The birthplace of Psytrance

Article about India

Author: Ma Faiza
Date: Nov 15, 2007
Views: 2612

The birthplace of Psytrance... India

Not all that long ago, Trance music in India was only enjoyed by Westerners. Now you can find Indian trancers in big cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Bombay, Kolkata and of course Goa - seeking out Trance vibes and adopting the music, lifestyle, and culture of the global Trance scene.

India is booming and so is the entertainment industry, enticing DJs and artists from all over the world to come and play. There are promises of fun-filled Trance parties, especially with commercial clubs jumping on the Trance bandwagon, but clamping down on the party scene continues, with police closing most venues from 11.30pm to 1.30am depending on where you are in the country. Outdoor parties are kept to small intimate gatherings for fear of organisers or DJs being hauled to prison, sound systems being seized and huge sums of money being demanded by the authorities for their return.

There has also been much media attention focused on stamping out the seemingly corrupting drug influence of Trance music and parties. Sensationalistic and mostly untrue, Trance music continues to make headlines in India with negative associations of hard drugs, sex, alcohol and indecent behaviour.

There was much hype around the highly anticipated 5 day Moondust Festival in Jaipur, Rajasthan in November, with much speculation as to whether it would actually take place. Magically, the festival attracted 2000 trancers, mainly from India, and lasted 3 days until it was busted due to bad media coverage and the Rajasthan government has now launched an official inquiry into the event. 

Goa is the mother of Trance music, but the party season (usually from November until March) has been getting shorter over the last few years. Thankfully, there are still places to dance in Anjuna, the new venue West End in Saligao and the odd all night outdoor party like Bamboo Forest. Goa is still is a haven for Trance culture and lifestyle, with many trancers setting up stalls at the flea market in Anjuna.

This year saw the suspension of the Indian section on the Isratrance forum due to misuse from the Indian members as well as the abrupt stopping of India’s only dedicated electronic music magazine, “Essense” and questions arise on whether we are a community anymore, and with an increase in Progressive trance being played in clubs, is this the new Trance sound that’s going to evolve?

The old trancers who experienced the golden age of Trance may feel like the old India is rapidly disappearing. Now it’s a commercial concept rather than a community, an abundance of sales rather than spirit. However, the first time trancer will still find a scene with parties, clubs, people and a chance to experience the magic of India.


 


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Ma Faiza
faiza@mafaiza.com
International DJ / artist / Producer

Music is magic!

 

Date: Nov 17, 2007
Text: Ma Faiza
Photos: Ma Faiza
Taken from: "Trancer's Guide to the Galaxy 2007 magazine"

   

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