The city of Shillong in Meghalaya, otherwise famous for its rolling hills, misty landscapes, and colonial-era charm, has long been hailed as the “Rock Capital of India.” Not only has the city been a treasure trove for music, in recent years, it has come to be a top, sought-after venue for musical events of both local and global nature, drawing a hefty footfall of both national and international tourists. Such development comes as an outcome of a thriving local culture that accommodates a variety of musical genres, rich legacy and proactive people and government initiatives.
Over the years, Shillong has developed a strong bond with music, especially Western styles like rock, jazz, and blues. In contrast to other Indian towns, the city's native Khasi populace has demonstrated a deep love for Western music. This cultural tendency has created a community where music is a way of life rather than only a form of entertainment. Local musicians regularly play at places like Cloud 9 and Café Shillong, fostering a vibrant music culture that lasts all year.
The Meghalaya state government has invested over INR 4,000 crore in building infrastructure to support the growing music tourism business because it recognises its potential. The city's ability to hold major events has improved as a result of these expenditures, drawing in worldwide performers. The success of these efforts is demonstrated by the recent Ed Sheeran concert, which attracted between 30,000 and 35,000 people.
Shillong has established a reputation for organising world-class music festivals that attract performers and fans from all over the world. The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place every November in tandem with the bloom of the cherry blossoms, offers a special glaze of traditional celebrations and scenic splendour. Shillong's standing as a major worldwide music hub has been further cemented by the festival's appearances by international acts including Akon, R3HAB, and Boney M.
Furthermore, Shillong has been added to the list of cities for the NH7 Weekender, one of India's most well-known music events. The city's musical scene has been enhanced by the wide range of performers and genres brought in by this inclusion, which has also given local listeners access to top-notch performances.
Notable local talent that has achieved national and international acclaim has also emerged out of Shillong's thriving music industry. The late Neil Nongkynrih formed the Shillong Chamber Choir, which rose to fame in 2010 after winning the reality talent competition "India's Got Talent". Their distinctive fusion of Indian and Western classical music has demonstrated the city's wide range of musical talents.
Indigenous sounds and modern genres are blended together to create the city's music culture. In order to create a distinctive musical identity that appeals to a wide range of listeners, Shillong artists have been experimenting with fusing traditional Khasi and Garo music with rap, R&B, and other contemporary sounds. Shillong has established itself as a hub for musical innovation and cross-cultural interaction thanks to its inventive attitude.
The economy of Meghalaya has benefited greatly from the surge of music tourism. Large-scale events like concerts and festivals have created jobs, improved hotel occupancy rates and infrastructure, and stimulated local businesses. The "concert economy" is helping the state in a number of ways, according to Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, highlighting the wider relevance of music-driven tourism in changing Meghalaya's travel scene.
