The Goan: With the current wave of EDM in the country and in the world has there been a decline in the number that appreciate live music in Goa
Vijaya Pais, photographer: Take away your Sunburns and Supersonics and I think there is a market for independent music which is as strong as the one for techno and trance. Moreover these large scale EDM festivals fetch a populace that largely consists of tourists. In places like Calangute, Baga and Panaji, people are more inclined to go for a gig where a band or maybe a couple of bands are playing and if you travel further north trance and techno are more popular. So there is a geographical distribution for music in Goa
Vince Costa, independent artiste: I don’t see EDM being a threat to other genres at present and in the long run. Each genre has its own audience. I see Goa as a place that has great potential to host a festival on the lines of Coachella where multiple stages create a healthy mix between commercial music and indie music. A balanced approach to a festival will help introduce the indie artists to a wider audience.
Sapna Shahani, PR professional: I don’t think there is a decline in numbers because of EDM. Each genre has its own audience with certain people appreciating both forms of music. When I was younger I had proclivities towards electronica but now I prefer to see a band as I find it more engaging. I am sure with the proper finances, government backing and intelligent marketing there can be something maybe even bigger than Sunburn in Goa.
Have you seen cases where artists have had to change styles and sell out to commercial appeal instead of playing what they love?
Chrystal Farrell, independent artiste: I am an example for that. Now I am at a stage where I can do what I want but that was after a lot of selling out and doing things which I did not like.
Kristian Bento, independent artiste: Yes most of them do it. However there are a few old school veterans and few youngsters (such as myself) that stick to their roots and end up playing at commercial festivals.
Vince Costa: At the end of the day you have to pay your bills. It also depends on the responsibilities you have to shoulder and the lifestyle you want to live. As the music industry has changed drastically over the years money is not something easy to come by.
The Goan: Other metros in the country have an independent scene far more creative than the one in Goa. Does Goa have the potential to nurture originality?
Chrystal Farrell: There is a lack of market over here for original music. Goa is a hot spot for destination weddings. At a wedding, people want to hear familiar tunes and not explore new music. I know Goan kids who have moved out of Goa, played at your Blue Frogs and gotten featured in your MTV Indies and VH1s. These kids are really talented and could have been musicians that Goa could have nurtured but sadly that did not happen.
Sapna Shahani: As far as original music in concerned Goa is still stuck in the dark ages when compared to other cities in India. There are a lot of potential rockstars over here but a lot more has to be done to keep up with the metros.
Vijaya Pais : There are a lot of Goan sons and daughters that write their own stuff but none of them have gone beyond Goa’s borders as they do not get promoted in their state. There is a small community of which I am a part of that want to hear original musical but we are a minority over here. Venues need solid financial backing and pay the artist more, as a musician gets pocket change over here in comparison to other metros.
The Goan: Do other bands enjoy performing over here or are they here for the charm that Goa has always had.
Sapna Shahani: The charm of Goa has always been its USP so every musician wants to play over here. Having said that, I would like to specify that writing originals is difficult and the Goan audience is not accustomed to exploring original music even though there are people who have the potential to write brilliant music in Goa.
Vijaya Pias: There have been bands that have come from other places and that have performed to an audience of three people. Marketing is of the absolute necessity in the state. Unless it’s the Goa carnival which is promoted extensively, bands do not draw crowds and even then, these crowds are present mostly for the food and not for the music.
The Goan: Do you see a future for independent music in Goa?
Kristian Bento: It is hard to say. There are a lot of talented musicians over here as good as the ones in the west and even the legends but there is no platform for them. If one guy crosses over and actually makes it big by becoming famous, then there will be a lot of takers for indie music in Goa.
