Over five hundred shows and still going
strong! The Live Music Project (TLMP), which took off as a vertical from the
creative activities of Art Escape and formulated into an official project two years
ago, has come to be recognised as one of the foremost projects in the country
to promote live and original music of every genre, with local, national and
international musicians gracing the stage at the Live Lounge at Baywatch Resort
in Sernabatim. “Basically, we started TLMP five years ago. The idea was to
establish a dedicated platform to showcase musicians from India and abroad and
support all genres of music,” avers partner Darryl Noronha. “The International
Jazz Festival which we launched is one of the most popular jazz festivals not
only in India but recognised abroad as well.”
An interesting aspect of the project is its
promotion of original music. “We have had some international and Indian bands
playing only original music. The idea is to showcase to local talent the
standard and quality that exist elsewhere and to inspire them to create their
own original music. To encourage local talent, we have invited singers,
musicians and songwriters to showcase their talent here,” elaborates Darryl.
The lack of response however has been a
damper. “It’s unfortunate that not many local musicians come to see and listen
to these visiting artistes. We are trying to create a space for original music
and mentor it and we are connected to an international network to promote it,”
maintains partner Vinesh Iyer.
The biggest hurdle yet is finances. “In
terms of sustainability, it has not been easy. In fact, it has been quite a
struggle. Our idea is to keep the momentum growing. The project has grown over
the years, albeit sluggishly. We need more sponsors to come forward to support
the live music scene here,” states Vinesh. However Darryl also believes that
people must believe in the idea to support it. “Dr Sidney Moraes and the other
partners of Baywatch firmly believe in the idea and hence support us.”
But the music must go on and the only way
the duo sees it is to continue with a dedication to the task and extend its
activities. “We are looking to start an Open School of Music as well as a TLMP
Jam Pad in the near future. Meanwhile, we also plan to conduct a series of
workshops on topics like sound engineering, recording, proper mixing techniques
and so on,” reveal the Art Escape team.
As they prepare to celebrate TLMP’s second
anniversary with 10 acts and 25 musicians, they hope that the Project will
receive the response, both from local musicians and financiers, that it has
been lacking so far.
(The second anniversary is showcasing acts
from Goa and around the country at the Live Lounge at Baywatch, Sernabatim
Beach, Colva Road on May 17, 2015 from 12noon onwards. Natalie Matos, Rida and
The Musical Folk, Drawing Short Straws and Vince and The Saints will perform
songs from their latest upcoming albums)
