The serene shores of Varkala beach in Kerala, bordered by majestic cliffs and the vast Arabian Sea, are on the cusp of a cultural renaissance. This once tranquil retreat is swiftly transforming into a hub for music lovers with the upcoming Alboe by the Beach – a contemporary beach music festival envisioned to set a new precedent in the South Indian music scene. It all started with an idea that sparked between Vishnu Shyamaprasad, a filmmaker known for his Netflix film Thrishanku released seven months ago, and Jay Unnithan, the film’s music director. Their encounter with a plethora of youthful, burgeoning talent in the regional music industry ignited the conception of Alboe by the Beach.
For the first time, Lacuna Pictures takes its artistic prowess outdoors, curating this open-air music festival over an ambitious six-month period. The excitement builds as the festival, scheduled to start on February 9, promises to be an auditory delight spanning three days. The impressive lineup boasts a rainbow spectrum of musical genres represented by an eclectic blend of artists. Seasoned rappers Brodha V and Arivu share the platform with upcoming powerhouses such as Baby Jean and MC Couper. Independent talents like Taba Chake serenade with their lyrical prowess, while Chennai’s The F16s and Bengaluru’s Pineapple Express unleash their energetic rock vigour.
Adding to this rich melodic medley are Space Is All We Have, Mary Ann, Sunflower Tape Machine, and DJ Paloma Monappa with their pulsating electronic sets. Pop enthusiasts will revel in the inclusion of Jeremiah De Rozario’s arresting performances, while Frizzell D’Souza and Wayanad’s Matadori strike chords with their unique sounds. “Alboe by The Beach aims to celebrate multiple genres; for its premiere, we’re spotlighting hip-hop, indie rock, and pop,” states festival director Vishnu. “Our lineup is a balanced mix of fresh and established names, carefully handpicked for their artistic excellence.”
The stage is set, quite literally, with a massive main stage to host these talents. Vishnu details, “Genres are the compass for our event days: singer-songwriters and pop artists inaugurate the festival, the next day throbs with rap and hip-hop, while indie rock crescendos on the final day with a climax from Pineapple Express.” Local DJs also get a chance to shine, with allocated booths to ensure the rhythm never wanes between the live sets.
Beyond its musical offerings, Alboe by the Beach imagines itself as more than just a festival; it’s an experiential beach carnival, marrying the joys of music with the vitality of the coast. Attendees can expect to wander through sprawling art installations, engage in beach games, and feast on a variety of culinary delights ranging from regional favorites to international cuisines. A meticulously curated flea market celebrates regional art, showcasing indigenous crafts and unique festival merchandise while promoting sustainable consumer habits.
Striking a chord with environmental responsibility, the festival has boldly proclaimed itself as a plastic-free event, a testament to its commitment towards preserving Varkala’s natural charm. This thoughtful eco-conscious approach resonates with festival-goers who are becoming increasingly mindful of their ecological footprint.
As the countdown to the festival narrows, excitement swells for what’s set to be an unmatched musical odyssey. Alboe by the Beach promises to enliven Varkala from February 9 to 11, with tickets starting at ₹1,049, available on insider.in. This festival is poised to be an auditory odyssey that enthralls patrons, setting an elevated benchmark for live coastal music extravaganzas.
