MUMBAI: The changed music scene in the country is offering �hope' and most importantly a �stage' (rather grand ones) to the independent artistes back here. Held at the scenic Bandra Amphitheatre, India's first ever MySpace Secret Show was nothing less than terrific – Performing bands Motherjane, Scribe and Black played an all original set for close to 45 minutes each – making the most for every second where the listeners who came in hordes with the printouts of their myspace profile pages that served as an entry pass for the free concert!! The secret show was hosted by Radio One RJ Malini.
For those who don't know, MySpace Secret Shows are free concerts for MySpacers which were started first in the United Kingdom in February 2006 with a performance by Scottish alternative rock band �Primal Scream'. Wondering what is so exceptional about this? - it's the concept of �disclosed locations, but 'undisclosed' artistes'. Ever since its inception, thousands of MySpacers across 10 countries have grooved to the music of their favourite artistes and bands at more than 150 Secret Shows. Some of the renowned acts to have played are U2, Lily Allen, Neil Diamond, Pink, Moby, Fall Out Boy, Duffy, Gnarls Barkley, Slayer and Faithless.
The performing bands for India's secret gig were a mix of promising acts and known names A five member Mumbai based band �Black' who came to lime light in I- Rock opened the secret show whilst playing a lively set to warm up the seated audience. Their sound, a mix of clean and distorted reverberations and chunky riffs was enough to get things started. After Black, it was time for listeners to loosen up. Scribe took the stage and ensured everyone was �up' and �beat' not down or seat (bad rhyme?). Needless to say, the mosh-pit prone where not happy with the English way of watching a band– Scribe where loud, heavy and hard hitting. There was fire spitting (by one of scribe's supporter called �Mac' – a popular face at rock do's) for effects. To add, some of Scribe's old friends also joined the band on stage for some head-banging (or was that an impromptu jig?). Though many among the audience felt they went too far with their antics, their power-packed performance couldn't be overlooked
The steal for the night, however, was Southern India's most revered band MotherJane. The bands musicianship, song writing and energy surely deserve international recognition (which they got to some extent after winning the AVIMA award). Unlike others, they didn't have to put an act. Besides music, lead vocalist shard with the curious listeners about why their faces are half painted like Katahakali dancers, We believe that there's God in each one of us, the painted part of our face signifies just that,... he said. Front line listeners could be seen bowing to Mother Jane's lead guitarist Baiju as he astutely fused blues, rock and (his forte) the Carnatic glissandos with ease – hats off man!
The evening was splendid. And when it was over, many where heard saying, That's the way to – spend it.... Though the ideal bands to play music for such setting/venue would also be soft and mellow, Mumbai rock lovers know how to make the most of what they love – whenever or wherever. Disclosed or undisclosed.