CULTR, the three-day extravaganza hosted by Kappa, proved that it was not just a festival. It was a seismic shift in the landscape of entertainment in “God’s Own Country.” With its eclectic blend of music, art, and activities, CULTR transcended boundaries and set a legendary status for Electronic Dance Music (EDM) in Kerala in March this year, when the festival took place.
The electronic music festival featured indie, jazz, fusion, disco, funk, house, techno, and rap uniting various sounds under one big exhilarating space – Kappa. “We create music that blends styles, resulting in a global sound that’s rooted,” they said.
A multidimensional experience that goes beyond a traditional music festival
After their successful music festival ‘Mojo Rising,’ the first music festival in Kerala, Kappa went on to create CULTR which was all about music, art, and being. “At CULTR we want to bring people together to experience and celebrate musicians, other artists,” they said.
The festival integrated various art forms, dance battles, fashion activations, and cultural celebrations to help bring different kinds of people and communities together. It therefore provided a multi-genre, niche/alternative content across mediums.
Beyond the music, CULTR was a feast for the senses, designed to invoke your inner artist. Food CULTR offered a global culinary journey, Fashion CULTR showcased diverse styles, movement CULTR pulsated with skateboarding and dance battles, and Shopping CULTR brimmed with unique finds. KAPPA CULTR also provided a haven for board game enthusiasts and casual players alike through Game CULTR, while interactive art installations and chill zone activities offered moments of reflection and connection. It was a celebration of life in all its vibrant forms, a true testament to Kerala’s multifaceted creative spirit.
The diverse lineup
CULTR Festival boasted an extraordinary lineup of artists from diverse genres and countries who gave electrifying performances enough to make the crowd cheer loudly. From the visionary indie vibes of Sunflower Tape Machine, blending dream pop and shoegaze, to the mesmerising jazz fusion sounds of The Revisit Project, each artist brought a unique flavour to the festival.
The festival had both local acts and international acts to have something for every attendee. For example, while Chennai–based Uruppanar intricately blended contemporary rhythms with traditional instruments, paying homage to Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage, international sensation Yogev Haruvi mesmerised the crowd with his one-man tribal sensation, seamlessly blending world, techno, and trance beats.
The festival also featured an array of DJs to keep the crowd grooving. Bangalore/Goa based DJ Blaque, known for his Deep House grooves, Armando Ferreira, a classical Pianist and Violinist with a taste for Deep house, Tech House & Melodic Techno, Joven Roy, captivating audiences nationwide with his fusion of house and disco were some in the list. Meanwhile, DJ Sekhar, a beloved DJ and actor from Kochi, Kerala, brought his unique blend of classic and new soul funk, reggae disco, and more to the festival stage. Finally, BLOT! and Ash Roy brought their signature techno vibes. These talented DJs, along with others, added their distinctive sounds to the vibrant atmosphere of CULTR Festival.
With such an incredible lineup, CULTR Festival has truly cemented its legendary status for EDM in Kerala, setting the bar high for future festivals to come.
“Same Same, but Different”
Their tagline, rightly signifying the celebration of diversity and individuality within a shared experience, embraces the idea that collaborations are magical. It’s a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and artistic expressions brought together by a shared love for life and creativity. Here, individuality is celebrated, and collaborations flourish as artists from various disciplines come together to create something truly magical.
Talking about this, they said, “We as people are ultimately the same, yet so different from each other.” In music terms, different genres of music are all entertaining stimulants but are so uniquely different from each other.
A Lasting Impact on Kerala’s EDM Scene
The festival’s “be as you are” philosophy resonated deeply with the Keralites as they embraced CULTR with infectious enthusiasm. Here, amidst the pulsating beats and captivating art, individuality thrived. Whether you were a seasoned raver or a curious newcomer, CULTR offered a space for self-expression and joyful abandon.
Witnessing the diverse crowd at CULTR – a kaleidoscope of cultures, backgrounds, and artistic passions – was a testament to Kerala’s welcoming nature. The festival served as a platform for this vibrant community to come together, celebrate their love for music and art, and forge new connections.
While CULTR may have concluded, its impact still lingers. Through its groundbreaking approach, CULTR is making waves not only in Kerala but also on the global stage. It’s a testament to the power of music and culture to unite people from all walks of life. As CULTR continues to evolve and grow, it is setting a legendary status for EDM in Kerala, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape for generations to come.
