SOUND TRACKS GOA LOCAL GUIDE
GOA
PUBLISHER Alan Miller EDITORIAL DIRECTOR + DESIGN Gigie Hall INTERN David Husson MARKETING Wes Martin, Molly Kodros, Megan McCredie ADVERTISING West Coast Maria Sauer maria@WeAreCOLLiDE.com
East Coast Monique Gilbert monique@wearecollide.com COLLiDE is a North American boutique marketing agency weaving brands into the cultural fabric in meaningful ways. weareCOLLiDE.com CultureCOLLiDE.com
HARD ROCK GUIDE TO GOA is published by Collide Acency INC, 5514 Wilshire Blvd, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA. HARD ROCK GUIDE TO GOA is not responsible for anything, including the return or loss of submissions, or for any damage or other injury to unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. Any submission of a manuscript or artwork should include a self addressed envelope or package of appropriate size, bearing adequate return postage. ©2018 COLLIDE AGENCY, LLC. all rights reserved 2
CONTENTS WELCOME TO GOA PART 1: LOCAL GUIDE 05. Meet Your Guides 07. Food 08. Drink 09. Venue 10. Landmarks 11. Outdoors
PART 2: EXPLORE THE HOTEL 13. A Snapshot of Your Stay 14. 5 Hotel Corners to Explore 16. Live from Goa 18. VIP Treatment: Live Like A Rockstar 22. The Stuff of Legends: Memorabilia Tour 3
WELCOME TO
GOA
Situated on the West Coast of India and touching the Arabian Sea, Goa is a historic, culinary and outdoor treasure. Laze around the popular beaches of Calangute, visit the historical Fort Aguada, explore the untouched natural beauty at the Tropical Spice Plantation, or spend a day out with the elephants — whatever you prefer, make sure to at least pause and enjoy the turquoise waters that the coastal state is so famous for. Whether you’re an adventure junkie or an enthusiastic party animal, the state and surrounding country possess an immense beauty that could take a lifetime to explore for even the most diehard travelers. So who better to guide you than the musicians and artists that know this place best? As you scroll through these pages, discover where to eat, drink and explore through the eyes of artists that frequent this land of food, fun and feni. Welcome to Goa.
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shenzhen
MEET YOUR GUIDES Anirban Halder Lead singer and rhythm guitarist for Goa’s foremost rock band Electric Pulse, Halder has toured extensively across India, promoting the band’s debut record Fight For Our Right. Electric Pulse is one of the only original rock music bands in the state.
Eternal Returns Formed in 2011, Eternal Returns is an Indian metal band from Mumbai. The band’s name is derived from an Indian philosophy which firmly believes that the universe has been recurring and will continue to do so. This concept is very prominent in Indian religion and it describes the band’s roots, existence, lyrics and most importantly the music. All of their work revolves around the endless cycle of birth, life, death and myths from which one seeks liberation.
Fernando Monte DaSilva A native of Goa’s deep south, Fernando spends half the year in Goa, and the other half travelling across Europe – writing about everything between the two. With a penchant for good food, his blog asilvaspoon.com has become a definitive guide to good cuisine in the state.
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Meet Your Guides
Kristian Bent Krishna, better known by his stage name “Kristian Bent” is a highly acclaimed folk singer from Goa, whose debut album Campfire Stories was the first album from Goa to be successfully crowd-funded online. The album won him praise across the state, with Rolling Stone magazine calling the collection “a love letter, but to a place, not a person.”
Reggae Rajahs A crew of DJs, MCs, entertainers and promoters, Reggae Rajahs have dedicated themselves to spreading the sounds of dub, reggae and dancehall across India. The group has opened for Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion in New Delhi and have also shared the stage with a number of established international artists such as Dub Inc. (France), Million Stylez (Sweden), Ziggi Recado (Holland) and more. In 2013, Reggae Rajahs started their own online weekly radio show called Pressure Drop on Radio79.com and have gone on to tour internationally.
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GOA IS SUCH AN OPEN MINDED PLACE, which is completely different from anywhere else in India, possibly the world. As a full time musician you need to have that space away from the mundane to create. My music has evolved so much after coming to Goa. — Anirban Halder, of Electric Pulse
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F OOD
Cafe Bodega
local guide
Shri Krishna
Eternal Returns recommends
SHRI KRISHNA
“It has never disappointed us and has always served fresh food. Palak Paneer, Veg Thali and Indian Chinese Food”
Reggae Rajahs recommends
LA PLAGE
Shri Krishna credit Lian Chang; courtesy of Cafe Bodega
“Order the Beef Carpaccio.”
Fernando Monte DaSilva recommends
BOMRA’S
“It’s a great place for Burmese fusion cuisine, and it’s managed to keep itself relevant as well as consistent for the better part of a decade. What’s great on the menu? Everything, to be honest, but the Young Aldona Pork stands out a little more than the other dishes.”
