NT BUZZ
Each live music gig relies on a team working behind the scenes. At Sofar Sounds Goa, volunteers have spent nine years organising performances in venues ranging from private homes to heritage properties.
The Goan chapter of the global Sofar Sounds community began in October 2017 and has since hosted over 50 gigs featuring 175+ independent artistes. To mark its ninth anniversary, it will hold a Halloween-themed gig in Anjuna on October 31, from 5 p.m. The performances will feature artistes from Goa and other parts of the country, with music in Hindi and English.
Each gig usually features three acts across different genres, with the line-up kept secret until the event. Anniversary gigs may feature more performers.
Chintan Shet, who heads marketing for Sofar Sounds Goa, says, “This year’s ninth anniversary is going to be exciting. Audiences can expect Halloween decor and a different atmosphere.” Guests can attend in Halloween costumes, with prizes for selected participants.
Nupura Hautamaki is the city leader of Sofar Sounds Goa. The initiative is run by volunteers who handle artist coordination, venue selection, marketing and event logistics alongside their regular jobs.
Shet, who first attended a gig as a guest in 2017, has been part of the team for nine years. Other team members include Hannu Hautamaki, Tammanna Arora, Jonathan Lopez, Aldrina Cabral, Arnold Carvalho, Keane Cotta, Ved Madkaikar and Ankur Dinge. Their professional backgrounds include law, human resources, finance, travel, design and music, as well as work with non-profit organisations.
However, finding venues has been one of the challenges, especially when it comes to private homes, as hosts may be hesitant to welcome people they do not know. The team has also had to familiarise audiences with the non-ticketed format. Sponsorships help cover expenses such as sound and production, while venues often partner with the organisers on a barter basis. Audiences can also make voluntary contributions. “We want people to be able to experience live music without the barrier of a conventional ticket price,” says Shet.
The team has also collaborated with and supported community partners, including Sensible Earth, #MakaNakaPlastic and WVS Hicks Animal Centre.
Registration for the anniversary gig is open at sofarsounds.com/goa. The venue details will be shared with confirmed guests.
