Adland’s rockstars

R Venkatraman (Venky), brand partner, BBH India, Lead Guitar, Bhayanak Maut 

 

 How was the overall experience of the weekender? High-points and low-points? 

Speaking from the experience I had last year, Weekender this time was way bigger than last time. And it was so much fun, because the crowd this year had easily beaten last year’s attendence. There were more buffoons to laugh at and way too many people in blue hair, but I don’ t know if it was because of all the alcohol they had consumed. The artists were fantastic, but I think last year’s artists were better. The low point was definitely the poor cellphone connectivity that gave many a headaches and heartburns. 

 

Which day had the best line up of bands? 

I wasn’ t there for all three days, but the Pepsi dub station was banging some awesome music and so was Eristoff Wolves Den. I was really looking forward to the Imogen Heap show, but that was kind of ruined with so many drunk people talking to themselves while the show was on, in effect making sure I did not hear a single thing. That’s when I understood what my math teacher felt like! 

 

Who were the other adlanders you bumped into, at the event? 

Most of them were from the other bands so hanging out with them is always fun. It was fun meeting people who you worked with and getting to hang out with them like they are friends rather than colleagues was a breath of fresh methanolated air. Also it was stupid fun seeing everyone drunk and passed out, not that they are not when they are at work. Honestly, 

I don’t remember (hic). 

 

Which gigs did you like?

Skyharbor was fantastic, although they are not from advertising. Bay Beat Collective was fun as always. Scribe with Akshay from Creativeland kicked ass with their quasi-bollywood metal. Totally worth it. 

 

Any senior adlanders whose love for music inspires you? 

Subhash Kamath from BBH, of course. I have seen him play a couple of times and he is so knowledgeable of his Blues. Fantastic guy overall. Akshay, from Scribe, is an inspirational guitarist and an inspirational clown-type-person for the rest of the day. 

 

When did you begin pursuing music? 

It’s been eight years and out of those eight years, five have been with me working in advertising. Also, those five years have given me more than my share of acidity problems. It has also made me an expert juggler.