Storm in the Woods

Almost a decade ago,Chennai-based Sachin Bopanna,a DJ at that time,was a regular at the War of the DJ nights,organised in various cities across India. He won some and lost some,but it was this idea of the DJ night that made him conceptualise a music festival spread over a few days that would bring many DJs under one roof,and have them play simply for the love of music. Even though the idea didn’t work out back then,Bopanna,34,has finally realised his dream,with the upcoming two-day Storm Music Festival in Coorg,which will kick off on November 11. “This is an offshoot of what I had planned 10 years ago — not only DJs,but also a number of indie bands are part of this. We plan to make it an annual property,” he says. The line-up raises expectations. From blues band,Soulmate,to Delhi-based Faridkot, from metal gods Swarathma to Ankur and the Ghalat Family — there will be music from many genres. VJ and DJ Nikhil Chinappa will host the campout festival to be held in the picturesque surroundings of Coorg. DJ Pearl,DJ Breed,DJ Clement and DJ Dale Anderson,among others,add the dance element. Bopanna says he wants to make sure “everyone enjoys nature,instead of destroying it”. But it’s not just sound that will keep the revelers busy — the festival also offers art,music,dance,barbecue workshops and adventure sports. The organisers are expecting 5,000 people and plan to accommodate 1,000 in the camps.