Anirban Halder recommends
CAFE BODEGA
“Located in Panjim, the place has beautiful coffee and juices, breads and is brilliant place for Breakfast/Brunch. The Ambiance is superb.” 7
D R IN K
Tonic Poolside Bar & Grille
Soro Village Pub
Eternal Returns recommends
TONIC POOLSIDE BAR & GRILLE
“The staff is just superb with unique skills of serving your favourite drinks with a smile.”
Anirban Halder recommends
SORO THE VILLAGE PUB
“I always grab a beer there and the cocktails are great too!”
Kristian Bent recommends
JOSEPH’S BAR
“Used to be an old Goan tavern that’s been revived and still somehow gives you an idea of what life might’ve been like back in the day. My drink, like it has always been, is a stiff whiskey. However, try the Feni to really get the old Goan feel.”
Fernando Monte DaSilva recommends
ANTARES + THE OAK BARREL
“The Captain Espresso (a coffee-based Martini) at Antares in Vagator, and it’s chocolate counterpart at The Oak Barrel in Panjim are deserving of mention.” 8
VE N UE
local guide
Summer Shred
Twice In Nature
Kristian Bent recommends
TWICE IN NATURE
“Probably one of the only places around town that has a stage worthy of being called so. Not to mention, they host some quite interesting bands. Note, they’re only open for about 6 months during season.”
Fernando Monte DaSilva recommends
HARD ROCK HOTEL GOA
“In terms of an all-around focus on the way gigs are handled, and a refusal to compromise on quality on any front, Hard Rock Hotel has beaten its competition hollow.”
Reggae Rajahs
GOA SUNSPLASH FESTIVAL
Eternal Returns
SUMMER SHRED FESTIVAL
recommends
recommends
“This happens once every year where artists from all over India are hand picked to come and play at amazing locations.” 9
L AN DM AR KS
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
Fontainhas
Anirban Halder OUR LADY OF THE IMMACULATE recommends
CONCEPTION CHURCH
“Overlooking the city of Panjim, the Church conducts mass every day in English, Konkani, and Portuguese.”
Kristian Bent recommends
FONTAINHAS
Fernando Monte DaSilva recommends
ST. CAJETAN
“I think that most of less-visited Goa’s churches are an attraction in themselves, such as that of St Cajetan, in Old Goa. I also love popping into many of the state’s heritage homes.”
Reggae Rajahs recommends
VAAYU WATERMAN’S VILLAGE
“A great place for art and music.” 10
Will De Freitas/Flickr; Richard Leeming/Flickr
“I don’t think Fontainhas in the old part of Panjim gets enough credit. The buildings and streets are probably the only things left that still retain the true essence of Goa.”
OUT DOOR S
Cola Beach
local guide
Saturday Night Market
Eternal Returns recommends
COLA BEACH
“Cola beach is a personal favourite space in South Goa unknown to most of the people. This beach has one part covered with river water and the other part with sea water. Just a beautiful location”
Anirban Halder recommends
SATURDAY NIGHT MARKET
“It features all the different stall owners from the flea markets and all the tourists who visit Goa make it a point to visit. Also features live bands from all over the world playing from 6:30PM- 3AM.”
Kristian Bent
Sorkin/Flickr; Randy Adams/Flickr
recommends
GALGIBAGH BEACH
“It’s a turtle nesting beach so I wouldn’t recommend visiting if you are not nature friendly. The villagers themselves take care of the cleanliness and upkeep of this area, which is commendable in this day and age. Other than that, it’s one of my favourite places on this planet.”
Fernando Monte DaSilva recommends
CURTORIM
People only see Goa as a place to visit to be by the coast, but I think it’s green spaces are so much more relevant to the people and what they stand for, given Goa’s agrarian background. I personally love all the small green parts of the state, especially in villages like Curtorim. 11
EXPLORE THE HOTEL A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR STAY 5 HOTEL CORNERS TO EXPLORE LIVE FROM GOA VIP TREATMENT: LIVE LIKE A ROCKSTAR THE STUFF OF LEGENDS: A MEMORABILIA TOUR 12
A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR STAY 135 guestrooms, including 35 suites Sleep Like a Rock® Bedding Rock Spa® Bath Amenities High-Speed Wireless Internet Flat-Screen HDTV Work Desk Spacious Bathroom In-Room Safe Lavazza® Coffeemaker Turndown Service Available Rooms with Pool Views Specially selected artwork from around the world 13
H OT E L CO R NERS TO
EXPLORE 1
CHILL AT THE POOL
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TONIC POOLSIDE BAR & GRILLE
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SESSIONS
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ROCK SPA
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BODY ROCK
Float around the longest pool in town, take a few laps or soak up some sun on the deck beds. Kids in tow? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a kiddie pool just for the little ones. Stay till dark and you’ll be in for a night of dancing as the DJ spins away. Day or night, the pool is the place to be.
Drop by if you are looking for some great food, drinks and music to shake a leg. Enjoy classic cocktails shaken & stirred and fruit-infused spirits made in-house while you sit back and enjoy live entertainment poolside. Fresh grilled and inspired Indian fare is also available.
