Hindi Rock band Moongphuli from Delhi took the stage this evening to open the much-anticipated Hornbill International Rock Contest (HIRC) 2018. Altogether eight bands performed Wednesday on the first day of the preliminary rounds of the 4-day long contest.
Each band is allotted 20 minutes for their performance. The sequence of the bands was decided by lottery. Over the next two days, three judges will decide which of the nine bands among the contesting 24 makes it to the finale scheduled for December 8.
The bands which performed Wednesday were Moongphuli (Delhi), Tyrrhenian (Guwahati, Assam), Switchblade (Kohima, Nagaland), SVKI (Mizoram), Quite Battle (Meghalaya), Yellow Beacon (Dimapur, Nagaland), Snuffer (Diphu) and Pralaya (Darjeeling, West Bengal) respectively.
Arguably the biggest domestic rock fest, and indisputably the highest prize money rock contest in India, the HIRC has become a big draw since its introduction in 2006 as Hornbill National Rock Contest. The event went international in 2013. The Rock Contest carries cash awards of Rs.10 lakh for the winner, Rs.5 lakh and Rs.3.5 lakh for the first and second runner-ups respectively, besides individual cash awards and gift hampers. The judges for the contest, considered as one of the most prestigious rock contests in the country, are Derek Julien, Sonam Sherpa, and Among Jamir will judge the contest,.
Speaking to the media earlier, Derek Julien, iconic guitarist of Waterfront, one of India’s greatest rock bands, said he expects to have a tough time judging the contest. Waterfront was the first Indian band to tour Europe, and that too, playing their own English originals. Reminiscing on his musical journey over 50 years, Derek said he didn’t think twice before accepting the proposal of judging the Hornbill rock contest.
“This is my first time at the (Hornbill International Rock) contest, but I have heard a lot about the quality of musicians here.” Julien is looking forward to watching the bands from the Northeastern states perform. “Even way back, there was a general consensus that all good rock musicians (in India) were from the North East. That was my thinking at that time and a lot many people thought like that.”
Among Jamir, who plays for Bollywood music director Pritam had himself performed at the first Hornbill National Rock Contest and his band made it to the list of finalists. “It was an overwhelming experience playing at the Hornbill National Rock Contest in 2006. And I expect the same energy and talent this time too, or maybe even better.”
Sonam Sherpa, lead guitarist of renowned band Parikrama since 1991, “The standard of music is going to be very high, I am sure of that. It will be tough for the three of us actually come to a conclusion. In India, the Hornbill contest is very well-known and has always attracted top bands.”
Sonam who has performed with his band Parikrama on two occasions in Nagaland – once as guest band in Hornbill Music festival says, “Hornbill Music festival is not just about music, it is not just about winning also. Eat good food – the best in North East, enjoy the culture and enjoy the music.”
Managed by LiveNow Events, the Hornbill International Music Festival, of which the rock contest is a part, continues to live up to its reputation of being one of the most anticipated western music events in the country. Earlier on Tuesday evening, Korean Pop boy band MONT made its first pre-debut performance in India at the Hornbill Music Festival, to a packed venue. MONT belted out Korean and English pop numbers even as the young audience sang along. The Korean boy band took everybody by surprise performing renditions of two Bollywood numbers.
Bands to compete on Day 2
Ambush (Karbi Anglong, Assam), Vishnu (West Bengal), Vikrit (Ranchi, Jharkhand), Rongpin (Diphu, Assam), Lost Icons (Delhi), Her Illegal Practice (Sikkim), UDX (Dimapur, Nagaland), Meraki (Darjeeling, West Bengal).