MUMBAI: Mumbai-based ennui.BOMB is co-organising the second edition of Shine A Light Music Festival in Sohra (Cherrapunjee), Meghalaya. ennui.BOMB co-founder Rishu Singh was so mesmerised by the location that he could not help but want to be a part of the festival, agreeing to co-organise it with the Shine A Light team.
The second edition of the Shine A Light: Voice of the Silent Hills music festival, will take place from 26 to 28 November, 2015. Speaking about the festival, Singh said, “It will be a three day festival that will be supported by the changing scenic beauty, giving music lovers a most mesmerising experience.”
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Adding to it, Atanu Buragohain, one of members of Team Shine A Light said, “Through this association, we want to reach out to rock n’ roll fans and spread awareness about the gig.” Over 20 artists like The Rudy Wallang Band, Angie Swan (USA), Jean Davoisne (France), Still Waters, Khayal Groova, White Mug, Da Primitive Future, Plague Throat, Lucid Recess, Dosser’s Urge and many more, will be featured at the festivals. For three days, two stages will be lit up with performances by various rock musicians. “We selected music that has soul and we wanted to keep it raw. Music should be what triggers emotion and that is how the bands and artists, were selected for the festival,” added Buragohain, a music lover and believer in showmanship.
Tickets for the three days event are priced at Rs 1200, for two people, which will be a good option for those who want to enjoy the festival and celebrate the spirit of the region without it getting too heavy on their pocket.
Buragohain said, “In Meghalaya, Rock n Roll music has a unique mass appeal. It is a lifestyle embedded into the soul of the common man and the working class people, and is almost treated like a religion by some. Electronic music does not share the same enthusiasm as in other places.” Echoing the same sentiments, Singh said, “This festival is about playing live music coming from the bands.”
The first edition of the festival, which was held last year, saw over 15 bands from across the North-east play at this festival, which was attended by around 1200 plus music lovers. Talking about his experience at the first edition, Singh, who also introduced Vans New Wave Music Fest last year, said, “Last year, I attended it and it was insane. The performances were crazy. However, the Shine A Light team required a little assistance so I decided to help them and here we are co-organising the festival.”
It began with the intention to revive rock n’ roll, and support local musicians by Buragohain and group of friends. Buragohain said, “We wanted to give local musicians the exposure they deserve. And the bands who played for the first edition, did it free of cost for their passion.” However, unlike the first edition, this edition will have more rock along with other music genres.
No-access to internet might be a nightmare for many but people who want to just enjoy those three days as a getaway it is an ideal place to be, stated Buragohain.
With no sponsors on board, Buragohain is determined to get the festival running for the love for music. For the last edition, Buragohain, along with a few others spent Rs 5.5 lakh on the festival, out of their own pockets. “We are completely dependent on ticket sales and even if that is not possible, the festival will still happen,” he added.
This festival, which will take place at a 60-acre venue, will also boost Sohra and the outskirts as a tourist destination. Buragohain said, “We have more support from local authorities.”
Apart from music, there are a lot of other activities like mountain cycling, trekking and cave exploring, among others, to enjoy the scenic beauty and the ambience of the surrounding silent hills. Festival goers also have the choice to camp right next to the venue.
For this edition, MTV Indies is serving as the powered by partner, Red FM as radio partner, Instamojo as money partner, along with many other partners that have come onboard.
