Every music concert among friends would often begin with, or end with, a customary sharing of cab details and phone tracking. Even when doing it out of concern, it feeds into an unsaid patriarchal privilege. “It does feed into the stereotype. That is what we hope to change,” Darshan M points out. The founder of the Sonic Tigress Festival, and a serial entrepreneur, is prepping for Sonic Tigress, the debut women-only festival that will open in Santacruz this week.
“This is not a festival for ‘becharis’,” he reminds us, adding, “Women are completely capable and independent to create, enjoy, and lead a festival. We are simply offering them an opportunity to explore their creative freedoms.” The decision was a reaction to experiences that were not so good. Attending a concert some years back, Darshan had observed how men can get insufferable at concerts, making it difficult for women to even enjoy music.
Zian B (centre) performs at an event in Mumbai. Pic Courtesy/@zianbmusic
For women across the country, or sadly the world, it is not news. Head of content and community, Geetanjali Advani explains that attending a festival can be a very different experience for women, as compared to men. “This is why we wanted to create an exclusively women-only space. From the security to the performers to the bar, it is a space that is by women, for women,” she notes.
A new wave
Not an easy task. The duo shares how the decision to opt for an indoor venue was a counter to the lack of available female technicians. “We also had some issues with curating female-only artistes. Most bands, even led by women, have male musicians. It required some of them to adapt, step out of their comfort zone,” Darshan adds.
Siddhi Thakkar
This precipitated the curation of a diverse line-up from the jazz notes of Zian B, the EDM elements of DJ Binni, and the multi-lingual rap of Raashi Dhamdhere. There is also Mayurpankhi Chetia bringing in notes of folk with her Assamese and Hindi vocals.
Not just a music festival
Advani underlines, “It is a ‘festival’ for women, and by women — not just a music festival. The idea is to offer them a place all of their own to unwind and unhook; be unabashedly free, without judgement or limitations.”
Shruti Bhosle performs a stunt. Pics Courtesy/Sonic Tigress
The symbol they found was in Machali, the tigress from Ranthambore. At the launch in July, the festival unveiled an installation of the tigress made from sarees. “These sarees are often used by villagers to protect their lands. It is at once soft, but also fierce,” Darshan suggests.
As such, there is a flea market with specific offerings for women. There will also be performers including national medal-winning skateboarder Shruti Bhosle. “She will be skating among the audience. Women will also see Siddhi Thakkar, boxer step onto the stage, showing off her skills in heels,” Advani reveals.
The Machali-inspired art installation by Shamaun Ahmed
Then, there are elements such as the scream meter challenge, for women looking to let out their ‘roars’. Even the security detail will be led by women. For once, women in the city can let loose without the anxiety or concern of safety.
A movement for the future
It might have taken them over six months to build the platform, but Advani and Darshan are already looking to the future. “There are women capable, and strong, in every field, all they lack is an avenue sometimes,” shares Darshan.
Geetanjali Advani
Advani reveals that the limitation of the opening edition prevented them from including an all-women group from Kashmir, who sing in anonymity; or another group of international music students. These, they suggest, might be for the future.
Darshan M
“We are also looking to collaborate with studios to create courses for women technicians. There are potential possibilities from taking the festival on tour across the country, building a community, and a platform,” the entrepreneur concludes.
ON October 11; 5 pm onwards
AT Mirage, 8th floor, Krishna Curve Building, Juhu Tara Road, Santacruz West.
LOG ON TO www.district.in
COST Rs 999
