CAD 2024: Attend India's Biggest Crowdfunded Music Festival This January

Control ALT Delete, India's largest crowdfunded, not-for-profit music festival, is gearing up for its highly anticipated 13th edition on January 13 and 14, 2024. Set in the Roaring Farm in Malad, Mumbai, this edition promises an eclectic mix of music from 45 artists across 5 stages, igniting the excitement among enthusiasts of independent music and culture.

Operating independently and free from corporate sponsorship since its inception, Control ALT Delete embodies the ethos of 'by the people, for the people.' Attendees are encouraged to contribute with to their entry fee through a unique Pay-What-You-Want model with a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all music enthusiasts. Additionally, the festival offers on-site camping facilities, providing a complete festival experience to its attendees.

What sets CAD apart and makes it a festival worth celebrating? It's the legacy. The festival has a remarkable track record of hosting artists who later became household names, such as Divine, MC Stan, Emiway Bantai, and others. CAD aims to curate diverse talent from various cities and localities, fostering sounds away from the mainstream while nurturing a pool of emerging artists.

The festival actively engages in community-building initiatives, offering volunteering opportunities and skill-building programs. The absence of a fixed fee ensures that people of all ages can attend, creating a space devoid of social status distinctions. Attendees have the liberty to explore and enjoy a wide array of music genres. CAD's credibility and trust among its audience are evident as it managed to raise INR 2,78,300 even before announcing the lineup, showcasing the faith people have in the festival's ethos.

CAD prides itself on diversity, with a spectrum of music genres ranging from hip-hop to rock and electronica to metal, all under one roof. After a hiatus induced by the pandemic, the 13th edition boasts a lineup of 45 acts across five stages, set to resonate through the lush surroundings of Roaring Farm. The eclectic mix includes seasoned performers such as Mumbai's renowned rapper Naezy, Chennai's alternative rock band The F16s, and Delhi's producer-bassist Hashbass making their awaited debut at the festival.

The musical journey spans various genres, including the nostalgia-inducing performances of Mumbai metallers Bhayanak Maut, Bengaluru's award-winning death metal band Inner Sanctum, and veterans Third Sovereign from Aizawl, dominating the 'Survive This' stage.

Additionally, the festival introduces new talent like MaryKali from Kerala, the experimental music collective EXCISE DEPT from Delhi-Mumbai, and Merak, a jazz-electronica project by Goa-based siblings. Diverse sounds will also be showcased by artists like Bharg, presenting new pop-punk/indie rock material, and Bawari Basanti, blending poetry with new-age Hindustani Classical music.

The lineup will feature emerging talents including the all-female hip-hop crew Wild Wild Women, R&B artist Perp, rock duo St. Cyril, and producer-composer Tidals. Notably, stages dedicated to Alt and Metal music will host acts like Sikkim-based noisegrind outfit Konflicts and New Delhi's rock group Komodo Jane.

The electronic music stage anticipates genre-defying sets by Anushka Manchanda as Kiss Nuka, Watashi from Bengaluru, and Tyrell Dub Corp from New Delhi. Breakthrough rappers Yashraj and Farhan Khan will join other hip-hop crews in unleashing their rhythmic prowess.

With a legacy spanning 12 editions over 11 years, Control ALT Delete has nurtured over 180 Indian artists, serving as a launchpad for many now-prominent names in the alternative music scene. The festival's commitment to DIY culture and community collaboration has established it as a unique platform, free from corporate affiliations, relying solely on the support of fans.

Contributions start from as little as a rupee, granting attendees various perks and access while directly supporting festival production and logistics. 

Transparency remains pivotal as all profits are equally distributed among performing artists, and complete festival accounts are made available for public scrutiny online. The festival's model also emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring equal access to all, regardless of economic status or musical preference.

You can contribute to CAD 2024 here.

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