Weekender State of Mind

While studying journalism in Pune, it was my annual routine to spend a weekend at the NH7 Weekender. The music festival always brought with it a plethora of brilliant artists, each adding to its ethereal vibe. I may no longer be in the city, but just the thought of the multi-day event puts a smile on my face when I read a list of this years lineup, I was once again reminded of why NH7 calls itself the happiest music festival.

This time around, the proper weekender only takes place in Shillong (Oct 27 and 28) and Pune (Dec 8 10), but there are a bunch of single-day Weekender Express concerts taking place in Kolkata, Bengaluru, Puducherry, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Indore and Kochi. In the meanwhile, Ive picked out a list of five artists and bands you ought to witness live at this times edition

Steve Vai
A guitaristthe 10th greatest in the world, as per Guitar World magazineknown for his complex instrumental rock compositions, Steve Vai has won three Grammies, sold 15 million records and persistently stayed away from being associated with any band, except one right at the start of his career (The legendary guitarist, Frank Zappas). He gained prominence in the 1980s, though he continues to release studio albums and perform to packed stadiums even today. Hes performing at NH7s Meghalaya edition.

Cigarettes After Sex
I must confess this I have cried to the music of ambient pop band, Cigarettes After Sex during some very difficult, lonely nights. I expect myself to react no differently while watching them perform at the festivals Pune edition. The band is just about nine years old, and with songs like Nothings Gonna Hurt You Baby, Dreaming of You and Starry Eyes, it already has enough tearjerkers to its credit. The four-member bands style is very lyrical, dark, low-key and immersiveyou must see for yourself I certainly will (theyre playing at the Pune edition)

The Dillinger Escape Plan
A renowned 20-year- old heavy metal band, The Dillinger Escape Plan is set to disband by the end of the year. That makes their performance at NH7 Pune one of the lasts, and all the more special. But just because they will be signing off a two decade-long stint, dont think theyve lost their gamethe energy levels are just as high, performances just as outstanding, and music just as complex.

Textures
The Dutch progressive metal band has released five studio albums over its past 16 years of existence. Their unique musicinvolving a fusion of genres as varied from each other as progressive rock and electronichas been a favourite among indie-music loving audiences. Textures is currently amid their farewell tour, and theyll be disbanding after it Thankfully, the crowds at both Pune and Meghalaya will be able to enjoy them. Bonus this is not just their final performance in India, but their performance at Pune will be their last overall.

Skyharbor
The Indian/American band is Indias way of telling the world that it too can make some brilliant progressive metal music. Skyharbor has skyrocketed over the yearsearning praise from heavy metal bigwigs including Lamb of God and Megadeth. Their major accolades include a nomination at the global metal category of the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards. Catch them at the Shillong edition.

Nh7 Shillong tickets from 1,250 and Pune from 2,000 buy them at insider.in