When Prithviraj Edison listens to fusion music, he sees colour. “It’s not an intellectual answer, but it’s very simple,” says the founder of Exodus, an event management company, shrugging. Currently in its fifth edition, Exodus’ October Fusion Festival — which will be held on Saturday at Phoenix MarketCity — is his celebration of the diversity that he remembers growing up around in the Madras of his childhood. “The mood is amazing. It’s the start of the festival season, with Diwali and Christmas approaching,” he adds about his favourite time of year. “Everybody celebrates everything.”
Game face on
At the Unwind Center, the third-floor music school and performance venue in Adyar, black coffee is consumed in vast quantities as Exodus prepares for the show. Members of Steak, a French jazz band, are jamming with Indian musicians Lopamudra and Philip John, rehearsing the original compositions that they will perform together at the open-air venue on Satuday. A sign in the dimly-lit room reads “No alcohol, no drugs,” going on to add, “Give peaches a chance”.
Paul Cadier, saxophonist of Steak, helpfully describes what audiences can expect: “Jazz, folk experimental. We sing in English, even in France. Our recent compositions have been heavily influenced by pop folk, like The Beach Boys and Fleet Foxes. Lots of sax and heavy drumming.” The other performers of the evening include Chennai-based Indo-fusion band Arka (of which playback singer Karthik is a member). Maya Kamaty and Mounawar, both from the Reunion Islands, will also perform their critically applauded combination of pop rock and Maloya, a form of historical protest music devised by indentured labourers from the island.
From kutcheri to concert
Edison, who has spent more than two decades hosting and promoting festivals, started his line of work because he wanted to enjoy good music. “For musicians touring in India, the map usually ends in Bengaluru,” he says dolefully. Six years ago, when he noticed that Phoenix MarketCity had a space conducive to a musical show, he approached them with his plan for the fusion festival, and the management accepted, establishing the five-year relationship.
“How many people really go for concerts in this city?” he asks. “When I say ‘concert’, a lot of people think kutcheri.” In an effort to bring other musical influences to Chennai, the Exodus team hosts an array of annual festivals, the largest of which are the Madras Jazz and Global Isai festivals. “I started [over 20 years ago] because I wanted to enjoy the music, but I don’t get to watch as much now,” he says, smiling. “It’s okay. We need to put Chennai on the map.”
The October Fusion Festival takes place on October 6 at Phoenix Market City, from 5 pm onwards. For free passes, contact info.theexodus@gmail.com