The festival spirit in Chennai gets another boost with the ninth edition of Go Madras, the city’s premier and longest-running homegrown EDM festival. Founded by Shiv Gupta (DJ Shiva Moon), Tuhin Mehta (also a DJ performing at the festival) and Hema Sethuraman, the festival has grown from being a beach festival that was first conducted at Vivanta by Taj — Fisherman’s Cove to now being a wholesome musical and visual experience at Confluence Banquets and Resorts.
Looking back at the journey so far, Hema agrees that the festival has evolved a lot. However, it is as much a passion-driven event now, as it was then, she clarifies. “Each of the three of us have our own private lives and jobs, but when we come together once every year for the festival, we try to look at ways to make it bigger and better,” she says, adding that gates are usually closed once the footfalls cross 4,000-5,000. “It helps to have a controllable crowd. After all, our focus is not just on the music but also on providing a wholesome experience to the revellers,” she explains.
With 35 artistes this time around, the line-up is bigger than ever, and will be headlined by international heavyweights like Stiv Hey, Kliment and Once Upon A Time. There is also Henning Richter, the techno music producer from Berlin, who is currently touring the country for the first time and has subsequent gigs in Pune, Mumbai and Goa.
Special care has been taken to decide the order of the line-up, we learn, when Hema informs that the musicians are already coordinating with each other and decided the sequence of the music. “This is crucial, as it is necessary to present music that complements the pulse of the crowd at any given point. However, impromptu improvisations can also be expected, as Tuhin often does,” she explains, adding that almost all the artistes will be presenting fresh tracks produced especially for the festival or songs from upcoming or new albums.
With food stalls and after-parties also on the cards, this is one extravaganza that electronic music fans must not miss.
September 16-17. Noon onwards. Tickets from Rs. 2,065 on in.bookmyshow.com
Sundowner update
The fun starts a week ahead with a pre-festival sundowner party this Sunday. The line-up includes DJs such as Tuhin Mehta, Jitter, Nikhilesh Teki and OFRO. 3 pm onwards. At The Slate Hotels. Entry at `1,000 per couple. Details: 8760222277
Indian appeal
The line-up of Indian artistes includes names like Ash Roy, who has been performing since the first edition of Go Madras. Other names include Adam Rahman, Arjun Hora, BLOT, Boombay Central, Calm Chor, Shiva Moon, Stalvart John, Sleepwalker and many others.
On your plate
When hunger strikes, make your way to the food stalls that will be set up at the venue. Among them, there is Uncle Sam’s Kitchen that is one of the city’s popular catering companies. Also expect Double Roti’s infamous burgers, continental and fast food by Crimson Chakra, and wraps and rolls by Roll Baby Roll. Details: 45575758, 30853732, 43586116, 9811337803
In a trance
For a darker musical experience, do not miss Kliment Dichev’s psychedelic trance performance. The Bulgarian’s visual style of performing is well known, as he uses 3D video mapping projection techniques to enhance the overall experience. He releases songs for multiple international labels and is a regular in trance festivals across the world. He is also currently working on new music too, like the recent downtempo electronica track which he recorded in collaboration with Mikhail Stoyanov and debuted the song at the Radar Festival Beyond Music in Bulgaria late last month. Details: facebook.com/klimentsound
Time for techno
For some hardcore techno music, make sure you attend Stiv Hey’s performance. The music producer from Milan is known for his heavy and contemporary techno beats, which he expertly intersperses with edgy instrumental music. Fans thus describe his music as ‘Techno Champagne’. Stiv is working on a new series of music titled, Memories. Will he debut tracks from there? Find out on September 16. He will follow up the Chennai performance with a gig in Amsterdam. For more updates on his music, follow his Facebook page where he recently released a new single, Bang Bang, in collaboration with Soupherb Records. Details: facebook.com/StivHey