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It’s easy to lose yourself in the loud madness of music festivals, as you sway along to an upbeat pop song and scream your throats out every time your favourite artist comes up on stage. In fact, in the past few years, India’s indie music industry has exploded beyond expectations and indigenous music festivals are not just multiplying to bridge the gap between the artists and the audience, but also getting extraordinarily creative. From travelling music festivals and eco-friendly ones to festivals that allow you to pitch your own tents, the opportunities are fresh and endless.
But what we often forget is that behind the elusive magic of music festivals is a whole team toiling day in and day out to make such a grand event go smoothly. And the work, which includes everything from refilling water bottles to picking up the artists and ticketing, is often not as glamorous as the end product itself. It’s full of last-minute chaos, late nights, and unexpected troubleshooting - an education that’s beyond anything an educational institute can offer. Moreover, volunteering at a music festival also means getting free entry into the festival!
Unfortunately, getting to absorb the behind-the-scenes frenzy at a music festival is not easy. As a field that requires one to be quick and on their feet at all times, music festival organisers are almost always looking for people with experience. And volunteering is a great way to acquire that. But considering how sporadic music gigs are, it can be difficult to keep a track of which applications open and when. Here, at Homegrown, we’ve decided to help out the music enthusiasts who can’t wait to get a peep into such a niche space of event management by compiling a list of upcoming music festivals that are looking for volunteers.
Festival Dates: 3 November
Where: Mumbai
A one-day long electronic music festival that travels across cities in India, Bass Camp Festival was founded in 2010 and has become the face of reggae and bass-heavy music in India. Almost like a crash course into the world of electronic music, the volunteer programme is an unpaid opportunity open to everyone above the age of 21 years. Currently, Bass Camp in Mumbai is looking for applicants interested in merchandise, artist management, and logistics. The deadline for the same is 29th October. Applicants can shoot the concerned person an email, along with their CV and a cover letter. The festival prefers applicants who have had previous experience in the field, however, if you’re inquisitive enough – freshers too are welcome to join the team and pick up a skill or two. This volunteering opportunity will cover food as well as tickets to the festival.
To apply, send an email to sohail@krunklife.com
II. Magnetic Fields
Festival Dates: 14, 15, 16 December 2018
Where: Alsisar, Rajasthan
From artist management to ticketing to stage and crowd volunteers, the opportunities at Magnetic Fields Festival celebrated at the Alsisar Mahal in Rajasthan are countless. Every year, this 3-day-long contemporary music and arts festival brings together the best of international and national music minds and to be at the back-end of this enthralling experience is a one-of-a-kind chance. Applications usually begin a month or two before the festival and the deadline depends on how many applications the festival receives. Volunteers are selected based on their skill set and interests. While there is no specific skill set they’re looking for, having good writing skills and general grasp of English is imperative. While the opportunity is unpaid, food and accommodation for the duration of the programme is covered by the organisation along with travel from the Delhi. The exact dates for volunteering will depend on the festival dates and may extend by a day or so depending on the nature work.
For more information regarding future volunteer programmes, see here.
III. Echoes of Earth
Festival Dates: 1-2 December 2018
Where: Bangalore
Championing marine conservation this year, Echoes of Earth is India’s first and only ecologically crafted music festival. What makes the volunteer programme here stand out is how it doesn’t just provide an insight into the world of event management but also that of sustainability. As the entire festival is constructed out of recycled and upcycled materials, volunteers learn how to work with sustainable alternatives as well as how to comfortably incorporate an environment-friendly philosophy. Interested volunteers can also indulge in some art and craft by working on larger-than-life installations for the festival. This opportunity is an unpaid one – however, food for the volunteers is covered and the festival organisers also provide accommodation for volunteers who live in other cities. Applicants must be over 18 years of age and have a passion for arts and music. Currently, the organisers are looking for people interested in operations, box office management, marketing and more. The deadline for this year’s application is 30th October.
To apply, write to jobs@swordfishlive.com or call +91 7338161899.
IV. Sunsplash
Festival Dates: 12-13 January, 2019
Where: Goa
Goa’s sands have provided for many music genres to flourish and create a space for themselves in India – reggae music being one of them. Founded in 2016, Sunsplash is celebrated at Mandrem in Goa and has a history of always featuring an interesting lineup of artists like Johnny Osbourne, General Levy, and Zion Train. Their volunteer programme is for anyone who is interested in the world of event management and most importantly, has a knack for socialising and enjoys meeting new people. Apart from a holistic learning experience, be prepared for free festival merch, a peep into the world of music, and a chance to interact with pioneers in the field. An unpaid opportunity, the festival does not take responsibility for your accommodation. However, all transport receipts will be reimbursed by the festival organisers, along with all volunteer meals for the course of the programme. As a volunteer, you can apply to work in three capacities: as a pre-festival volunteer (which allows you to work from your city), an on-ground volunteer, and a creative volunteer.
The application for the upcoming volunteer programme is still open. To visit the form, click here.
Festival Dates: 2-3 November, 7-9 December.
Where: Meghalaya, Pune
As one of the largest music festivals in India, Bacardi NH7 Weekender has been instrumental to the growth of the independent music industry, with our local artists getting to share the stage with some of the biggest international music icons like Cigarettes After Sex and Steve Wilson. Organised by Only Much Louder (OML), NH7 Weekender takes place in multiple cities across the country like Pune, Meghalaya etc. The volunteer programme at NH7 opens every year around September-October and the deadline is usually a month before the festival. What makes the experience incredibly fulfilling is that ‘The Loudest Crew’ - the team behind the festival - is just the place for anyone who wants to not just understand the logistics of making a music festival happen but also sees themselves building a career out of this opportunity. One of the most volunteer-friendly festivals in the country, this is one opportunity you shouldn’t miss. Unfortunately, the applications for this year’s festivals have already closed. However, look for the same next year!
Feature Image Courtesy: Goa Sunsplash Facebook Page
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