This Week’s Top Gig Picks

Indiecision’s picks of the best gigs to attend this week in Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore. Independent and ‘rocking’.
Mumbai
Now that Diwali Metal is done, we’re back to regular gigging in Mumbai.

Head to Firangi Paani on Tuesday, Oct 6 for Kochi rockers Motherjane. Motherjane has become India’s ‘stadium’ act. We’ve only caught them at larger, outdoor venues where they seem to thrive everytime they bust out ‘Vande Mataram’ on guitar. Watching how they cope within the confines of a pub with bad sound will be fun. We think.

Not Just Jazz By The Bay hosts three new rock acts this Thursday, Oct 8. Frozen Chimes, Summerpint Junkie and Defaulters will take stage at the cramped venue. We checked out Summerpint Junkie at the I-Rock Mumbai qualifying leg (also at NJJBTB) and were taken by the number of ideas the band threw into their songs. While their music needs a little more refinement, this will be a good opportunity to check out what new Mumbai rock has in store.

The folks over at City Spinning will host their first Growing Down gig this Saturday, Oct 10 at a venue in Khar. The gig will see Indian indie’s new breed of female singer-songwriters perform. The bill includes Gowri, Ashima Aiyer, Noush Like Sploush (pictured) and Shefali Alvares. Details on Facebook.

New Delhi

The capital’s been consistently pimping some great live music over the last few weeks.

The Pizza Marazanos in Vasant Kunj and Ansal Plaza host live music nights every week, and are doing a great job of giving newer acts a space to perform. Check the sidebar for full listings at these venues, though Barefaced Liar perform at the Ansal Plaza outlet on Wednesday, Oct 7.

Dharma Bums perform at The Living Room cafe on Friday, Oct 9. The collective of musicians founded by Phil Void play folk fusion and are “specially committed to the Tibetan Liberation movement”. Promises to be entertaining.

If flower power isn’t your deal, head to Shalom for two of Delhi’s new electronica giants – BLOT and BASSFoundation. Vasant Vihar will host some fresh dubstep courtesy Gaurav Malakar of B.L.O.T and Maarten Klein of BASSFoundation. They also promise that BASSFoundation and B.L.O.T group members will get a 25% discount at the bar until 11:00pm.

Bangalore
Shubha Mudgal plays Kyra on Thursday, Oct 8. The classical chanteuse promises an evening of Thumri at 100 Feet Road. She was kind enough to talk to us about Baajaa Gaajaa ’10 earlier this year.

If classical music isn’t your thing, head to the Chinnaswamy Stadium for some all-out mainstream pop courtesy Jamelia, Shaggy and others at the opening ceremony of the Champions League T20 tournament. Details.

Head to the Palace Grounds on Saturday, Oct 10 for ageing American hard rockers Mr Big. Opening for them will be Bangalore’s own Galeej Gurus, metal act Slain and Praveen David and River. Mr Big play other dates in India as well.

These are our gig picks for the week folks. Have one.