The Multilogue Collective in collaboration with House Concert India is working on a research narrative based around 'City and Space'. For the initial story, we wanted to cover the music scene in different cities and ask a few questions to musicians, organizers, and supporters of original music in India.
We were glad to have a conversation with Janvi Anand, who is based out of New Delhi and is a singer, songwriter, acoustic guitarist and educator. Having performed extensively as a solo artist in India, she currently performs internationally as an Acoustic Pop Rock artist. She likes to talk about human relationships and vulnerabilities through her cross-genre compositions.
For her, Delhi is a very versatile city. There seems to be an underground culture for dance/electronic music but I am not aware much about it. Hip-hop really seems to be coming up. There are a handful of venues which cater to bands and singer-songwriters. A lot of properties like house concerts or hosting curated shows are coming up which helps one showcase their original music to an attentive audience.
As an artist/musician/individual, what are your views on the ever-changing scenario for live gigs/concerts within the city and how performance spaces in your city have evolved for different kinds of music?
"I think that’s part of our society now. We have so many options for everything, that change is inevitable. And I believe it’s a good thing. But I have seen most venues resorting to Bollywood music or DJ nights to cover their bills, as the audience still isn’t ready for just live music. I have only performed in Delhi for the last year or so, and have already seen a lot of places shut down."
Place-making capitalizes on a local community's assets, inspiration, and potential, with the intention of creating public spaces that promote people's health, happiness, and well being.
What are your views/suggestions on the idea of music (any genre/any kind of artist - gigs/festival etc) as a place-making tool, to activate the public life and create a sense of community within a city?
"I think this can be achieved by public/corporation funding and support. If more money comes into the independent scene especially through corporations we would not only have the means to support the art but also be forced to be a lot more organized within the industry."
Cities start getting a tag of the kind of 'music scene' it has established over the years or is now adapting to. How would define the music identity of your city? (You may talk about specific genres or in general.)
"Delhi is often related to a city with Punjabi/Bollywood music. Though that holds the maximum share, I believe the city has been compartmentalized. You can find bits of everything. For artists, it’s not sustainable, but as an audience, you will always get different flavors across the city."
Any organisations you would like to mention which are creating this spark of the community through alternative experiences?
"I have performed with House Concert and Sofar Sounds in the past, so I definitely vouch for them. I have heard of quite a few more experience based properties who I would love to work with in the near future."
We would like to thank Janvi for being a part of this narrative and for being a wonderful individual in the music fraternity while she represents her city, New Delhi.
You can connect with her at:
Official Site
YouTube
Spotify
Apple Music
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