Bengaluru’s Higher Ground Music Festival shines spotlight on new talent

Gig organisers and Bengaluru rock scene regulars Vishwas Karanth and Avishek Dasgupta are here to dispel the notion that band culture is on the wane in India. While Vishwas’ platform Gigital India often spotlights new, independent artistes and Avishek fronts prog band The Pulse Theory and runs the events company Dogmatix, the duo have teamed up to launch Higher Ground Music Festival. This indoor festival will take place from October 10 at The Raft in Koramangala.

The lineup is driven by the goal to get bands to perform at popular and sought-after venues in the city. Day One features rock bands, No Neighbours Around and Simplemanradio alongside singer-songwriter Aanchal Bordoloi, while Day Two has a ‘breakthrough stage’ lineup based on over 50 applications from new and upcoming artistes and bands to perform at the fest.

Vishwas says, “Choosing just five was tough because so many of the submissions were incredible. We finally focused on bands formed in the last couple of years and made our choices based on the audio and video files they sent us. We wish we had space for more, because so many of these bands truly deserve a spot on the lineup.” Avishek adds, “The emerging artistes showcase is the core ethos of this festival.”

Simplemanradio
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

To that end, alternative prog rock band Perception Delta from Chennai, alt-rock band OrchidEyes, rock act Rocktooth, the Ahin Viswam Project and singer-songwriter Tarita will perform on the breakthrough stage, headlined by metallers As Oceans Flatline. The festival closes with The Pulse Theory, rock band Rascals of the First Order and acoustic artist Abhinav Varma performing on Day Three. In between, a rooftop sundowner session will also feature seasoned singer-guitarist Noel D’Gama.

Avishek notes that this is a DIY event. “Our primary intent was to build a niche space with a mix of established local acts and upcoming talent who often don’t have opportunities to showcase their music.”

Chennai act Perception Delta, who recently released their debut single, ‘Haunt You’ are playing in Bengaluru at what vocalist Antara Arvind calls, “their first out-of-town ticketed gig”. “It is especially one that is not only committed to giving independent music a spotlight, but also one that gives new bands like ours a shot to play our material,” says Antara.

Drummer Shrikar says they are currently in the process of making music and finding their sound, as well as building a set list. Guitarist Nirav Adrian says for an upcoming band like themselves, the approach is simple, “The right stages for us at the moment are the ones willing to have us there! We are excited to show everyone what we’ve been working on.” Bassist Kurian John highlights that they will perform their debut single, ‘Haunt You’ as well as songs that “tie into larger societal themes.”

Aanchal Bordoloi 
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

On Day One, Aanchal Bordoloi performs with guitarist Piyush Chhetri, soon after releasing her new Bossa Nova-inspired song ‘Brazilian Girl.’ She says, “It is a song that almost instantly gives me hope. The lyrics force me to dream and sway to some music playing in a faraway island — the song revolves around the themes of escape and belonging.”

Aanchal will also double up as the host at the festival, presenting artistes. As someone who was introduced to genres such as progressive rock after hearing city bands like Rainburn, The Pulse Theory and Space Remedy perform, the Chennai-based artiste (originally from Assam) says she has seen the city’s live music space change quite a bit.

She is also going to be performing in Bengaluru on November 9, as part of the Femme Music Global and Nyima Records’ showcase at Fandom.

As for The Pulse Theory, Avishek promises they will be ending with a “high octane set” of their songs. “This would mark our last set of shows for the year before we return with brand new material in 2026 along with our upcoming album.”

Vishwas and Avishek both agree that there are “constraints” in the current scheme of live music in the city, especially for independent bands, but they hope the Higher Ground Music Festival can make a dent. “The response so far has been great, and we are even thinking about doing it twice a year,” Vishwas adds.

Higher Ground Music Festival takes place on October 10, 11 and 12 at The Raft, Koramangala. Tickets, priced ₹499 per day and ₹999 for all three days, are available on SkillBox.