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I-Rock’s in early Nov

Founder Farhad Wadia confirms that the rock music fest is on, despite the inordinate delay

Ashwin Khan

Posted On Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 12:02:33 AM

Photo: www.ndependencerock.in

For all of us who have been wondering whether Independence Rock (I-Rock) will ever take place this year, there is some good news. Farhad Wadia, founder of I-Rock and CEO of E-18 said the rock music festival will be held in November. “We are trying to host I-Rock by early November.”

So, why the unusual delay, especially with this rock music festival turning 25 this year? Apparently, big plans were being made to celebrate the silver jubilee year.

According to the information on www.independencerock.in, I-Rock was actually supposed to go global this year. It would partner with rock music talent hunts in various regions across the globe and the winners would be given a chance to compete in an I-Rock global finale.

An international act was supposed to headline the gig too. Unfortunately, the plans did not fall into place. “I-Rock sponsors backed out due to last minute changes in their marketing strategy and with it our plan to host a worldwide competition went up in air,” said Farhad, who sounded upset by the turn of events.

The usual format of I-Rock starts with bands from Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru sending their demos to the organiser. After the selection process is completed, pub rounds are held, followed by regional finals and then the national final in Mumbai. “The budget for all of this comes around to Rs 2 crore,” Farhad said.

Had the sponsors not backed out, winners of the following music competitions would have shared the stage with the national final winner from India — Live and Unsigned (music competition held in UK), Sutasi (search for new, up and coming, contemporary Asian music talent), Emergenza (music festival that takes place in major European cities as well as in North America and Asia), National Campus Band Competition (NCBC is held in Australian campuses), Band On The Run (Canadian music fest) and Exposed (an American live battle of the bands competition).

“Over the years, we have faced every possible kind of obstacle while hosting I-Rock. From sponsors backing out and absence of sponsors, bands pulling out of the competition, heavy rains to cop issues,” Farhad said. However, he was quick to add that “I-Rock will happen, a 150 per cent”.

For more information on the music fest you can check out— www.independencerock.in and www.facebook.com/independencerock. Two bands from Pune can ultimately make it to I-Rock national final.

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