he has produced or contributed to albums by Brian Eno, Coldplay, David Holmes, and others.
6. The Inspector Cluzo
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. It’s a unique mix of high-voltage rock’n’roll and fresh funky groove.
7. The Vaccines
Genre : Indie
From : Britain
As one of the most impressive English Indie bands in the scene, it’s 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 50’s rock and roll and good pop music. Plus, word on the street is that they’re brilliant to watch live.
8. As Animals
Genre: Pop rock
From : France
As Animals are a relatively new French pop duo – 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 Zara’s powerful, emotional and warm vocals are what will really draw you in. Bangalore, Kolkata – you’re in for treat.
9. Dinosaur Pile Up
Genre : Alternative Rock
From : England
We’re excited for this one! Hailing from Leeds, West Yorkshire Dinosaur Pile up have been around the alternative scene for quite a while now – 2007 to be exact. It’s hard to really describe what they sound like – a cross between the Foo fighters and Smashing Pumpkins, maybe? Regardless, they’re definitely an act to watch out for.