SulaFest, an annual music event, calls itself a gourmet world music festival. To justify this tag, its organisers say they have hand-picked the participating acts after months of research, consultation and correspondence, making sure that multiple genres and countries are represented.
The headlining artist is Young the Giant, an indie rock band from Irvine, California, that has opened for Kings of Leon in the past. The group's Indian-origin frontman, Sameer Gadhia, often visits family here but this will be his first time performing in the country. Its songs are made rich by smooth harmonies, earnest guitars and Gadhia's fine-gravelly voice that aches and soars with equal ease. "Our live shows celebrate the highs and lows of the human experience," says the vocalist, adding that the setlist will feature "full-on rock moments and tracks that will make you groove and dance and some more subdued introspective moments."
In its eighth edition, the two-day festival's focus on international artistes seems to have increased over previous years. This was done for two reasons, says Jehan Johar, head of music programming at blueFROG that curates the music for the event. One was the obvious desire to introduce locals to more global talent. Besides, Johar noticed "a finite number of good bands in India and other fests or venues have been recycling the same artistes." While selecting the Indian lineup, the team included recognised but underexposed names. Reclusive singer Lucky Ali will perform as will hip hop ensemble Bombay Basement.
Gentleman's Dub Club, a nine-piece band from Leeds, will return to India after a maiden performance at the India Bike Week in Goa two years ago. The dub and reggae group says it will play some old favourites like High Grade and Emergency and new compositions like Pressure. Driven by energetic drums and a prominent trumpet, the songs are all intensely funky.
London-based Will and the People will play its entire new album set for release soon and older songs like Lion in the Morning Sun, Salamander as well as a version of Bob Marley's "Concrete Jungle". This will be the group's second outing here and frontman Will Rendle observes that "people dance a lot more freely, which we love". The band's friends from United Kingdom, ska-funk exponents Yes Sir Boss will also be performing their compositions, which explore themes ranging from capitalism to helpless love with a distinct sense of humour.
As part of the lineup in the house and techno music genres are Amsterdam's Steve Rachmad, labelled the father of Detroit music in Netherlands, and Spanish DJs Monkey Brothers. Rather than the fast and heavy appeal associated with Detroit techno, Rachmad was influenced by artists like Derrick May, Juan Atkins, Carl Craig and Kenny Larkin. "That sound is loaded with strings and produced very clean." Monkey Brothers are known to experiment with obscure textures and deep basses. Nucleya and Sandunes from India will also play at the Atmasphere, a stage reserved for electronic music practitioners.
Although their genres are as diverse as desert blues, mariachi rock and Latin hip hop, the common thread between the acts is an upbeat quality, says curator Johar. "There is no classical or straight jazz. Positive, fun music is what works well for the environment." The proceedings will unfold at the 35-acre Sula vineyards, where wine tastings, gourmet food and tented accommodation will be among the other offerings.
The festival will be held at Sula Vineyards, Nashik, on February 7 and 8. For details, visit www.sulafest.net
