How antiSOCIAL Has Catered to Giving a Platform to Young Artists Over the Years

As Mumbai’s antiSOCIAL marks eight years of existence, it has become a groundbreaking cultural phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on the Indian art and culture scene. Serving as a global stage for artists, a launching platform for emerging talents and a progressive advocate for diversity and representation, the venue is a go-to place for fans of the arts and performers. We caught up with Vivek Dudani, Head of Events and Programming at antiSOCIAL to discuss how the venue has played a part in pushing young talent and how new artists can reach out to venues like antiSOCIAL to play at. Read below.

With antiSOCIAL being a premier venue for artists to perform at, how does the programming team go about working with younger artists to allow for them to showcase their talent on the antiSOCIAL stage?

At antiSOCIAL, we proactively identify and nurture up-and-coming talent. We are always on the lookout for promising artists, primarily through our industry connections, various events, and being receptive towards the recommendations from established artists. This network-driven approach is key to discovering and nurturing these up-and-comers. Additionally, we team up young talents with big and established names to create an incredible show, while providing the emerging talent with a great exposure. This not only displays their talent but also captures the attention of larger crowds. We believe that through these opportunities, emerging artists can gradually build their careers, and it turns out to be a win-win situation.

Have you noticed emerging artists grow from starting out playing opening sets to doing bigger slots?

We often witness remarkable talents emerging from nowhere, and a perfect example of this phenomenon is [Mumbai rapper] DIVINE’s journey. It may be hard to believe, but DIVINE’s first step into the public arena took place at antiSOCIAL. During this significant moment, he insisted on taking complete control of the show. To our surprise, the show rapidly sold out in less than half a day, with a queue of over a hundred eager fans clamoring to gain entry. This story of DIVINE serves as a testament to how individuals can grow towards greater heights with determination and a touch of valor.

What are ways for artists to get noticed for a chance to perform at antiSOCIAL?

I strongly believe that if you want to break into the industry and if you’re looking to expand your opportunities, one should not limit themselves to any one place or venue. Building relationships and a strong network is key. It is all about getting out there, attending events, and making connections with the people who organize these events, engage in conversations, and acquaint yourself with them.

Also, do not underestimate the power of recommendations. Friends, fellow artists, and other supporters from different communities can really help artists get their foot in the door. They can vouch for you and introduce you to opportunities you might not have come across otherwise. So, it’s all about building those connections, investing in your community, and having people in your corner who can help you out in this exciting journey!

Also, are there any tips young artists should follow when reaching out to a venue like antiSOCIAL?

If an artist is trying to reach out to a place like antiSOCIAL or any other venue for that matter, the individual needs to be patient and persistent. Don’t rush into things. We look into each and every request we receive and follow due process to ensure we are offering the best for our audience. For artists, the key is to concentrate on what you do best, be persistent and always give your 100%. Don’t be in a hurry to make things happen. Sometimes, it’s better to let opportunities come to you instead of constantly chasing after them. So, don’t overcomplicate it, just focus on yourself, do your thing, and let the right opportunities find you.

What’s it going to be like going forward at antiSOCIAL?

antiSOCIAL is all about celebrating and supporting talent in all its forms. Whether you’ve just started off with your journey or you’re an established artist, we’ve got your back. We get that the early stages of an artist’s career can be a bit of a rollercoaster, and we’re here to provide you with the resources, guidance, and a warm community to help you grow. And for those artists who’ve already carved their niche, we totally understand the need for a space to keep pushing boundaries and try new things. But here’s the thing, we are not an exclusive place. We are more like a welcoming haven for artists, irrespective of their background or preferred art form. We genuinely believe in the impact of art and are dedicated to supporting the entire artistic community, all while keeping the vibe easy-going and welcoming.