With a good number of young and talented musicians starting a band of their own, one the biggest challenge they face is a space where they can sit together and create music without angering the neighbourhood. Metros like Chennai, Mumbai and Bengaluru already have dedicated spaces called ‘jam pads’ for practising or jamming together. And now, Kerala too is getting — Music Room in Kozhikode.
Jashi Shamin, founder of the jam pad, says, “The concept of Music Room has been around for a while. Without a jam room, it is very difficult for a band to get together and practise. Kerala has a huge number of talented artists, but there are no spaces for them to practise. Expensive studios are available, but a band might have to pay at last Rs 1000 and more for an hour.”
Elaborating about the Music Room, Jashi says, “We have a space equipped with all the instruments a band requires. Here they can jam as well as record. In a regular studio, tracks are recorded one by one. Although it is creative, it has limitations; the spontaneity is lost. There, the artists record something that is pre-decided whereas here, they can spend time, listen to other artists, jam along and also record. It is one big room where everything, including the drum kit, is set. Everything is wired as well. Artists can get into recording and also record their practice sessions as well.”
In a bid to promote upcoming bands and musicians, Music Room will be free for artists on Mondays and charges Rs 250 per hour on other days. “If a band comes for just one or two hours, we charge Rs 250 and if they need longer hours, we bring down the fee to Rs 200. On Monday, it is open for free,” says Jashi, who clarifies that it is not a performance venue. “But bands can demonstrate their music and performance to a small group like sponsors or producers.”
