The Indiecision ’08: Best Venue

The Indiecision â??08 is a recap of the year gone by in Indian indie and a recognition of the work of its artists and those involved with the creation and promotion of the music. Over the month of December, your favourite Indian indie blog will feature bests and worsts of all things Indian indie.

The Best Venue was the best live music venue in the city of Mumbai that held periodic, if not regular, live music performances. Check out the Worst Venue ’08 as well. The nominees for Best Venue are

Hard Rock Cafe

With an Appletini to swear by and a large stage area that’s visible from any angle, Hard Rock Cafe added a much needed breath of fresh gig cigarette smoke to Mumbai’s live music scene. With regular weekly gigs and specials, the venue has fast grown into a worthy alternative to Blue Frog on Tuesday and Thursday. Over the year, the sound at Hard Rock has improved considerably and what it lacks in audio finesse, it makes up for in ambience. And the cheeseburger.

Hit â??Moreâ?? for the rest of the nominees and the Best Venue â??08.

Blue Frog

Over the course of the year we’ve scorned Blue Frog at length about their gigs that usually start late or their waiters who’re usually far too disconcerting. Frequently, both. But as a venue to watch a live performance, there is no better option in Mumbai. The acoustics are par excellence and their dedication to providing over 200 gigs a year by acts both Indian and international is far more than commendable. It’s fucking legend.

Not Just Jazz By The Bay

The sound sucks and the management is quite clear that bands can only play there if they can guarantee a certain number of friends and family through the door. But no other venue in this city will give a band fresh out of the living room – some while they’re still in school – a chance to get some much needed gigging experience.

And the Best Venue â??08 was

Blue Frog, for becoming the standard.

Head to the Indiecision â??08 homepage for all the details and the awards.