Here comes the... band

Indie artistes are playing at wedding ceremonies.Three musicians discuss what it takes to cater to the shaadi crowd

- Karishma Kuenzang

 

What to wear to an indie-music gig? How about a sequinned lehenga, embroidered achkan, or white lace ballgown? At sangeets, receptions, and other wedding events, many couples are swapping generic DJ music for performances by their favorite indie bands.

For guests, it's a chance to hear live original music in addition to the usual Tu Mera Hero and Bole Chudiyaan. For performers, it's a way to fill the fallow months between gigs and festivals, find new audiences, and make some money. No, it not being a sell-out. Think of it catering to an untapped market that demands just a few tweaks.

"At any celebratory gathering, people want to hear their personal favourites: Sing-along anthems and award-winning dance numbers," says drummer Naman Datta, 34, who has been playing professionally with multiple ensembles since 2015.

The gathering defines the music requests, Datta says. "Friends and family call for a mix of English and Hindi numbers, youngsters ask for Sufi and Punjabi tracks, seasoned listeners end up calling a band that does indie covers."

They're playing your song