Riders in this Storm

Storm was conceived with an aim to create a space where one could bring mainstream entertainment to a natural location like Coorg in Karnataka, and also provide camping facilities. After a year, if not all, but most of it has been achieved.

Rahul Ram of Indian Ocean. The band will perform at the festival

"In its debut year (2012) Storm had set a benchmark, with its tight programming and high standards of production. In the first year, the festival had two stages, with over 40 top-rated national and international artistes and a well-executed camp-out arrangement, along with a completely fresh destination for the festival.

This time, it is set to feature 45-plus artistes across four stages to showcase some of the biggest and brightest bands, singer-songwriters as well as Electronica artistes from the country and across the world," says festival director Lavin Uthappa.

Uthappa adds that Storm 2013 remains true to being the ultimate camp-out destination festival in the country where nature merges with music. It offers an overnight stay at the festival campsite, allowing you to be one with music and enjoy Coorg in its entire splendour. Even the food court will serve authentic Coorg or Kodava cuisine (among others).

"We swill also showcase and retail products with a difference - recycled, ethnic and unique, and as well as spices and coffee from the region that reaffirms the ethos of the festival," informs Uthappa.

The festival that kickstarts today will witness artistes like Shankar Mahadevan, Karsh Kale Collective and Raghu Dixit Project along with Devika - a contemporary Sufi singer from the US, Papon and the East India Company and Indian Ocean. Renowned international EDM artistes such as Dash Berlin, Michael Woods and Bobina among others will perform live at the scenic venue.

The festival stands firm on its no-drugs policy, and will ensure that such activities are not practiced during the festival. Confirms Uthappa, "Storm is a large-scale festival, which spreads the message of peace and respect for the environment through music. The security checks at Storm are very stringent, from sniffer dogs to scanners. The aim is to promote a peaceful environment which doesn't allow any contraband substances into the premises of the festival. Storm has high-level security and a zero-tolerance policy."

Till February 2
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