HOW IS BENGALURU COPING WITH THE MUSIC BAN?
-Aatreyee Dasgupta
The Bengaluru police cracked down upon 107 bars, pubs and restaurants in August 2018 to ban live music as per the regulations of the 'Licensing of Places of Public Order 2005'. This was done two months after a PIL was filed by residents welfare associations from Indiranagar. Many of these venues were playing live music despite not have a public entertainment licence (PEL). The city saw a sudden change in the night life culture, which has always been it's pride.
Left to Right: Live performance at Bangalore Club and Saahas Baligar performing at Humming Tree
Famous live music venues such as BFlat and Humming Tree shut down in the next few months along with 8 others. Several restaurant, pub and bar owners collectively protested against this action, giving the reason that the licenses are difficult to procure and often become an excuse for authorities to harass and mint money from them. Their concerns went unnoticed and hence the ban prevailed. When asked to share their opinion on the ban, citizens showed concern for these establishments but more for the musicians. Many musicians even organised impromptu gigs to protest against the ban.
From Left to Right: Church Street Social and Hard Rock Cafe
Venues like these are located in commercial areas and are hence unaffected by the ban.
Some even shared the impact that it had on their livelihood through news interviews. However, these were musicians who have been in the music scene for a couple of years and have alternatives to resort to post the music ban. What about those who don't, those who had just started out?
The following interviews are of two such artists, who have been performing in the city for sometime.
Varshita Ramesh -
After graduating from KM conservatory, this young artist moved to Bengaluru to pursue her career in music. She has been performing as a blues vocalist at venues such as Humming Tree, BFlat, Sofar, Blueroom, Gilly's Fandom and many more for the last three years and has also released her single 'Stay' in 2018 (available for streaming on Spotify, Soundcloud, JioSaavn, Wynk, YouTube). We sat down with her to hear her say on the current condition of the scene after the ban.
Interviewer - How has the ban impacted you?
Varshita - It hasn’t impacted me much because I wasn’t playing venues to begin with. I play corporate shows in hotels which pays my bills and helps me keep practising - but in this situation I’m not being able to put my original music out there. And no ones actually there listening to me, it’s a passing crowd.
I - Do you see a difference in the way it has impacted newer performers like you?
V - The newer artists don't really have an answer to that because they lack the experience. It probably hasn't affected them much. Also, to be booked at major venues, artists need to have substantial work, artistry and canvases for the organisers to see potential in them. They are still performing at open mics and are still learning.
I - Are house gigs like Sofar and Beatmap a possible new direction?
V - Possibly, but not exactly. These formats have always been around, but are different from usual gigs. However, they take place in houses, so artists are made to perform stripped down or acoustic versions of their songs, the audience is much smaller and exclusive and there isn't any alcohol served most times. They could help artists sustain by adding to their venue options but are not an alternative for all.
I - What's your opinion as audience, post ban, do you see lesser artists or a change in the way gigs are organised?
V - Honestly, I've been to a lot of gigs after the ban, most of which were in Fandom at Gilly's. Audience has not lessened; there are fewer gigs, so people show up more. Organisers and entertainment agencies are moving to 5 star hotels which usually had dj events, to organise performances. It is interesting to see them work their way around the system and find a solution to the ban. But, many cops and people still choose to create a fuss and refuse to respect the art and the artists.
Resha Neznin -
An avid rock music fan and a budding guitarist, she is currently performing with Shillong based singer/songwriter, Martin J. Haokip. We caught up with her to ask what changes she noticed after the ban as a gig goer and a performer.
I - Has the live music ban affected Bengaluru's live music scene?
R - Yes, it has. The impact is visible. You don't have gigs happening at pubs, bars and restaurants that are located in residential areas. Unfortunately, some of Bengaluru's most iconic venues were located in these areas.
I - What you just said brings me to my next question, what do you have to say about the shutdown of BFlat and Humming Tree?
R - Simply put, it's the end of an era. Not only have they hosted some fantastic Indian and international acts but have also played an instrumental role in promoting and encouraging talents in this city. So, it is very sad to see them close down.
I - Do you see a new direction in the way events are being organised?
R - I am hearing from organisers, event planners and collectives about more music festivals coming up in Bengaluru; because they are organised in open spaces in the suburbs or outskirts of the city and have a more temporary set up. Also, house gigs are currently trending in the city.
I - Has the ban changed the outlook of artists?
R - No, it hasn't. The ban can affect the music culture in Bengaluru but not change it. The city has always been seen as welcoming, and artists enjoy coming and performing here. In fact, some prefer performing here compared to other metropolitan cities like Mumbai because it is accommodating of both new and established artists.
A synopsis of the live music ban and public reaction.
