Bangalore City Guide with Stalvart John...

On a radiant quest to instigate a cultural shift in the dance music landscape of India, Stalvart John’s pulsating rhythms are transforming India's dancefloors into havens of afro, funk, soul and jazz-infused house and disco - one galvanising beat at a time. A DJ, producer, radio host, innovator, and founder of Dynamite Disco Club, Stalvart John has led the modern-day house and disco revolution within the country by balancing being an entertainer, an experimentalist, and a purveyor of fresher sounds from behind the desk and in the studio alike.

Off the back of his new release 'Nights of Sahra' India's premiere house don talks us through a tour of his city Bangalore, take it away Stalvart...

'Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is a vibrant city located in the heart of South India. Often referred to as the "Garden City of India," its lush greenery owes much of its origin to the reign of Hyder Ali, who established the iconic Lal Bagh (Rose and Cypress Garden) in the 18th century. This natural beauty, combined with a rich cultural heritage, reflects the city’s diverse population and deep South Indian roots.

While Bangalore boasts a thriving nightlife scene with a mix of bars, pubs, and nightclubs, it is particularly known for its underground music culture, which has gained a following. Despite the growing interest in electronic and underground music, the city's venues that cater to these genres remain limited, but they are undoubtedly pushing the boundaries of the scene forward. Notably, Bangalore is home to Echoes of Earth, one of the coolest and most unique music festivals in India, which celebrates both electronic and environmental consciousness.

Some of the key players shaping the city's music landscape include Beatworx Studios, Junket, Jack Fruit Party, Mode Music, and Booth Without Borders. These creative hubs and collectives are continuously driving innovation and bringing fresh energy to the music scene. Below are some of my personal favorite spots that reflect my vibe and are inspirational.'‍

Dynamite Disco Club NIghts 

The best House and Disco experience in India. Originally started as a radio show by Stalvart John in 2017, Dynamite Disco Club is a microcosm of Disco and House music that dwells deep into the roots of soul, funk, disco and house while keeping it fresh with new ideas. Today, Dynamite Disco Club has grown from a radio show to having hosted club events and festival appearances across the country and now as India’s first record label dedicated to House, Disco, and Nu – Disco.

Beatworx Studios 

A macroscopic artist-driven electronic music school.

Pushing the boundaries and asking the greater questions on a never- ending quest of knowledge and excellence in all we do.

A small crew of music-obsessed artists with a DNA based on dance music culture, we are fully committed to inspiring, nurturing, and shaping your artistry and creativity in order to help you attain your highest potential. Our vision is to deliver high-quality music education with affordability. Founded by Audio Units (Ashwin & Ashrith ), a detailed, modern interpretation of techno while paying homage to its roots. The brother duo draw their inspiration from a myriad of subjects including art, science fiction, and technology.  The Core Vision of this Space is  To inspire more people to get into electronic music while creating an ecosystem for them to thrive in.

Binsubu Studios

BINSUBU draws one into an alternate reality of texture and form, often evoking a sense of recollection and ease. A visual art studio based in Bangalore that focuses on translating collagist Bindu Reddy's analog and digital work onto textiles. Playful, often surreal digitally printed textiles are a result of careful manipulation and thought, with a story accompanying each print. Bindu Reddy is a collagist and textile artist with 20 years of expertise in collage. As a visual artist she enjoys working with both analog and digital collages, and creatively transforms her ideas into textiles through digital printing. She owns and runs a whimsical art studio and brand called BINSUBU, based in Bangalore. BINSUBU is known for its playful, often surreal, digitally printed textiles and artwork, each piece thoughtfully crafted with a unique story behind it.

Indian Music Experience Museum 

The Indian Music Experience Museum (IME) is India’s first interactive music museum. Located in JP Nagar, Bengaluru, the IME is a non-profit initiative supported by the Brigade Group. The vision of the IME is to introduce the youth to the diversity of Indian music and to preserve India’s rich musical heritage. The IME comprises hi-tech multimedia Exhibit Galleries, a Sound Garden, a Learning Centre for music education, and several performance spaces. Since opening in 2019, the IME has had over 2,61,268 visitors in-person and many thousands more online.

The IME’s work spans across Exhibition, Conservation, Audience Development, Education and Community Outreach. Besides museum visits, the IME hosts a wide variety of public programs, both in-person and online. 

MAP - Museum of Art & Photography 

Located in the heart of the city, MAP is home to a growing collection of paintings, sculptures, textiles, photographs, popular culture and more, dating from the 10th century to the present day. The museum spans 6 storeys and includes art galleries, digital experience centres, a dedicated research and conservation lab as well as a shop, cafe, member’s lounge and rooftop alfresco restaurant. MAP is a melting pot of ideas, stories and cultural exchange where we hope to encourage humanity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world we live in, through art

National Gallery of Modern Art, Bengaluru 

The National Gallery of Modern Art, Bengaluru was set up in the premises of the Manikyavelu Mansion at 49 Palace Road, Bangalore. Spread over an area of 3.5 acres, the gracious heritage building was transformed from a residence into an Art Gallery, with a display space of 1551 square meters to which a new gallery block with a display space of 1260 sq. m. was added. The architecture of the additional block was designed in such a fashion that it merges with the style and ambience of the heritage Manikyavelu Mansion while at the same time fulfilling the requirements of a modern museum. 

The collection of NGMA mainly comprises of paintings, sculptures, graphic prints and examples of early photography in India which showcased the historical development of modern art in India. The display includes Indian miniatures, colonial artists, Bengal School and post-independence artists which led to the birth of modern and post-modern art of today. In addition to permanent display of the paintings and sculptures, this NGMA also showcases national and international exhibitions regularly. 

Situated in a serene ambience dotted with magnificent trees, fountains and a mirror pool the gallery is an inviting place to quietly devour the tranquility of art. 

‍Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace 

Tipu Sultan's (Summer Palace), in Bangalore, India, is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture and was the summer residence of the Mysorean ruler Tipu Sultan. Hyder Ali commenced its construction within the walls of the Bangalore Fort, and it was completed during the reign of King Tipu Sultan in 1791. The structure was built entirely of teak and stands adorned with pillars, arches and balconies. It is believed that King Tipu Sultan used to conduct his durbar (court) from the eastern and western balconies of the upper floor. There are four smaller rooms in the corners of the first floor which are Zenana Quarters. There are beautiful floral motifs embellishing the walls of the palace. The site also holds a painting of the grand throne visualized by Tipu Sultan himself. Coated with gold sheets and adorned with precious emerald stones.

Stream ‘Nights of Sahra’ here