New Wave Asia 2016 Kicks Off This Week

The Circus. Photo: Swarnabh Ghosh

For music promoter Rishu Singh, spirit trumps sponsorship. Despite lacking brand-funding for the third edition of New Wave Asia, the annual travelling music festival he has been organizing since 2014 (previously sponsored by Vans), Singh is marching on undeterred. The three-day event is set to be held in New Delhi at indoor club venues Raasta on December 16th and Antisocial on 17th and 18th. “We wanted to keep the festival going even without sponsors and bring it to Delhi,” says Singh.

Singh is pulling in favors from the artists on the lineup and is thankful to all the musicians for doing it pro-bono. He says, “They are just doing it for the vibe and I think that’s great.” Unlike the previous editions, the festival founder was unable to host Asian bands this year due to lack of funds, but he is sure things will change for the better next year.

This year’s lineup includes singer-songwriters Awkward Bong, Ramya Pothuri and Tejas Menon, New Delhi’s own gypsy rock band Peter Cat Recording Co., alternative rock group The Circus and many more.

Artwork: Courtesy of New Wave Asia 2016

Day one at Raasta is going to be a free show with seven artists on the bill. Day two and three will feature nine artists each night with entry charge of Rs.600, though the first 50 people to enter Antisocial will receive complimentary shots.

Besides the music, attendees can keep themselves entertained with beer games and other activities. The festival will also host a merch counter open to both artists on the bill and off it. “Come sell your merch, take your money and go home,” says Singh.

Although busy with last-minute prep, Singh has begun planning for the 2017 edition of the festival, with an aim to fly down as many exciting Asian acts as possible. “The festival is called New Wave Asia for a reason,” he says.

Instead of hosting pre-festival gigs to generate buzz, New Wave Asia will organize multiple post-event shows across the country, starting end of January. Says Singh, “These are to support the bands that have supported us.”

Click here for more details about New Wave Asia 2016.