Lately, many rendezvous spots in the city have taken to mingling food and music. Be it the pianist at a swanky restaurant that serves the cream of the corporate world, or the two-piece acoustic band that plays classics at a popular youth hang-outs, these musicians are no less than artists who have made it big. What makes them rock and roll minus all the glitz and glam is their sheer love for music.

“Ideally, we would like to build an appreciation among people for other genres of music, besides the ones they are used to,” says Winnie, a singer who performs with her percussionist T-bone in many restaurants.

“It is a win-win situation for the artists as well as the venue,” observes guitarist and singer Priyesh Manjit Raj, who plays solo and with his band in pubs across the city. One of Hyderabad’s most respected bands, Phoenix is also being spotted at various cafes. For the band there is no dearth of shows, but these regular performances are an ‘addiction’. “Nothing compares to the experience of performing live — it is an addiction,” declares singer Loki Pai.

“When we play at smaller gatherings, the experience becomes personal. We interact with the crowd, even share a joke,” Loki says. Contrary to the usual complaints, the veteran musician says that the Hyderabad crowd is the best. “Hyderabad has a multi-cultured crowd. As a musician I cherish this, as it grooms me overall,” he asserts.