The music scene in Mumbai is pulsating with anticipation for the second edition of Lollapalooza India, where homegrown electronic music prodigy Veer Kowli, better known as Chrms, will be captivating audiences with a fresh set of tracks. Charting an impressive journey from a teenager experimenting with production software to a sought-after artist on the cusp of releasing his new album, Kowli’s path has been nothing short of extraordinary. At just 23 years old, he has built a name for himself in the electronic music circuit, playing his first gig at the tender age of 15. Now, he is set to take the stage at one of the most revered music festivals in the country.
From the moment Kowli discovered he would be part of Lollapalooza India’s lineup this year, he has been kindled with excitement. Reflecting back on his experience as an attendee at the festival’s previous edition, Kowli recalls the magic of witnessing legends like The Strokes and secretly harboring the wish to perform on the grand stage himself. His wish has been granted, and he is gearing up to give fans an unforgettable experience.
Raised in a supportive environment, Kowli credits his parents, who run an advertising agency, for allowing him to explore his creative passions. After school, he would engage in a deep dive into software and production on their computers, learning from YouTube tutorials. Kowli’s love for electronic music was sparked in the early 2010s by innovative artists like Flume, who challenged conventional norms and inspired him to make music that was uniquely his own.
Though known for his effortless ability to improvise, Kowli admits that he has never relied on a set pattern. Instead, he assesses the energy of the crowd and the ambiance of the venue to decide the flow of his performances. This approach led to a successful live set at Magnetic Fields last year, hinting at the dynamic showmanship Kowli promises to bring to his Lollapalooza performance.
In preparation for the festival, Kowli has been diligently rehearsing a music set laden with newness – a staggering 98 percent of it constitutes unreleased tracks. His upcoming album, which launches just a day before the festival, marks his extensive return to releasing music after a gap of three to four years. The album features five tracks that Kowli is thrilled to debut live, with friends joining in on vocals to enhance the performance.
The excitement around Chrms’ performance is shared by the event’s leading promoter and co-producer, BookMyShow, which has joined forces with global producers Perry Farrell and C3 Presents to bring Lollapalooza India to life after a strikingly successful inaugural edition. As music aficionados from across the nation and beyond descend upon Mumbai for this colossal event, the spotlight will undeniably shine on Chrms as he showcases his new musical vision—a manifestation of his journey from a curious teen to a trailblazer in the Indian electronic music scene. With a set list that is almost entirely unheard, festival-goers are in for a groundbreaking auditory experience from one of Mumbai’s most innovative rising stars.
