New Electronica Series ‘The Music Arena’ Kicks Off In Mumbai

Nicholson, Sandunes

For most of us, adjusting to the idea that an electronica gig could be a sit-down event is difficult. That the venue for such a gig is the somber National Centre of Performing Arts [NCPA] in Mumbai makes it a first for electronica artists and the NCPA. But unlike the high-energy electronica sets in clubs, monthly music series The Music Arena, which kicks off this week, gives equal importance interactive visuals and the use of live instruments. For its first edition, electronica artists Sanaya Ardeshir aka Sandunes and Nicholson will perform special sets in a new space.

The monthly series, which will run for a year, will include additional electronica acts – as well as selected rock, pop and folk performers. Nevil Timbadia, from booking agency Homegrown India and Mumbai club Bonobo, is co-organizing the Music Arena with electronica gig organizers Krunk. Says Timbadia about the series, “I’ve been trying to create an accessible version of electronica. In an auditorium, it takes it away from partying – the idea was to sit and listen to music.”

Ardeshir, who launched her debut album Ever Bridge last year, will customize her set in conjunction with motion graphic design collective Wolves. Says Jash Reen, one half of Wolves, “I think the goal is to create an audio-visual experience that is perfectly synced and evolving. It gives us the opportunity to introduce some method to the madness ”” something like a storyline that will unfurl as the set builds up.” Wolves, who worked with Ardeshir on her Ever Bridge Tour, had at the time created a portable projection mapping installation with suspended solid circles that were made to look like they were levitating and feeding content off each other. Adds Joshua D’mello, from Wolves, “After that, we wanted to take a step back and see how we could create something interactive, something that melds what we do in the visual realm perfectly with her trigger-happy brand of electro.” Ardeshir will also collaborate with noise artist/percussionist Alec Schachner, who she met during an artist residency and workshop in Himachal Pradesh last month.

Mumbai electronica act Nicholson ”“ comprising singer-songwriter/keyboardist Sohrab Nicholson and drummer Rohan Ramanna ”“ make their live debut and launch their EP For What. Nicholson’s live lineup includes producers Stuart Dacosta and Jehangir Jehangir [from Mumbai electronica duo Dirty Jays].

Music Arena ft Nicholson and Sandunes takes place on May 14th, 2014 at NCPA Experimental Theatre, Mumbai.  Entry: Rs 600.
Tickets available here.
Event details here.