Bacardi NH7 Weekender, which turns six this year, will feature Mark Ronson and A R Rahman for the first time.
The music festival, organised jointly by Bacadi India and Only Much Louder (OML), will bring artistes from across the globe to the city — from indie artistes like The Ganesh Talkies and Dhruv Voyage and popular performers like The Flying Lotus to L Subramaniam, Vir Das’ Alien Chutney. Home-grown bands such as The Raghu Dixit Project and Swarathma and city’s independent acoustic artiste Gabriel Daniel will also play at the two-day extravaganza.
“We always strive to put together an exciting line-up, appealing to fans of different genres. So whether it’s global pop sensations or heavyweight metal bands, international artistes or home-grown talent, the key is to programme artistes who bring new dimensions to the festival,” NH7 co-founder Arjun S Ravi says. “Also, it’s Mark Ronson, he’s a total legend!”
OML co-founder and CEO Vijay Nair CEO says this year, along with a large array of food options, the festival’s bazaar will feature a Maker’s Market by Engrave, a specially curated space for products of artists, craftspeople and hobbyist entrepreneurs from different parts of India.
“The response has been fantastic so far and the interest has surged this year, with the announcement of artistes like A R Rahman, Mark Ronson, Flying Lotus and Mogwai. Pre-sale tickets were sold out in mere hours.”
The headlining artiste Rahman feels if he hadn’t forayed into the world of film music, he would probably have chosen to be an indie artiste.
“My mind was set on indie music. But I had to match my sensibilities to the demands of film music,” he is quoted as saying in an official statement. “Films have help me achieved a great deal -- all the fame and love. But there is a kind of joy in music for its own sake, music with no strings attached. I’m so glad I’m getting this opportunity.”
NH7 Weekender, at Embassy International Riding School, 2 pm