The iconic music festival 'Independence Rock' returns this year with a big bang. 

The festival will continue to democratise music in this new chapter by questioning the status quo and reflecting on social and cultural changes. I-Rock's goal is to honour India's rock legacy while also providing a creative platform for the youth to express non-conformist ideas, freedom of speech, inclusivity, and equality.  

Hyperlink Brand Solutions and Paytm Insider have joined forces with Farhad Wadia to bring back this iconic rock festival in a larger-than-life avatar on the 5^th and 6^th November at Bayview Lawns, Mazagaon, Mumbai,

Verus Ferreira in an email interview with Farhad Wadia, Founder & Director, gets more details on Mumbai finest festival that’s making a comeback.

I-Rock has not been around since the past few years. How come the sudden decision to hold it once again despite the odd you faced all these years?

Independence Rock took a long Hiatus Because I moved to the US in 2014 . But the plan was to always resurrect it as the fans love the festival and they kept messaging me on the Social Media Pages for it. When my friend VG Jairam called me earlier this year to discuss the possibility of reviving it … it was the easiest decision to make and the rest as we say is history !and about facing odds that’s just the life of a Concert Promoter in India and someone’s got to do it !:-)

What hurdles did you face in bringing the I-Rock back to the stage?

Actually once Jairam and I decided to re-start it there weren’t many … Its been smooth.

In 2003, Rang Bhavan shut down and despite that you were all set to have the I-Rock in 2015 at another venue, until a problem arose. This time round, what changes have you made to ensure I-Rock is not disrupted.

Rang Bhavan shut down in 2003 and post which we did it for 10 odd years at Chitrakoot in Andheri and the show went on smoothly and there were no issues.

Are you once again holding the I-Rock band competition to check out the best bands, like you did down the years?

No, we have changed the format of the concert and done away with the Band Contest. Over 2 days now we will have the Best Professional Bands playing.

Holding the festival which many regard as the Woodstock of India, for the current fest, do you still have to submit the band names, (you once had a band names Moist Vagina), lyrics and other details so there is no problem at the last minute, or has things changed with the new venue giving you freedom to do it as you please?

Sure we had that band and we can’t really control what a band wants to name themselves. But no we don’t have to submit band names and we don’t have any problems this time around .

Rock bands have tried their best to take the stage for I-Rock. How did you come down to the list as to which Indian bands would play this year? What are you looking for in rock bands when you select them for the I-Rock?

Jairam and Team Hyperlink have decided the band list that plays this year with a few suggestions from me. It’s easy as we have selected the best of the best for this Historic comeback concert.

Unlike Rang Bhavan that offered a readymade stage, what are the logistics that you face now in a new venue, sound and lighting?

This new venue is a great one its only thousands of time more expensive  

Is there a sponsor you managed to get to host this yearsI-Rock?

Yes there are a couple of sponsors and they will be revealed shortly.

What do you think of the current rock music bands in India?

There are some great new bands and a lot of talent in India.

Is original music happening or is it still cover songs?

Yes, I’d say that original music of a very high standard is the norm today along with a few covers.

There are many notable all girl rock bands in the country, do you plan on adding them onto the lineup for I-Rock this year?

We are looking into this.

How different would I-Rock at Rang Bhavan be and holding it in a private setting?

Rang Bhavan had a certain charm and was the best music venue in South Mumbai for years. This current venue of ours has its own charm and is near the sea and has a beautiful look and feel to it.

As a musician yourself, how has the road been for you and what have you been up doing - personally and professionally now that you are living in America?

The journey has been fun. I still do music as a hobby here and perform sometimes. I also put out videos on YouTube – Covers and Originals and you can check them out on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/farhadwadia America is a great country and is my new home. But India too will always be home as that is where this all began.

Interviewed by Verus Ferreira