As the festive glow of Christmas transitions into the anticipation of New Year's Eve, Kolkata transforms into a vibrant hub of celebration. The city's air is filled with melodies spilling from bustling cafes, restaurants, and lively street corners, accompanied by the constant hum of laughter and clinking glasses. Yet, behind this joyous facade, a dedicated army of musicians works relentlessly, tuning instruments and perfecting their craft night after night to create the perfect soundtrack for the season.
The Festive High and the Hidden Struggle
Jazz pianist Soumojit Sarkar captures the unique atmosphere, noting a palpable shift in energy. "There's a different energy," he observes, highlighting the deep appreciation from audiences who actively request and soak in the music. His quartet, like many others, fills venues with timeless classics such as 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas', 'White Christmas', and the perennial favourite, 'Fly Me to the Moon'. For artists, these moments of connection are priceless. However, this festive high comes with significant professional challenges.
Despite the increased demand, musicians' fees largely remain stagnant, with only December 24, 25, and 31 seeing a marginal increase. Soumojit Sarkar points out the irony: these are also the nights when artists are expected to play 30-45 minutes longer, maintaining crowd energy at its peak. Guitarist Aamir Rizvi echoes this, stating that while a 90-minute to two-hour set is ideal, performances often stretch to 2.5-3 hours, demanding immense stamina and skill that is not reflected in their pay.
The Physical Toll and Logistical Nightmares
The festive season's packed schedule takes a heavy physical and mental toll. Musicians often perform at over 30 gigs in December, sometimes juggling two to three performances in a single day. Aamir Rizvi and vocalist Beas Ghosh describe the mounting fatigue, stress, and pressure. "A musician is not a jukebox; we are literally hopping from one gig to another," Rizvi reveals. Chandni Chakraborty of the band Generations Apart admits that maintaining energy and health is the biggest challenge, though the stage magic makes it worthwhile.
Logistical hurdles add another layer of complexity. Wriddhaayan Bhattacharya of the band Punch, which had over 10 gigs this month, highlights travel woes. "Travel is a real challenge," he says, citing flight cancellations due to fog and delayed trains, which often force bands to drive long distances to cities like Ranchi. Navigating Kolkata's notorious traffic to make a timely exit is another constant battle. Last-minute gig requests are also difficult to accommodate as December calendars are blocked well in advance.
The Universal Soundtrack of Celebration
Despite the hurdles, the music never stops, and certain songs form the universal soundtrack of Kolkata's festivities. Aniket Dutta of the ARC Project notes that pop music, whether Bollywood or English, always hits the spot. Tracks like Daft Punk's 'Get Lucky' and The Police's 'Every Breath You Take' are staples. Andrew Chater, drummer for Switch, adds that classics from ABBA, Boney M, Gloria Gaynor, and rock anthems from bands like AC/DC and Bon Jovi keep the crowd energised all night. The mix of old and new, from Elvis Presley to trending Bollywood hits, ensures the party vibe remains electric.
For these artists, their celebration is intertwined with that of the city. As Andrew Chater puts it, "Helping people celebrate is our celebration too. Seeing their faces glow with joy is the biggest satisfaction." They power the city's festive spirit, often away from their own families, driven by a love for their art and the undeniable magic of a live performance, where every cheer and sing-along makes the gruelling schedule worthwhile.
