In a Bangalore state of mind

DJ and reggae artiste Apache Indian says when it comes to music, Bangalore is the place to be

October 19, 2014 07:55 pm | Updated May 23, 2016 07:38 pm IST

Apache Indian

Apache Indian

It didn’t just pour over the last weekend. Music lovers in the city experienced a different kind of downpour at Kingfisher Premium’s The Great Indian Octoberfest with much sonic waves. The highlight of the first day was obviously the finale by DJ and reggae artiste Steven Kapur, better known as Apache Indian. Bringing his fusion of Western, Indian and folk music to rock the music lovers at EZone, the UK-based showstopper unleashed musical mayhem and got the crowd grooving to his music.

Putting out some of his popular compositions with new twists and treats, Apache Indian played into the night with the crowd asking for more after each song. From ‘Chak De’ and ‘Om Nama Shivaya’ to ‘Boomshackalacka’ among other favourites, the artiste and crowd chorused and danced as one.

After his gig, Apache Indian took time out to tell MetroPlus how much he loves performing in Bangalore. “It’s the city of music. I love the people and the whole vibe here. We got the big stage and a fantastic audience tonight. There’s a lot of work going behind the scenes and I’m proud to be part of this initiative.” On the scene in the music capital, he says: “In my honest, genuine opinion, I’ve been all over India and Bangalore has always been about music. Especially the 90s groove, rock, pop, live music and independent artistes, Bangalore has a place for everyone. That is great about this city and it reminds me of Europe a lot. Mumbai and Delhi are good but Bangalore has always been more cosmopolitan and open to music. The rest of India caught up with the internet but Bangalore has always had that diversity and stood apart for me. I’ve told the world that if it comes to music, Bangalore is the place to be.”

Celebrating 25 years in the music business, he says it’s great to come back to India. “I’ve performed in many places and am yet to do an independent show in the country this year. And if there is one city I can pick to play in India, Bangalore is the place I’d choose,” he says proudly.

Fests like this go a long way in supporting artistes, believes Apache Indian. “It’s not a night club. It’s a family atmosphere for music lovers. It’s important for people to work together since music brings people together. Once they do, then we can talk about changes and using the power of music. We can address political issues, local, national and even international issues.”

On being an icon for people, he humbly says: “It’s the people that keep me going. A lot of people I meet say they grew up with my songs. That’s what inspires me to keep going. We don’t write songs for ourselves, we write it for people. I am celebrating life in the diversity of music. I’m also waiting for these new artistes from here to go out there and make it big all over the world. I want to be part of that movement.”

To upcoming artistes he suggests two things. “Spend time with that art of yours. God gives you an art but it needs time to develop. Don’t get comfortable and work hard. Second, learn about the business of music itself. A lot of people can rap, but won’t know how to make money out of their music. Listen to good guidance and learn to understand how to survive. There is a way through. It’s hard but not impossible since the music will never stop.”

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