Bacardi NH7 Weekender, labelled India’s happiest festival, returns with an epic lineup across four cities. Bacardi and Only Much Louder bring you the fourth edition of the festival featuring more than 200 bands across six stages. All set to take over the Capital on 30 Nov and 1 Dec, we talk to musician Dhruv Visvanath who will be a part of the madness...
When and how did you first become interested in/begin playing music?
I began my musical journey at the age of 7 playing the piano. My mother told me that women fawn over pianists, seemed like a silly reason then, but ever since that year I looked at music for what it really was. Just a melting pot of words that never existed, bursting with beauty. I shifted to the guitar on the 21 Dec 2004. Haven’t looked back since!
How do you connect your music with the audiences?
The thing is, I have a habit of writing music for myself or writing music that tells stories. I think more than anything, I like to let people connect by letting them attach their own stories to songs, especially my instrumental pieces. I really want people to think of their own stories when they listen to my music because I really want to make feel like they played a hand in making the song what it is.
What can we expect from your set at NH7 Weekender in Delhi? Any special plans?
Well the Delhi edition will be particularly special. I played there last year and I’m eager to make my performance more lively and interactive. I’ll be playing some newer songs at the show, as well as mixing it up with a few favourites! As for anything special, well I only end up thinking of stuff like that on the day itself! Might end up surprising myself as well as the audience!
What is your take on NH7 Weekender shaping music in India?
As a festival, it doesn’t quite necessarily shape it. I feel it more or less epitomizes it, which shows the ideal existence of music in this country. Musicians work all year round making music, performing, and spreading happiness to a lot of people and the Bacardi NH7 Weekender has become a beacon to look forward to as the year comes to a close. I think it shows the power of being independent, and the power of the audience to influence that instance of change that is needed in the music scene.
Which other Indian musicians/bands do you like to listen to?
I’m a huge fan of bands like Skyharbor, Indus Creed and Jester. I listen to them almost religiously, along with bands like Swarathma, Adil & Vasundhara, Slain, The Raghu Dixit Project, Them Clones and Goddess Gagged. It really boils my blood that these bands aren’t famous across the globe! There are times where I shut myself off from the world and only listen to what India has to offer, and let me tell you I feel so happy to know such musicians!
Tell us about your future plans in music.
I’m currently working with a larger project, focusing on a different area of my songwriting, it’s called DVT. I’ve been writing songs with the band for over a year and with practice the songs keep getting better. Hopefully by the first quarter of the next year, I’ll be working towards an album that incorporates all that I have to offer as a songwriter. I’m also working on a series of guitar duets with some of the finest guitarists of this country, creating songs in the space of an hour and recording them straight away. Some of the ideas that come by are fantastic. And finally a lot of performances throughout the country! I can’t wait!