For those of us who take more than just pleasure in live music we know that music in any other medium just doesn’t make the cut. There is a certain invigorating energy that takes the room when instruments are strung, voices soar and the audience soaks in melodies that have little or no technological manipulation. Unfortunately since the beginning of the digitisation of music, live music has become an acquired taste leaving a dearth of live music venues in the country. So we decided to make a guide to the patrons of live music across India who are keeping the old world charm alive and promoting a new generation of live music musicians and an audience for them. From the country’s first exclusive Jazz club to the pubs where you can hear the talented tunes of local artists, here is our guide to some of the finest bars where live music is not just an occasional rendezvous but a conscious part of the entertainment.
The only all exclusive jazz club in the country.
Where: Safdarjung, New Delhi
No mention of live music in the country is complete without acknowledgement of this mini-Harlem in the capital. Entering the scene searing-hot at a time most other live venues were closing down its shutters, this is one space that has proved passion is the only match powerful enough to take on changing trends.
While Jazz has seen its continuous rise and fall in the country The Piano Man Jazz Club that offers live jazz music every night of the week makes one thing clear; jazz is here to stay. With jazz collectives and musicians like Drift, Artistes Unlimited, Nik & Nat, The Bodhisattwa Trio and many other top artists in the genre regularly performing here, it’s the kind of joint that not only provides space, but also enriches its patrons with exposure to new musicians and soundscapes.
II. antiSOCIAL
One of the first underground live music venues in the city.
Where: Khar, Mumbai
If it’s gig night at antiSOCIAL you might spot lines to the city’s first underground (literally) music venue spilling out on the streets. With weeklong programming and a loyal, regular audience, it’s one of the few venues which gives as much respect to live musicians as it does electronic ones, which is probably why most independent bands across the country have the venue on their bucket list.
The country’s best music talent from the smooth electronic music of Dualist Inquiry to the intoxicating blues of Jazz band Soulmate have headlined here. If you’re an independent music lover in the city, or somebody visiting from out of town, you can’t go wrong here.
III. The Stables
Your haunt for nostalgic music.
Where: Andheri, Mumbai
This cowboy-themed live music venue hosts the city’s younger and lesser-known music talent, providing a space when other can’t or won’t. The Stables stays away from commercial sounds and usually has retro tunes from classic rock, pop and jazz playing on their gig nights which take place throughout the week. If you are in the mood to unwind with some nostalgic music, this is the place to be.
IV. The Tuning Fork
Where: The Habitat, Khar, Mumbai
Music and comedy are both on the menu.
This venue hosts both stand-up comedy and music gigs featuring upcoming young artists and often gives them a chance to perform professionally for the first time. Something akin to Zenzi’s legendary open-mic nights if you were lucky enough to experience them, minus some of the punk feel they used to bring to the table so effortlessly. All in all, if you are looking for some refreshing music, The Tuning Fork won’t disappoint you.
V. High Spirits
Where: Koregaon Park, Pune
A go-to-place for music lovers for the past 12 years.
Even 12 years after its inception, High Spirits is the number one go-to-spot for all independent music lovers in the college town. Featuring both international and local artists, their line up is both diverse and balanced. They also have some seriously popular karaoke nights in case you want to unleash the bathroom singer in you on stage.
VI. Blue Frog
Where: Ashok Nagar, Bangalore
Sound quality at its best.
When the original Mumbai-based Blue Frog shut down two years ago, it marked one of the most significantly disheartening moments in India’s live music timeline. A punch in the gut for all patrons who considered the place the last-standing venue to truly programme for a live music audience. Luckily, Pune and Bangalore versions do still exist. And even if the quality of programming has never been the same, this remains one of the few music venues that specifically caters to sound quality.
Spread over 10000 sq. ft. with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, acoustically-treated timber panelling and cutting-edge, and sound-controlled lighting, it has been hosting an enticing mix of live and electronic acts in the last couple of years with artists across the globe. Genres of music range from jazz, blues, funk, soul, folk and afro / latin to electronic, pop, synth, drum & bass, and lots more.
VII. Humming Tree
Where: Indira Nagar, Bengaluru
Japanese death metal, alt rock, experimental jazz and more.
Another truly iconic member of this compilation, The Humming Tree has consistently maintained its reputation as a stand-out in the live music-programming department. Run by a team of incredibly dedicated music professionals, and supported by one of the most loyal audiences in the country, the music, arts and performance venue has been instrumental in introducing music-lovers to some of the most incredible artists–both local and international. Their approach is truly unbiased and prove that good taste requires open-mindedness and an ability to cut across genres. That’s exactly why everything from Japanese Death metal to experimental jazz has felt at home here. For people who are looking for an evening filled with new experiences, off-beat music and warm people - look no further.
VIII. Someplace Else
Where: Park Street, Kolkata
Going strong with live music since the 1990s.
An otherwise difficult city to find dedicated live-music space, this nightclub stands out as a beacon of hope–having steadily promoted live music in Kolkata since the mid-1990s. Though their music is rarely original–it is usually from cover bands who belt out rock and blues hits–there’s a nostalgic charm to the space that makes it an old-time favourite amongst the city’s music lovers!
IX. Jamsteady
Where: Princeton Club, Prince Anwar Shah Road, Tollygunge, Kolkata
From live gigs to exciting musical content.
In 2012, Jamsteady by Smoke Incas began weekly live original music performances at the Princeton Club. It has now expanded from being just live gigs to a platform for showcasing exciting musical content via videos, articles, collaborations and a mega annual music festival called Jamsteady’s Big Sunday! A great update for the latest happenings in the city’s music scene.
For those North-Eastern music vibes.
Where: DR. R.P Road, Opp Home Decor, Ganeshguri Guwahati
Music almost flows in the bloodstream Of North-East Indians, with almost every family having some form of musical knowledge that is carried down through the generations. By this we mean that they are naturally able to follow and sing in tune while the more gifted ones can compose both lyrics and music. Cheers Crossroads is the biggest-ever live music pub in the heart of the city that usually hosts gigs for upcoming local music talent, with rock, jazz, funk and folk being the predominant genres. A must-visit to check out that North-Eastern music culture, it’s important to remember that this usually neglected part of India is actually one of the richest when it comes to local and independent music experiences.
XI. Café Hendrix
The only do rock, blues and country.
Where: GS Road, Guwahati
Named after the legendary musician Jimi Hendrix, Café Hendrix is a an exclusive live blues, rock and country bar. Considering that the North-East produces one of the best blues and rock musicians in the country we bet this place is will be a one of a kind experience for the genres’ lovers and connoisseurs alike. From the legendary German drummer Marco Minnemann to popular North-East bands like Jupiter Island, The Third Sovereign and Eclipse 3, both international and local artists have set their tunes under this roof. Moreover the cafe was opened by a group of individuals who share a passion for music; strictly committed to the cause of live music, both commercial and electronic music is not permitted in the premises. This one is for the true lover of live music!
XII. Cohiba
Where: Sinquerim Candolim, Goa
Weekly live reggae nights.
While everyone has a nightlife guide to Goa, few know its secrets when it comes to the live music there. Sprawling over three levels with their own exclusive bars Cohiba presents the best live entertainment in Goa throughout the week, often coupled with exciting themed nights! Their musicians are usually local talent spinning retro-tunes for a nostalgic trip while every Thursday night they have live reggae for the soul! Now when is the last time you heard a bit of Jamaica in your backyard? Don’t forget to check Cohiba off your list the next time you’re looking for something different to do and listen to in Goa.
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