City bands feel sidelined

The city has suddenly metamorphosed into a cultural cauldron. With international theatre, music and fine arts infusing into the local scene — one sect of creative artistes have begun to feel slightly overlooked — Hyderabadi rock bands. They say starting bands is one thing, but chances of making a career out of their passion is a no-go as there are no takers for local talent or venues for them to
perform at.
Native Tongue frontman, Samson ‘Baba’ Madella says, “Initially, Goethe Zentrum and Alliance would provide a platform for young rockers in the city, but after they’ve grown big, they’ve followed up with German and French acts. There are no local venues, where bands can play.”
Samson also believes clubs prefer flying in international DJs, leaving Hyderabad music newbies with no room, “Kyra Theatre in Bengaluru and Blue Frog in Mumbai are a few places where rockers get to perform original compositions, Hyderabad could do with some such platforms. Rock appreciation suffers and there is no awareness about this particular art form in the city.”
Vocalist and lead guitarist of Maven’s Chamber, Vivek Sagar seconds Samson, “Forget getting paid, even getting a chance to perform before an audience is rare for city bands. Due to the lack of sponsors, the bands take the heat. Other cities are definitely more receptive. Bands who put in hours of practice before every gig, often get dejected when their gigs get cancelled at the last minute.”
Prashanth Pallemoni, a DJ, who started a music label called Grey Soul Records, empathises with the artistes, but explains, “The fact remains that it is hard to promote rock groups. The musical landscape has changed in the recent years and the focus is different. There are two musical offshoots that work well commercially — the Indian classical performances and international acts. Pub licenses in Hyderabad cost a bomb, about Rs 20-30 lakh per annum and it takes many events for these clubs to break-even. There is little way to make money with young, unknown rock groups. Any business establishment would like to cover the economic risk.”