MUMBAI: Initiatives dedicated to a certain genre or ideology have popped up aplenty in the past two years, although now joining the small list of efforts focusing on all-genre inclusive editions is Generation Why. Starting from 5 January, the latest independent music property will look to not only break the norm when it comes to executions of initiatives but break the genre barrier.

Conceptualised and curated by Aftab Khan, former Programmer/Events Executive at Hard Rock Café India, the gig series is the first of its kind to serve as a platform for fresh acts to an audience that is non-discriminatory and open to all genres. Although a few initiatives have promoted diverse genres through its theme, but the whole focus of Generation WHY would revolve around handpicking the best ‘new talent’ to come out of their respective spheres. Partly inspired by the garage punk band FIDLAR’s eponymous 2015 single ‘WHY Generation’ thatencapsulates the ‘millennial’ generation’s musings on being young and probing to find direction in the digital age, Generation WHY is a welcoming initiative for bands and fans alike.

In its first edition, hip-hop crew Swadesi, singer–songwriter act Ryan Victor Project, post rock band Cat Kamikazee and psychedelic rock quartet Milk will take the stage at Hard Rock Café Andheri, in Mumbai.

Mumbai-based Swadesi comprises of emcees, producers, rappers and graffiti artists. The act has gained some serious momentum in terms of its outreach and visibility through collaborations, the latest arrived with Bandish Projekt, titled ‘Katal Kalaa’. Featuring MC Mawali, MC Tod Fod, Shakahari and MC Mayavi, Swadesi makes an ideal pick for hip-hop from Mumbai considering how carefully the act has laced together socially conscious rap in languages ranging from Hindi to Marathi with local Mumbai slang for hard-hitting groove.

Led by singer-songwriter Ryan Victor, ‘Ryan Victor Project’ had been on a hiatus due to frontman Ryan’s extensive sessions work in film and advertising, and will make a comeback on the 5 January. Foot-tapping rhythms meet acoustic melodies and Ryan’s textural vocals to create a pop-rock soundscape. However, with the addition of Nishith Hegde on guitars, the band moves into a heavier direction that will be witnessed for the first time at the debut Generation WHY gig.

Post rock genre gradually continues to increase its fanbase, and bands like The Cat Kamikazee have been instrumental in ensuring so. The Pune-based quartet will be launching its EP ‘Raining Cats’ at Generation WHY.

In its short span so far, psychedelic rock band Milk has already garnered favourable opinion from fans and critics alike, for their retrophile sonic qualities. Milk takes the stage after a considerable interim, with the recent release of their first official single ‘Teenage Masquerade’ that also featured on indie label ennui.BOMB’s annual compilation – Stupiditties 10.

The second edition of Generation WHY will take place in March 2017 at a relocated venue and will showcase 4 fresh acts spanning prog, live electronica, punk and other genres.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1785056768425449/

https://www.facebook.com/genWHYlive/