Unconventional spaces become launch pads for city’s artistes

For any musician to make a name for himself or herself in our country, the process involves several hours of performing at pubs or clubs for audience that is not fully attentive to their music. The artiste is also forced to perform in a pub amid noisy disturbances of food and drinks being served. Out of the need to explore dedicated spaces for musicians, poets and artistes, House Concert India took birth in Delhi about four years ago and is soon set to launch in Chennai. The initiative hosts full-fledged music concerts, poetry readings and artiste showcases at unconventional spaces like backyards and living rooms of people’s homes.

“We realised that there weren’t enough spaces in cities for amateur musicians to showcase their music. So, House Concert began as a gathering of friends who loved listening to music at home. The idea soon spread to other cities and Chennai will be our latest addition. The only criterion for someone to perform at one of our gatherings is to have original music, irrespective of the genre — whether it is jazz, hip-hop, folk or Indian classical,” the founder of House Concert Manu Mathew tells DT Next.

While gigs at unconventional spaces through platforms like Sofar Sounds have been taking place for a while, House Concert sets itself apart by providing a platform for all kinds of performing arts, including poetry, painting, theatre, dance and film. “Unlike in other formats, an artiste can get up to 40 minutes to showcase their work. Artistes find it very exciting as they receive immediate feedback from the audience, which an upcoming performer receives only after a lot of toiling,” adds Manu.

There is also a growing need among people to listen to music in alternative settings, he asserts. “People are tired of going to clubs and listening to the same kind of music everywhere. They are seeking to listen and appreciate music in spaces where they feel comfortable, like at home,” he points out. These gatherings could be held under the starry sky in someone’s backyard or terrace, or in a bright and airy living room or study. “After we find the place audience can be part of the sessions on first-come first-serve basis, depending upon the space available,” Manu shares.

There is no entry fee to these concerts as the organisers aim to keep it accessible to all. They, however, welcome voluntary donations, which are used to support the artistes. Vishruti Bindal, who will be curating the House Concert gatherings in Chennai, says the platform aims to promote and encourage local artistes. “We expect Carnatic musicians and folk singers to also be part of our concerts. Our aim is to create an artiste-centric community, through which one can witness musicians and artistes from across the country, from the comfort of one’s home. We have also had international musicians from Chile perform at a home concert,” she says. As part of their debut in Chennai, Saby Singh, a singer from Kashmir, and Samar Mehdi, a percussive finger-style guitarist from Bhopal, will be performing on June 30 at a residence in Adyar.