The Year That Was 2009 – Vidhi Gandhi
Name : Vidhi Gandhi .
Company: Chordvine.com
City : Bombay
How was 2009 for you and your company? What do you think has been the best thing to happen for the Indian Rock scenario in 2009?
2009 has been fantastic! I’m new in the business and so as a beginner, I’d say it was a pretty good start. There’s a lot of space for managers/ promoters and agents as is for new music so that’s great!
As far as the Indian Rock scene goes, I think the fact that foreign agents and embassies are finally making an effort to check out Indian bands is awesome. It was almost impossible to connect with a foreign agent 2 years ago.
I’d also like to add that venues like Blue Frog who provide a space for musicians to play is a big bonus. I think it’s comforting for a musician to know that there’s a venue and for the audience to know that there is a club they can go to and listen to some killer acts!
Lastly, the festival trend is also a big plus point!
What are your Favorite song / album from 2009?
For me, Teddy Boy Kill’s The Exit Plan was 2009s best album. Fresh tunes, very dance-able and superb production!
I can’t pick one track but Miliha by Advaita, Atomizer by the Midival Punditz, Set Me Free by Soulmate, Let You Go- JYG and Back Up by Jalebee Cartel are my favourites!
Shkabang has a pretty cool track called Asshole up on their MySpace page too!
Please share an instance on/offstage that you can’t forget from 2009.
There isn’t any one moment I can think of but The Ladakh Confluence was surreal! I remember Rajasthan Roots, Terrakota and Davide and Ortal’s sets being F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S! 10 degrees, steaming hot momos and tourists going nuts! The vibe was great!
Chordvine.com is one of the top Indie webzine, un afraid to call a spade a spade, but sometimes musicians don’t take it well, do you think Indian Artist do not take criticism lightly?
Yes, I do think Indian musicians do not take criticism lightly. Someone from the industry once told me that for musicians, there isn’t anything like constructive criticism. And that is very true! Musicians bother too much about what people have to say instead of focussing on the music!
What is your and your company’s plan for year 2010?
We have no plan, really. Just focussing on more shows, making the music more accessible, more promotion. Just doubling our efforts!
How do you think the Indian rock scene will change from 2010 onwards?
There’s just going to be more music. More festivals, more gigs, more international acts, more venues!
[Interview questions compiled by Ashwin Sharma]
