Contributor,
Dr. Srijith Sreenivasan,
Music enthusiast by passion,
R&D Director by profession
Dr. Srijith Sreenivasan,
Music enthusiast by passion,
R&D Director by profession
Music is the lifeblood of our city. It energizes our morning jogs, hums along on the FM radio during commutes, fills the tea shops with retro Bollywood melodies, and sets the mood for lively dinners. Bengaluru, our vibrant home, boasts a rich tapestry of musical traditions that span genres. Let’s explore the fascinating aspects that make Bengaluru a true musical hub.
A legacy of live performance
Bengaluru has a long and celebrated history of nurturing musical talent. Cubbon Park’s pioneering “Music Strip” in 1982 provided a free platform for local artists. This fostered a love for live music across genres, from Western rock to the enchanting melodies of Carnatic music.
A symphony of genres
The city thrives on its diverse musical offerings. Carnatic music, the classical tradition of South India, has a strong presence with renowned artists and captivating concerts. Bengaluru’s rock and metal scene pulsates with energy, with bands drawing inspiration from both international and Indian influences. The city’s rich musical heritage extends to its churches, with the likes of St. Mark’s and St. Andrew’s boasting pipe organs and the Army’s band contributing to the city’s vibrant choral and instrumental traditions. The independent music scene flourishes, with a kaleidoscope of artists experimenting with electronica, folk fusion, and singer-songwriter styles. Bands like The Raghu Dixit Project (folk-fusion) push creative boundaries, creating truly unique sounds. Even the Kannada film industry plays a significant role, with popular soundtracks and playback singers captivating audiences.
A supportive ecosystem
This vibrant musical landscape is nurtured by a network of independent music avenues and Open mic platforms that champion the growth of local talent. Live music venues like Koramangala’s BFlat Bar and Indiranagar’s The Humming Tree offer stages for established and upcoming artists across genres. Even Electronic City boasts outlets like The Firestation and The Big Badshah that host DJs and live music, some even offering open mic nights with karaoke accompaniment. The Indian Music Experience Museum in JP Nagar provides an interactive journey through Indian music’s evolution, highlighting its rich heritage. International music festivals like the Bengaluru International Arts Festival further enrich the city’s cultural tapestry. Musicians are also leveraging online platforms like Bandcamp to connect with a global audience.
Music education
Bengaluru has a well-established network of music schools catering to both classical and contemporary music education. You will find a music school in every major spot. The Indiranagar Sangeetha Sabha focuses on Carnatic music, while institutes like Furtados School of Music offer Western music education. Workshops by established artists and events provide valuable learning opportunities for aspiring musicians.
Explore the Richness
Bengaluru’s musical scene is a vibrant tapestry waiting to be unraveled. Take some time this weekend to delve deeper into this rich culture and legacy. Catch a live gig, discover new music online, or attend a workshop. Let music be your companion, a source of calm and joy amidst the bustling life of Bengaluru.
A legacy of live performance
Bengaluru has a long and celebrated history of nurturing musical talent. Cubbon Park’s pioneering “Music Strip” in 1982 provided a free platform for local artists. This fostered a love for live music across genres, from Western rock to the enchanting melodies of Carnatic music.
A symphony of genres
The city thrives on its diverse musical offerings. Carnatic music, the classical tradition of South India, has a strong presence with renowned artists and captivating concerts. Bengaluru’s rock and metal scene pulsates with energy, with bands drawing inspiration from both international and Indian influences. The city’s rich musical heritage extends to its churches, with the likes of St. Mark’s and St. Andrew’s boasting pipe organs and the Army’s band contributing to the city’s vibrant choral and instrumental traditions. The independent music scene flourishes, with a kaleidoscope of artists experimenting with electronica, folk fusion, and singer-songwriter styles. Bands like The Raghu Dixit Project (folk-fusion) push creative boundaries, creating truly unique sounds. Even the Kannada film industry plays a significant role, with popular soundtracks and playback singers captivating audiences.
A supportive ecosystem
This vibrant musical landscape is nurtured by a network of independent music avenues and Open mic platforms that champion the growth of local talent. Live music venues like Koramangala’s BFlat Bar and Indiranagar’s The Humming Tree offer stages for established and upcoming artists across genres. Even Electronic City boasts outlets like The Firestation and The Big Badshah that host DJs and live music, some even offering open mic nights with karaoke accompaniment. The Indian Music Experience Museum in JP Nagar provides an interactive journey through Indian music’s evolution, highlighting its rich heritage. International music festivals like the Bengaluru International Arts Festival further enrich the city’s cultural tapestry. Musicians are also leveraging online platforms like Bandcamp to connect with a global audience.
Music education
Bengaluru has a well-established network of music schools catering to both classical and contemporary music education. You will find a music school in every major spot. The Indiranagar Sangeetha Sabha focuses on Carnatic music, while institutes like Furtados School of Music offer Western music education. Workshops by established artists and events provide valuable learning opportunities for aspiring musicians.
Explore the Richness
Bengaluru’s musical scene is a vibrant tapestry waiting to be unraveled. Take some time this weekend to delve deeper into this rich culture and legacy. Catch a live gig, discover new music online, or attend a workshop. Let music be your companion, a source of calm and joy amidst the bustling life of Bengaluru.
