The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), in collaboration with MusiConnect India, marked its 55th anniversary this year. To celebrate this, a grand event three-day event took place at the India International Centre, New Delhi. The event “Soundscapes of India: Gateway to the World” was graced by pop star Daler Mehndi, along with Taran Mehndi and Karan Grover. Senior Director of Commercial Partnerships at IMEA, Dolby Labs, Karan Grover moderated a captivating fireside chat with Mehndi, who shared insights into his career and the universal appeal of Indian music.
Conference and Panel Discussions
The event kicked off with a series of panel discussions and interactive sessions designed to amplify India’s presence on the global music stage. A notable session, “The Time is Now: Amplifying India’s Presence on the Global Music Stage,” featured industry leaders like Vivek Raina (MD, Believe Digital), Varun Khare (COO, Paytm Insider), and Marina Pommier (Director, Sziget Festival). The panel explored innovative strategies to enhance India’s global music presence, emphasizing the importance of digital platforms and international collaborations.
Audience Engagement and Networking
Throughout the day, the audience actively participated in Q&A sessions, engaged in networking over lunch, and showed enthusiasm for the potential global impact of Indian music. The collaborative spirit of the event was palpable, with attendees eager to connect with industry leaders and explore opportunities for cross-cultural exchange.
Music Showcase: A Melange of Indian Sounds
The “Soundscapes of India” music showcase featured 16 bands from 10 states across India, offering a vibrant mix of genres and regional diversity. The event aimed to connect Indian artists with international festival directors and music promoters, providing a gateway to the global music scene.
Here’s the information formatted into tables for Day 2 and Day 3 line-ups:
Day 2 Line-up:
| Time | Artist/Band | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00-6:30 PM | Desert Kats | Rajasthan |
| 6:45-7:15 PM | Niche (Anisha Lakshmanan) | Mumbai |
| 7:30-8:00 PM | Gluttons | Nagaland |
| 8:15-8:45 PM | Aabha Hanjura | Kashmir |
| 9:00-9:30 PM | Hargun Kaur | Amritsar |
| 9:45-10:15 PM | Laxmi Bomb | Goa |
| 10:30-11:00 PM | Aniruddh Verma Collective | Delhi |
| 11:15-11:45 PM | Komorebi | Delhi |
Day 3 Line-up:
| Time | Artist/Band | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00-6:30 PM | Nimad Project | Mumbai/Indore |
| 6:45-7:15 PM | Atmanaam | Pune, Mumbai |
| 7:30-8:00 PM | Baul Mon | West Bengal |
| 8:15-8:45 PM | The Tapi Project | Delhi |
| 9:00-9:30 PM | Abhijit Pohankar | Mumbai |
| 9:45-10:15 PM | Siennor | Chennai |
| 10:30-11:00 PM | Kitanu | Delhi |
| 11:15-11:45 PM | Tal Fry | Delhi |
International Delegates and Festival Listings
The event was attended by delegates from various countries, each representing prestigious music festivals. Their participation underscored the event’s aim to foster international collaborations and showcase Indian music on a global platform.
| Delegate Name | Country | Festival(s) |
| Brahim El Mazned | Morocco | Visa for Music, Timitar Festival |
| Sharzede Binti Salleh | Malaysia | CEO Sarawak Tourism, Rainforest Festival |
| Jung Hun Lee | South Korea | Seoul Music Week, Gwangju Busking World Cup, Ulsan Jazz |
| Phuong Le | Thailand | Wonderfruit Festival |
| Thierry Boyer | France (Reunion) | Théâtres Départementaux de la Réunion, Do Moon Festival |
| Bozena Szota | Poland | Ethno Port Festival, Zamek Productions |
| Natsagdorj Tserendorj | Mongolia | Playtime Festival |
| Marina Pommier | Hungary | Sziget Festival, Le Monde Dans Mon Village |
| Jarmila Vickova | Slovakia | World Music Festival Bratislava |
| John UY | Philippines | Karpos, Wanderland Festival |
| Farkfhun Srisuntisuk | Thailand | Rock Mountain Music Festival, Monster Music Festival |
A Celebration of Indian Music’s Global Journey
“Soundscapes of India: Gateway to the World” not only celebrated India’s rich musical heritage but also paved the way for its future on the global stage. The event served as a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration, creating a bridge between Indian music creators and the international music industry.
As the conference concluded, the sense of possibility and potential for Indian music was palpable. The IPRS, through initiatives like this, continues to uphold its mission of nurturing talent and promoting Indian music on a global scale. The vibrant performances, insightful discussions, and international connections forged during this event underscore the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together.
