The independent music scene in Kerala is growing – by one song at a time. Although a handful of bands have built up a nationwide fan base, a good number of talented musicians are either remaining stagnant or are moving out of Kerala in search of a platform. An effort to bring together some leading musicians and their bands has given rise to ‘Bands United’.
After tasting an unexpected success in Thrissur, the second leg of Bands United will be held in Kochi on August 12 at Fine Arts Hall.
“What we are trying here, is to give a platform to the local bands. Kerala has a good number of highly talented artistes, but none of them are popular outside Kerala. They are also moving out of Kerala in search of a chance to prove themselves. The understanding that these bands do not have a proper venue got us thinking, and that is how we decided to start Bands United,” says Vinayak Mohanlal, Organiser.
This music festival saw a turnout of people aged between 18 to 70 for their show in Thrissur and are hoping to recreate the same crowd support in Kochi as well. “We had four bands performing in Thrissur and each had a different genre. In Kochi we are providing the platform for six bands. We have roped in Perfect Equation and Rocazaurus while we are in talks with few other bands as well,” he says.
He explains the selection criteria: “The event is not for popular bands alone. The space is also for newcomers. Thrissur saw a fresh first-timer on stage called the Crossovers. Surely the headlining act will be a popular band which will be a one-hour slot. The rest are divided into 35 and 45 minutes slot. The bands will be given remuneration.”
With the intention of providing a platform and an opportunity for audience to learn new genres, Bands United is planning to take the show to Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode in the coming months.
