India’s largest and oldest crowdfunded, DIY, pay-what-you-want music festival reveals the full lineup of 45 acts set to perform at their upcoming editing on 13^th and 14^th January 2024 at the stunning Roaring Farm in Malad, Mumbai.

5 stages are set to host fresh sounds, diverse genres, and scene favourites, and the excitement is building among independent music and culture fans. Operated independently without any sponsorship since its inception, the festival aligns with the genuine spirit rooted in ‘by the people, for the people.’ As is customary, attendees can choose their entry contribution through a PAY WHAT YOU WANT model at www.controlaltdelete.in.

After a pandemic-induced hiatus, the festival returns for its 13th edition with an incredible lineup of 45 acts across 5 stages that will resound through the lush environs of Roaring Farm.

Seasoned acts and fresh new sounds converge in this highly anticipated edition, featuring a returning performance by Mumbai’s very own rapper Naezy; Chennai Alt-rockers The F16s; Mumbai singer-songwriter Tejas fresh off ‘The Archies’ high and Delhi-bred producer-bassist Hashbass making their long-overdue debut at the festival. Adding a touch of nostalgia to the mix, Mumbai metallers Bhayanak Maut, Bengaluru’s multi-award-winning death metal band Inner Sanctum, alongside veterans Third Sovereign out of Aizawl will dominate the notorious ‘Survive This’ stage.

Making their Mumbai debut is the multi-faceted MaryKali from Kerala, the Delhi-Mumbai experimental music collective EXCISE DEPT, and the jazz-electronica project by the Goa-based sibling duo, Merak.

Representing the diverse sounds of Delhi, the shape-shifting producer/singer-songwriter Bharg is set to showcase his new pop-punk/indie rock material, while vocalist/composer Bawari Basanti will bring poetry alive with a new-age Hindustani Classical set.

Fresh talent will be on high display as per norm, expanding to the homegrown crop featuring the all-female hip-hop crew Wild Wild Women, R&B singer-songwriter Perp, rock duo St. Cyril, and producer-composer Tidals. The Alt and Metal stages will also host Sikkim-based noise grind outfit Konflicts and New Delhi’s newest rock outfit Komodo Jane.

Anushka Manchanda, in her producer-activist alter ego Kiss Nuka, alongside Bengaluru’s Watashi, and Tyrell Dub Corp from New Delhi, are expected to drop genre-bending sets at the electronic music stage. Breakthrough rappers Yashraj and Farhan Khan will unleash their relentless flow and join the lineup with other hip-hop crews.

With a legacy spanning 12 editions over 11 years, CAD has showcased over 180 Indian artists, earning a reputation as the greenhouse where the future sounds of Indian alternative music bloom. Past editions have seen performances by artists such as DIVINE, Emiway, MC Stan, and Achint before their breakthrough into the mainstream.

Control ALT Delete has come to be a unique experience in the musical and cultural landscape in India. Rooted in the principles of DIY culture and community collaboration, the festival proudly stands as an independent entity, free from corporate sponsors and brands, relying solely on the unwavering support of fans and their contributions. It truly is for the people and by the people. Fans can contribute as little as a rupee, ensuring their entry into the festival. Depending on the contribution levels, contributors receive valuable perks — from exclusive merch and recognition on the sponsor list to access to private gigs and more. Each rupee directly fuels festival production and logistics, providing an opportunity for fans to further contribute through volunteering.

This year, CAD has also collaborated with music education property OffSet Education to kick off its inaugural apprenticeship program ‘Off Course’, a unique opportunity for aspiring professionals to gain hands-on experience in the dynamic environment of a music festival, helping cultivate the next generation of sound engineers, light designers, stage technicians, and managers.

Transparency is the cornerstone of the festival — all profits are split EQUALLY among all performing artists and the complete festival accounts are shared online for everyone to view and audit. The PAY WHAT YOU WANT model has been the bedrock of this festival’s philosophy since its inception. Rooted in the principle of inclusivity, the event strives to provide equal access to everyone regardless of their economic circumstance or musical preference.

In addition to the musical extravaganza, attendees can also cop lakeside accommodation at the campsite managed by Swadesi Treks. The campsite offers a range of tenting options, bonfires, and alternative sports activities.

Here are some things that we feel make CAD a unique festival to talk about: 

Legacy of CAD (early performers are now stars) 

We’ve had some of the country’s biggest artists perform at CAD at some point, before they rose to fame - Divine, MC Stan, Achint, Ankur Tewari, Dhruv Visvanath, Emiway Bantai, Seedhe Maut, and many more. We’re invested in bringing artists from different cities, localities, and areas, pushing sounds that are away from the mainstream and the talent pool of larger festivals.

Variety / area / genre representation 

Our aim is to get more communities involved, build flourishing scenes, and bring artists from different parts of the city and country to different stages. We have everything from hip hop to rock, and electronica to metal in one place!

Community building and programmes 

We are offering volunteering and skill-building programmes this year. Every year, we put together a team of volunteers who help manage and run the festival. We will also be introducing an apprenticeship programme in association with OffSet Education called ‘Off Course’ helping cultivate the next generation of sound engineers, light designers, stage technicians, and managers.

All access for all ages, safe space for all ideologies 

Since there is no fixed fee, it allows people of all ages to attend, eliminating social status and distinction of crowds. You can enjoy any music you like, and you can try discovering new music and genres too.

Managed to raise INR 2,78,300 without even announcing the lineup 

The faith in Control ALT Delete as an entity is strong, and people’s trust along with their generous contributions makes this festival thrive!

Only festival to have an open PnL 

All our accounts, from the very first edition, are online for everyone to see.

Find Control ALT Delete online, and follow them for announcements:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ctrlaltdel8

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ctrlaltdel8

The website - www.controlaltdelete.in