Goa, the smallest state in India, has long been an amalgamation of different people and cultures.
From its traditional Goan origins, which is defined by a variety of local instruments to the Portuguese occupation, which bought with it a variety of European of sounds, Goa’s music scene has been a haze of different styles for decades.
However it’s the late 60s invasion of hippies from America and Britain that has defined the area to this day.
The fruits of this tourism trend didn’t truly arise from Goa’s music scene until the early 80s though. As tourism died down and the hippies vacated, it’s those that stayed behind that have left a lasting impression, not just on Goa but also on India’s music culture.
Marrying elements of industrial music and EDM alongside the spiritualism that dominated the area throughout the 80s the genre and movement behind Goa trance was born.
The likes of Mark Allen, Goa Gil and Fred Disko are sighted as early pioneers. But the Goa trance parties that were cultivated from the music was almost as important in its growth in notoriety as the actual music.
How could you not pay attention when the use of fluorescent paint leaves a colourful memory in your brain? The graphics and psychedelic art only encourage this sentiment as well.
While its commercial peak may have passed for now the area is still known for this style of music and the events that incorporate it.
The music makers in the area may not be as prolific or as abundant in the past, but Goa is still riding on its electronic music past and its party lifestyle.
The clubs in the area and the Sunburn music festival (read more below) continues to bring tourists and electronic musicians to the area.
They hey day is well and truly over, but for the time being Goa is content with being India’s party state.
Shop
Goa isn’t widey known for its record holes and music establishments, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on shopping in the area altogether. We tracked down some places which will definitely make your wallet a little lighter.
Mapusa Market
Locals from all over Goa come here for a large variety of goods. Whether you picture yourself in some local garbs, haggle for antiques, check out the souvenirs or hunt down some textiles the market should keep you entertained for a couple of hours. You might even find some second hand records or even try out some of the spices, vegetables and fruit that are making you hungry.
Golden Heart Emporium, Abade Faria Rd
With every inch of this store filled with fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, music literature, illustrated works and history novels it’s not hard to understand why it’s been called Goa’s best bookstore before. However the locals love it the most for its ability to stock obscure releases by Goan writers.
Other India Bookstore, Mapusa Clinic Rd
Located up the steps on the right as you walk down Mapusa Clinic Rd this bookshop doesn’t make itself incredibly accessible. But once you’ve followed the signs and walked through the doors you’ll know the trouble was worth it. It’s small, but just cosy enough for you to find its charms. Its size doesn’t limit its eclectic selection either. As you cans see by their online store they stock just about any literary style.
Listen
This festival combines music, entertainment, food and shopping over three days in late December every year. Held first in 2007 the event made Candolm Beach an electronic music havern thanks to the headline sets by Carl Cox and Above & Beyond. Its popularity has ballooned since then with the festival expanding to Noida and Mumbai. Over 22,000 people attend the Goa event each year. Read below for more information on some of the local acts that feature at Sunburn.
Jazz Inn, Next to Hatti Mahal, Cavelossim Beach, Cavelossim
Touted as the best live music arena in Goa Jazz In is just as popular for the tunes as it its cuisine. With the interior pleasant but not extravagant, the music and the food is here to win you over. The menu includes Goan, Indian, European and Chinese dishes. Don’t be surprised though if you spend more time dancing to the live band. The music here is central to the experience.
The World Famous Decades Bar, Agar Vaddo, Aguada – Siolim, Calangute
This British owned bar and restaurant is one of the few places in the area to catch quality bands. Head down to the venue on Monday, Thursday and Friday for the live music, but if you’re in town any other day stay for the pool tables, football matches and food.
Club Cubana, North Goa, Arpore Hill Aguada – Siolim Rd, Arpora
Revered as one of Goa’s best nighclubs, Cubana is the only elite venue of its kind in the area. With a variety of open-air sections the club rarely feels packed and the pool side area is likely to be a favourite. The view from the top is worth the entry alone, but it’s the atmosphere here that’ll keep you until the early hours of the morning.
See
Goa Chitra Museum, H.No 498/1, Monddo Waddo, Benaulim
Based in the coastal Goan village of Benaulim this rural area includes houses that contain literally thousands of traditional artefacts that were used throughout the history of Goa. While the collection includes local pottery farming tools, ancient carts and the like, it’s the large collection of music instruments that makes this museum worth visiting. It allows you to investigate the music of Goa before electronica invaded.
Arambol Music Academy, Arambol Main Road, Arambol, Pernem
Just how engaged do you want to get with the local music scene? We’d expect you to see a few gigs and check out some of the local produce, but how about playing some music yourself? At the Arambol Music Academy you can do just that. This school provides a variety of lessons including tabla playing and classical Indian singing.
Local 2013 Sunburn Acts You Should Check Out
India’s best acts may not come from Goa, but they certainly are drawn to the state. Looking through the excellent 2013 Sunburn lineup we picked out some of our favourite Indian acts that made their way to the area.
Anish Sood – Soundcloud
This DJ is one of the most talked about up and coming acts in India. Sood has become a touted warm up DJ, which has seen him play in some of the country’s biggest venues. And to think he’s only 22. His debut single ‘Catapult’ saw him signed to the respected High Contrast label, while the DJ has also appeared at Sunburn festival twice.
Kohra – Soundcloud
Madhav Shorey has been pushing the boundaries of India’s electronic music scene ever since he made his debut solo performance back in 2007. With his own label, Qila Records, to look after Shorey also has ties to Australia through Zenon Records. He has taken his eclectic and edgy style to festivals in Dubai and Italy as well.
Lost Stories – Soundcloud
This young duo, comprised of Prayag Mehta and Rishab Joshi, are one the most successful local electronic dance acts. Formed in 2008 they were the first Indians to be signed by Tiesto’s Blackhole Recordings after the DJ took interest in their first production ‘False Promises’. They just recently dropped their debut LP, Music For # Generation.
