Are you an electronic music buff, or does folk music feed your soul? Would you rather wear shorts on the beach as your dance your socks off, or laze under a sky full of stars? Whoever you may be, there is a music festival for you. Choose one and get packing!For the raver
Dec 25-30, Candolim, Goa
What: VH1 Supersonic
The line-up:
Electronic dance music (EDM). This year, German Grammy award winner Paul van Dyk is headlining. There is also The Chainsmokers, whose #Selfie song went super viral. With lyrics like “After we go to the bathroom, can we go smoke a cigarette?; I really need one. But first, Let me take a selfie”, who can’t help but sing along?
Who’s in the crowd:
EDM fanatics who would be at your throats if you said “but isn’t this music just about the same beat repeated again and again?” Seen last year: Varun Dhawan.
What to wear:
Shorts, ganjis, bikinis and really cool shades. The less the better – how else are you going to beat the heat?
Best thing about it:
You’re on the beach, in Goa, listening to music all day long.
You’re on the beach, in Goa, listening to music all day long.
Worst thing about it:
Too many people means long loo and bar queues.
Don’t forget to:
Carry water and sunscreen. And maybe transform into an energiser bunny. You’re going to need it.
Tickets:
R4,000 onwards on bookmyshow.com
For the one who wants the world
Dec 12-14, Alsisar Mahal, Rajasthan
What: Magnetic Fields
The line-up:
Freshest sounds from around the world like dreampop Parisian producer Dream Koala, garage house producer Flava D from London, Pakistani beat maker Rudoh and Kuwaiti producer Zahed Sultan. If you can’t travel the world, the world is going to come to you.
Who’s in the crowd:
The discerning music fan, one that gets his or her fix from underground music shows. If Bollywood is your scene, then you may feel lost here. But then again, a little music education never hurt anybody.
What to wear:
It’s Rajasthan in December so it’s a perfect place to flaunt those boots, colourful scarves, mittens and jackets.
Best thing about it:
Lazing on the lawns during the day with rum-spiked smoothies.
Worst things about it:
It’s going to be cold!
Don’t forget to:
Carry a camera. The 17th century palace will make you want to live there forever. Also, carry plenty of cash, because ATMs are hard to find.
Tickets:
R5,000 onwards on tickets.magneticfields.in
For the intellectual
Dec 13, Mehboob Studios, Mumbai
What: Johnnie Walker The Journey
The line-up: 2014 Grammy Award winners Snarky Puppy, a Brooklyn-based band, is an international fusion group which has almost 40 musicians on their rolls, and Brit DJ Bonobo, a rare DJ that actually plays with a full band. Also Britain’s Got Talent’s winner Paul Potts, a former phone salesman, whose performance of Puccini’s Nessun Dorma had even Simon Cowell becoming sentimental.
Who’s in the crowd:
The intellectual, who longs for “different” music. Seen last year: Kiran Rao and Priya Dutt.
What to wear:
Since it’s in Bombay, dress as if you are going to a fun Bandra party – a hipsterish fedora, maybe?
Best thing about it:
It’s not just the music. All the artists will share their back story and talk about their journeys as musicians.
Worst things about it:
It’s just one day.
Don’t forget to:
Be ready to bump into all those who couldn’t travel and needed a music festival credential to flaunt.
Tickets:
R2,000 onwards on bookmyshow.com
For the one stuck in the middle!
Dec 19-21, Aamby Valley City, Festival Arena
What: Enchanted Valley Carnival
The line-up: That celebrity DJ every dance freak loves, David Guetta, is performing. But along with catering to the popular dance music fanatic, the festival also has a smattering of Indie and alternative talent to keep everyone happy — like Alien Chutney, Anish Sood, Arjun Vagale, Dualist Inquiry, Madboy Mink and Nucleya.
Who’s in the crowd: A music buff who wants their pop EDM served with a side of Indie.
What to wear: The more neon, the better! Bikini and crop tops are a must, so are tanks! Graphic tees for men.
Best thing about it: It takes place on an air-strip.
Worst things about it: Since it’s so close to Bombay, get ready for massive traffic jams on that tiny road leading up to the venue.
Don’t forget to: Carry sneakers, sunblock, glares and a battery pack.
Tickets: R2,750 onwards on evc.co.in
From HT Brunch, December 7
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