BudX Showcases Uncovered Artists at Lollapalooza India 2024

As repeating sponsors for Lollapalooza India, Budweiser has embraced a distinctive endeavor with their recent initiative known as “BudX Uncovered.” Aiming to provide international exposure to emerging talents, this edition featured two powerhouses from the Indian independent music scene who captivated the audience on the Budweiser stage. From the Northeast of India to the vibrant music scene in South Bangalore, the inclusion of musical expressions from various regions across our nation is crucial in advancing cultural diversity.

Rolling Stone India spoke with this year’s Bud X Uncovered artists, Meba Ofilia and RANJ x CLIFR, to understand more about their artistry and what their creative drivers are that keep them inspired and hungry for more.

Meba Ofilia

Rolling Stone India: Singing is an integral part of all cultures and traditions. Which of these do you draw from, and why?

Meba Ofilia: “I’m fortunate to come from a family of traditional folk musicians, and people who had an affinity towards music. I grew up singing in church and this along with my family are core influences for my music. As my body of work grows, I want to introduce more of these elements, which I am hopeful you will hear in the future. To the BudX Stage at Lollapalooza India 2024, I want to bring an amalgamation of these inspirations, coupled with my sound. The opportunity to perform alongside some of the greatest artists in the world is one that I find quite exciting!” 

We have a speaking voice and a singing voice. Do these feel like they are natural extensions of each other, ends on a spectrum or different in kind? 

Meba Ofilia: “Interesting question! Yes, of course. I believe every individual can carry a tune. It only takes a certain level of dedication and practice to hone one’s skill.” 

Creativity can reach many different corners of our lives. Do you personally feel as though writing a piece of music is inherently different from something like making a great cup of coffee? What do you express through music that you couldn’t or wouldn’t in more ‘mundane’ tasks? 

Meba Ofilia: “While there is an art to making good coffee or furniture or make up, all of them have different methods. I can draw parallels to the same. All of them follow a similar principle. Most times or early on during my career, I would avoid getting personal with my lyrics thinking people would read too much into it. Lately, I’ve realized that the things we go through are very similar if not the same. I very much want to provide my listeners with some company — a “Let’s cry together” kind of moment. There’s some sense of upliftment in that too.” 

What can you tell us about what you have in store for 2024? Is there a project you are currently working on that you are excited about? 

Meba Ofilia: “Well, performing at the BudX Stage at Lollapalooza and being the BudX Uncovered Act is a great start to 2024, so things are looking up! In terms of projects, I am working on something special! I have a good feeling about this, it’s one of those projects where I have been the most honest and easy going in terms of lyrics and music. Can’t wait to bring it to my audiences. Hopefully live, at another BudX Stage?” 

RANJ x CLIFR

Rolling Stone India: Before you started making music together, did you in any form exchange concrete ideas, goals, or strategies? What are your preferences when it comes to planning vs spontaneity in a collaboration?

CLIFR: “RANJ and I, started playing in a band together in college and that’s how we met. We made music apart from the band music as well. There was never really a big plan. The plan was to make music, compose songs and just experiment with new sounds – that always was and will remain the plan.”

RANJ: “I think we have explored both planning and spontaneity, equally. For example, most of “2 Good”, which is in our EP Antihero, was made in a single session with Karan Kanchan. It was fun and easy flowing, and we have made several songs like that. At the same time, some songs took a lot more development – emotionally and in terms of skill, to get the refined product out. So to answer your question, we value both – spontaneity and collaboration. At Lollapalooza 2024, we plan to bring a bit of both to our performance on the BudX Stage. The stage is playing host to some of the greatest acts and we’re very excited to be sharing it.”

Is there a moment or piece from your latest album Antihero which shows the different aspects you each contributed to the process particularly clearly?

RANJ: “I think in each of our tracks, you can clearly hear each of our sounds, our influences, and our personalities clearly. When we work together, we work to make sure we are making space for each other creatively and making each other shine. From vocals to production to writing, we craft it in a way where the composition speaks for us.”

What are your thoughts on the need for compromise vs standing by one’s convictions? How did you resolve potential disagreements in this collaboration?

CLIFR: “The answer is time. If we have 2 good ideas or 2 bad ideas, we just give it sometime, and revisit the project to see what sounds better. At times, we also contrast it against what we’re making with other people, to gauge how we feel about it. For certain things you really don’t want to let go, you fight for it and the best idea prevails. It depends on how strongly you believe in your idea and how well you execute it.”

RANJ: “There has been shouting, screaming, crying, and apologizing. You do whatever you can to make the other person see your perspective when you’re passionate about it. If they do, it comes together. Eventually, Music takes precedence over ego.”

Making music, in the beginning, is often playful and then becomes increasingly professionalised. How important is playfulness for you today and if it is important, how do, concretely, you retain it?

CLIFR: “Being playful is an extremely important part of making music for me. When you’re playful, two things happen – you accidentally make happy mistakes and end up exploring new sounds. Secondly, it loosens you up when you’re trying a new sound, opens you up and takes off the pressure from oneself to unlock something inside you. There are the technical aspects of music that require focus, but we like to keep the creative part of it fun and playful.”

RANJ: “I find it very hard to do that sometimes, but CLIFR always makes the space more comfortable. It helps in taking the pressure off and stepping into challenges with less fear and anxiety. Retaining playfulness is also about interacting with the audience that follows your music. That’s what is special about playing at the BudX Stage at Lollapalooza India 2024. It’s times like these when we can play off the energy of the audience and enjoy our music along with like-minded people. Being a part of the BudX Uncovered initiative is an unparalleled experience and we hope to be back soon.”