The 10th edition of SulaFest saw festival goers from across the country at a weekend to remember and this year was an even grander production with even more amazing memories.
The festival this year being a 3 day affair – adding Friday dedicated to Indian artists had also added one more stage – The‘ Tropical Stage’. Friday’ s highlights were Nucleya at the Atmasphere Stage and Indian Ocean at the Amphitheatre Stage. Sula’ s all new musician talent hunt competition“ Rise and Shine” contest winner performed to a thrilled audience at the Tropical Stage. The Bloc Party from the UK made their India debut and rocked the Amphitheatre stage on Day 2, Saturday – while Loco & Jam from Germany performed to a haven of fest-goers at the Atmasphere Stage. The Tropical Stage highlight this day was Peter Schumann’ sperformance. Amphitheatre Sunday headliner – Infected Mushroom from Israel set the stage on fire! German Jan Blomqvist & Band created magic at the Atmasphere Stage located amidst the vineyards. We had a quick chat with Zoya and Infected Mushrooms on their take on the music scene currently and projects to look out for.
How do you think your music stands apart?
We have a different take on the singer songwriters. Lot of them in the country is re-doing the pop and that’ s what happens in the States as well. I think since I was surrounded by that music, I had the chance to figure my sound earlier in time.
ZOYA
What do you think about SulaFest?
This is my first time playing and ever since I came to India, I have been hearing about it and this year I was happy to be booked for both days to play
What is your take on music scene in India?
It is growing! Coming from the States, I feel it has become super saturated. Coming from a place with so many music festivals, bands and a lot of music scene, India had very few and there is an opportunity to build something around it. There is a small movement that I love to be a part of. I feel happy to be a part of this change and the cultural shift too. In the States, there is no room to do more.
If there is one thing you’ d like to change in the music scene, what would it be?
It’ s in all our best interest to make things better. I think audiences are fast forwarded from actually going to festivals and now they actually want electronic music and it is all super new to everyone. Now people have a chance to be free, hang out with friends at such festivals. Sometimes, it feels like audiences are here for other things rather than music and that indeed puts the artists, organizers and promoters in a tough spot, which I think needs a change.
Better live acts programming needs to be done. Even my band, I had to make an electronic set up. I wish there were more festivals in every city.
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INFECTED MUSHROOM
What are the current projects you are working on?
Our new album“ Return to the Sauce” is out and we are touring all around the world and it has been very busy.
How important is Digital in the field of music?
It is super important! You can put your music out there with no big labels and company and if people like it, they can take it and you can make it big by yourself. Don’ t need to go through a huge process.
What is the biggest problem you faced while you were forming a band?
In the beginning, to get signed by a label was difficult for us and it took a long time for us. The truth is, drinking too much alcohol( Laughs hard) and that is the problem of the band.
What bothers you the most about the music industry?
People need to wake up and make a lot of new music. If you have the talent to play an instrument or make music, just go for it!
What are your plans for future?
Well, we love what we are doing and keep making new albums and the stuff we love doing.