In the crumbling rancour of the city’s underground elite there are those that crown themselves amidst coups and corruption and there are those that need no adornment as proof of their self-worth.
Bhavishyavani Future Soundz and their incredibly dedicated approach to pushing fresh sonic concoctions, falls firmly in the latter. Which would explain exactly why the label has evolved so infallibly in the 15 years since its initial conceptualisation.
As they gear up to celebrate their 15-year-long anniversary with the first year of their Eden Festival, a 3-day-long music and arts extravaganza to be held in Mumbai, we decided to focus on an aesthetic aspect we’ve always known and loved the B-crew for. Namely, their immaculately designed posters.
Dating all the way back to 1999, Bhavishyavani created an incredibly strong identity through these aesthetics--often incorporating a modernity and relevance to otherwise thoroughly Indian elements — and even as it’s grown with times and technology there’s no mistaking a bhavishyavani poster when you see one.
That, in a nutshell, is what we love about it. Naturally, we decided that the evolution of these designs needed to be chronicled for posterity so we picked some of our favourite designs over the years to showcase an evolution while paying tribute to the ones who never stopped paying attention to detail.
[This just in--Eden’s lineup for Day 1 has just been announced and it looks promising as hell. Think 50 Weapons’ not-so-secret treasure Phon.o, Canadian producer Mike Shannon, one of India’s premier DJs Masta Justy and Mumbai’s very own bass pioneers, Bay Beat Collective.
All of this hosted by nothing short of the icing on the cake, Berlin’s performance collective, Crystal Mafia. Dates of the festival have been confirmed as 27 March to 29 March and tickets for each event will be available at the gate.
Considering the sheer magnitude of Day 1’s lineup itself, we think it’s warranted to be eager beavers about day 2 and 3 as well because even though Bhavishyavani may not be executors of the ‘save the best for last’ philosophy they tend to maintain the same standard of excellence right through.]
And back to the grind. Scroll on to witness the poster blossom:
I. August 6, 1999
II. January 21, 2000
III. August 22, 2000
IV. September 20, 2000
V. January 24, 2001
VI. March 28, 2001
VII. January 4, 2002
VIII. March 27, 2003
IX. October 9, 2003
X. April 28, 2005
XI. November 23, 2005
XII. December 14, 2005
XIII. October 21,2006
XIV. September 12, 2008
XV. January 13, 2010
XVI. July 24, 2012
XVII. June 7, 2013
XVIII. September 6, 2013
XIX. October 28, 2013
XX. December 6, 2013
XXI. December 7, 2013
Images courtesy of Bhavishyavani Future Soundz