Impromptu jams in Bengaluru are smashing all language barriers

Across Bengaluru, impromptu are transforming how people socialise in the city. Unlike traditional concerts, these gatherings thrive on experimentation, where are transcended by the shared language of music. Artistes from different linguistic backgrounds — Kannada, Tamil, Hindi, English, and more — come together to create music in the moment. These multilingual jams are emerging in unexpected corners of the city, from local parks and cafes to breweries, offering an opportunity to vibe and connect.

‘A chance to discover new artistes’
Sahana Sudhakara of in Malleswaram and Divya S and Thejus Ajay of Make Some Ochha are among those who view these sessions as a vital platform for emerging artistes. “Many have migrated to this city without the right connections to build a music career; we help them by giving them a platform,” says Divya. “In a space like this, the performers are prioritised. Local and regional artistes are valued and respected, performing in proximity to attentive audiences who sing along, clap, and interact directly with the performer. Many artistes have gained recognition and heartfelt appreciation from the audience. Our daily schedule ensures a continuous rotation of talent, maintaining energy and diversity in performances,” says Sahana. “I’ve discovered so many incredible local artistes, independent Kannada singers, small Malayalam bands, and even bilingual poets who blend Hindi and Tamil in their performances. It’s such a refreshing change from the algorithm-driven discovery online; here, it’s word of mouth, human to human,” shares Abhiroop B.

‘At these jam sessions, people not only sing but feel the music’
Sagar Simha, a 22-year-old hailing from Mysuru, founder of Swarapaana, conducts music sessions in Bengaluru that see hundreds gathering to sing and rediscover music as a shared experience. “From an 80-year-old man to an 8-year-old kid, we see people from all walks of life jamming and vibing to music,” he shares. Sagar designs sessions that last over two hours, with vocal exercises, live guidance, and handwritten lyric sheets. “It’s meticulous yet effortless. People appreciate the handwritten sheets because they create a tangible, old-school connection. They’re not just singing words; they’re feeling the music,” he explains.

‘Regional languages connect people, regardless of their background’
Sahana believes the music resonates with nostalgia, often featuring retro classics from the ’80s and the ’90s. “Regardless of how many languages they speak, people deeply connect through regional languages. These are the languages of nostalgia, where songs from childhood or a grandparent’s era immediately bring back memories and comfort,” she explains. The space initially hosted Kannada performances. As demand grew, Hindi and bilingual sessions were added, appealing especially to the multilingual audiences. Divya emphasises the emotional connection of the regional music, “When people leave home and come to a new city, there’s a feeling of missing home. When they jam to songs that they’ve grown up with, it recreates that feeling of comfort and nostalgia.” Dheeraj Sethia, a data analyst who moved to Bengaluru a year ago, says, “During the jam sessions, I groove to music that I barely understand, but I feel belong to the crowd. I believe that is the true meaning of music.”