MUMBAI: Have you ever been on a journey without plugging your earphones or turning your car stereo up to the maximum? Have you ever had a moment where your feet just starts tapping to the rhythm of a song when you are at a local cafe, bar or restaurant? We all have! I am sure my questions will help you re-live those select experiences that left a resounding mark on your soul. Such is the magic of music and the very pulse of it that intensifies even more while on the go, as it seeps through and makes one lose themselves in the surroundings.

Nobody can understand this better than bikers, who are modern nomads thriving on their love for adventure and seeking a quintessential wisdom through their journeys. Bikes and music fit like puzzle pieces and is, therefore, the chosen expression of rebels and game-changers since the 50’s. Across the world, the trend didn’t take much time to catch up to us, given that we all felt hypnotized with the edginess that the biking culture offers.

There are some songs that complement the thrill of the road. From Steppenwolfe’s Born to Be Wild to Roger McGuinn’s Easy Rider to Jim Morrison’s Riders On The Storm, every song identifies the adventurous attitude of non-conformist bikers. There are many Bollywood songs, too, which are centred around travel and biking.  It’s a fact that music can either make or break your mood and if done right, it leaves you with a thirst for the unchartered territory. When we talk about biking, it is not just adventure that brings bikers closer; it is also about catching just a fleeting glimpse of what is beyond the horizon.

Every biker swears by the thrill of unravelling the unknown, a road that brings them together and the ecstasy of blood pumping through their veins. So, how about a platform for them to come together, connect and share their unique moments on the road with one another? A live music festival for bike riders is what exactly is on offer to fulfil this demand. The amount of passion shown by bikers, last year at the Riders Music Festival, sealed the deal and this year we are back with a bang. To be able to let out, relax, have some delicious food and listen to your favourite musicians and showcase your passion through breath-taking stunts, will make for a wholesome experience.

There has been an upsurge of live music in India and today, people are increasingly showing interest in the joy that comes with attending live gigs. We all know that no road trip is done right without a ready playlist, a bunch of crazy friends and songs that bring the past to life and weave your future. Today, it has become extremely popular to travel in order to attend renowned music festivals in different parts of the world. People cherish these experiences for a life-time!

A country like India, which is vibrant and rich in a myriad of beautiful locations - the heritage, people and their culture needs to be cherished more often. As bikers criss-cross this enchanting land across places like Manali, Spiti, Leh-Ladakh and Srinagar, touring the deserts of Osian, exploring the foothills of Himalayas, as they go along. They take a part of this diversified culture with them, establishing unity and oneness amongst fellow aficionados. The biking community has also created awareness for various issues like drug abuse, organ donation, HIV, road safety, child abuse and much more through their motorbike rallies. Through Riders Music Festival, we too want to promote road safety and also make sure that such a bonding of oneness continues to flourish as we nurture it through our mutual love for music.

This year RMF showcases a perfect line-up of contemporary musicians with different genres of music. From DJ Nucleya’s electronic numbers, Lucky Ali’s husky Bollywood charm to Mame Khan’s folk music, it’s going to be a blast! Adding jazz to the line-up, we have Shirley Setia’s filmy vocals with Divine’s new-age rapping and a heavy dose of comedy with Bhuvan Bam. Strategically placed as the weekender before Christmas amidst Delhi’s winter, RMF will bring the best of everything! From superbikes to custom bikes, fine dining restaurants to Delhi’s lip smacking street food, there will be a confluence of music that is unparalleled. So, get ready to rock and roll and also watch some wheelies being popped by stuntmen on 22 and 23 December 2018 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. I hope you wheelie like it!