The 7th edition of India’s most-awaited music festival, Echoes of Earth is all set to captivate the Bengaluru audiences on December 7-8, 2024. This year, the unique theme ‘Symphony of Seasons’ celebrates seasons and their role in shaping the environment, integrating art, music and conservation and sustainable experiences. What’s unique is the presence of 300-plus Indian and international artistes and multiple genres of music, engaging the community of musicians and ardent listeners.
One of a kind music fest
Roshan Netalkar, Founder & Festival Director, Echoes of Earth sheds light on the theme. “Over the past five years, we have witnessed significant seasonal changes, and it’s crucial for humans to adapt to these shifts. The festival will focus on key elements of change and how they impact our daily lives—the flora and fauna around us, or our consumption patterns. These are some of the important conversations to explore at the festival.”
Roshan Netalkar, Founder and Festival Director of Echoes of Earth |
Wondering what keeps bringing him back to the event, he explains, “We are very proud of how far we’ve come, and there are many factors that bring us back every year. The one that tops the list is definitely our music community that looks forward to the festival and shows up in large numbers. The other factors include the community of partners and artistes that we work with. The festival is a research-heavy project. Each year, we emphasise environmental conservation, celebrating and highlighting biodiversity preservation through our well-researched thematics, planning how to best blend music, art, and sustainability, and figuring out the right places for those conversations. As much as people look forward to coming to Echoes of Earth, we are as excited about curating the show.”
Array of talent
Echoes of Earth introduces a remarkable lineup of national and international artistes and performers from diverse gender, racial, and cultural backgrounds for a rich and varied cultural experience. Mount Kimbie will showcase tracks from their fourth studio album during their India tour. Cobblestone Jazz, renowned for their unique blend of electronic and jazz influences, will also take the stage. After completing 150 concerts globally and amassing nearly 5 million monthly listeners, French 69 will bring captivating electronic sounds to the festival. “I’m excited about this tour because I get to travel, visit new places and play my music in countries I have never been to before. India is one of the first countries that comes to mind, and it’s a destination that attracts and intrigues me. I am looking forward to meeting new audiences and sharing some great moments with the Indians,” he avers.
French 69 |
Satori is making his debut this year and promises an eclectic performance with soulful soundscapes. Modern Biology will offer a fascinating auditory experience by creating music using bioelectric pulses from mushrooms. Shubh Saran, the New York-based Indian guitarist and Berklee School of Music alumnus (known for his collaborations with AR Rahman and Michael Lynche) will be performing as well. Additionally, incredible acts like Tiana Khasi, Waagal, Yīn Yīn, Dam Swindle, Ko Shin Moon, and The Spaven D&B Curation will contribute to the diverse line-up. These artistes will perform under the stars bringing together live electronica, indie-pop, world music, jazz, house, techno, and more.
Hamza Rahimtula and Rajasthan Folkstars |
Hamza Rahimtula and Rajasthan Folkstars, fresh off a European tour, will blend folk traditions with electronic dance music. “I blend both electronic and organic elements into an umbrella as I envision ‘Dance Music’ to be. Many organic elements, such as Rajasthani instruments, blend seamlessly with house beats, creating a rich sound without overcrowding the frequencies. Instruments like the Khartal, Morchang, and Bhapang, which are groove-based, work particularly well because they cut through the mix with higher frequencies, complementing the deep bass from house beats,” he says adding, “Interestingly, my journey into this fusion began by accident when Jasu Khan from the Rajasthan Folkstars—who plays the Khartal—started jamming with me spontaneously. This improvisational nature is shared by both genres—folk musicians naturally adapt to electronic beats, just as folk music evolves with each region and generation.”
Music, nature and art
What are the key takeaways and fresh perspectives for the audience? Roshan says, “What is fresh every year is the concept—and how we build an entire end-to-end experience around it. As years go by and life is evolving—our music has evolved too. This year, the festival introduces The Greener Side, an initiative grounded in the principles of conservation and sustainability to educate, create awareness, and foster a deep connection with nature. We have managed to create an experience where music, nature, and art all come together seamlessly. And then there is the festival line up which is so diverse that one can explore different music genres.”
The key highlights include the solar powered stage, larger than life art installations, uniquely crafted upcycled stages rooted in circular design principles, festival assets crafted from repurposed materials, and education-led workshops, embodying a strong commitment to sustainability.
The festival is set up amidst 200 acres of lush greenery, and the goers range from toddlers to old kids to older adults—as there is something for everyone. From large scale art installations to children’s nature workshops, from four stages to numerous chill zones and spectacular spots under the trees—there is a lot to discover.
“I truly believe, Echoes of Earth is a festival for all, and the discovery never stops here. We invite people to come in and explore this immersive, experientially-rich variety of music,” he concludes.