If food strikes a chord with you, then Sessions is the place to start your culinary journey. Enjoy retro-styled snacks and continental delights to authentic Indian meals and Goan-inspired curries. Some of the local dishes include Goan Prawn curry, Dhaba Murg, Mutton Biryani and Chicken Dimsum. As for those with a sweet tooth, Hard Rock’s signature Oreo Cheesecake is a must-try.
Relax, unwind and treat yourself to traditional and music-infused treatments at Rock Spa® with unique techniques and massages. Experience the one-of-a-kind Rhythm & Motion massage, which uses music beats and pulses that leave you feeling energized and invigorated. Rock Spa® surely puts a rock spin on traditional treatments in a modern Zen setting.
Go from Hard Rock to rock hard with world-class facilities at Body Rock® fitness centre. Enjoy your daily dose of exercise from experienced gym instructors, scheduled throughout your stay. Get into shape and set yourself up with a healthy lifestyle at Hard Rock Hotel Goa.
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L I V E FR OM
GOA Most nights you’ll find the resident DJ playing an eclectic mix of house, commercial EDM and regional music with live bands taking the stage on Thursday and Friday. Both local acts and big-name DJs have played including Rudy Roots, InCrest, The Slipping Chairs and more. Even more daring are the engaging live acts such as fire dancers and flow arts.
On Saturdays, be sure to attend the High Bar Brunch. A truly unique experience, it’s the only venue that hosts brunch on a Saturday during tourist season. It’s the perfect start to the weekend. While the day is actionpacked with music, food, sunshine and champagne under the sun, the night comes alive with contemporary Bollywood and Western music. For the artists reading this, be sure to check out the Play for Your Stay program. It provides up-andcoming bands who are touring the country with a complimentary night’s stay at the hotel in return for a 1.5 hour performance. So amp up your skills, get playing and stay at the Hard Rock Hotel Goa! Fun Fact: Suraj Jagan, famous Bollywood playback singer who came to dine at the hotel one evening saw the live band performing at the poolside and got up to jam on stage with them impromptu. 17
THE V IP TRE ATME NT
ROCK
L IVE LIKE A
STAR
ROC K STA R E X P ERIENCE
FOR THE ULTIMATE VIP TREATMENT, the Rock Star Experience package is a must. It includes a bottle of sparkling wine and a cocktail on arrival, breakfast in bed, Mercedes transfer to and from the airport, complimentary late check-out till 2PM, pre-arrival call to arrange access to the hottest local restaurants, clubs and lounges, pre-registered arrival with access to suite directly from entrance and a voucher worth INR 3000 to spend once at the Rock Shop during your stay. What’s not to love?
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SOUN D O F YOU R STAY ® Hard Rock Hotel Goa offers the Sound of your Stay® program which gives you an opportunity to enjoy legendary live performances, conduct guitar jam sessions, browse through customized playlists and spin vinyl records during your stay. All you need to do is start strumming, feel the groove and listen to the music.
S L E E P L I KE A R OC K® With 135 rooms, Hard Rock Hotel Goa features signature furnishings like spacious work desks and custom-made beds with Sleep Like a Rock® bedding that invites you in for a deep, satisfying slumber. The modern, upscale rooms and suites offer free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, minibars and 24/7 room service.
MEE T IN G S PACE S With an emphasis on creativity and glamour, Hard Rock Hotel Goa offers indoor and outdoor venues for weddings, meetings and social events. The banquet spaces, Elektra and Chrysalis, exude style and elegance with their modern décor and upbeat ambience. For business meetings and brain storming sessions, Legends makes for the perfect breakaway venue.
TH E ST UF F O F L EG E N DS
A MEMORABILIA TOUR 1
LES PAUL ELECTRIC SITAR
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RIHANNA DRESS
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SHAKIRA DRESS
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KATY PERRY DRESS
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TON Y I O M M I JAC K E T
In the late ’60s, Indian music began to permeate rock, so the sitar became an essential part of any group’s arsenal. However, an actual sitar is incredibly difficult to master. Enter the electric sitar. This one was made by Danelectro and has a special “buzz bridge” that makes a trippy sitar-esque sound. It belonged to guitar icon Les Paul.
Pop megastar Rihanna found fame in 2005 with her debut album, Music of the Sun and has gone on to become one of the biggest stars of the 21st century. She wore this outfit on stage while performing at the annual Rock in Rio festival in Brazil on September 23rd, 2011.
For over two decades, the Colombian megastar’s blend of pop, dance and Latin rhythm has touched every corner of the globe, while her charity work has made a real difference in the lives of thousands of South American children. This simple sun dress was worn in Shakira’s 2002 “Underneath Your Clothes” video.
Pop princess Katy Perry wore this stylish Hervé Leger dress in Cologne, Germany on March 11th, 2011. She was in Cologne promoting her perfume line Purr by Katy Perry. Fun facts: did you know that she married actor Russel Brand in a traditional Indian ceremony in Ranthambore, Rajasthan, her favorite color is purple and she loves cats!
A bona-fide metal icon, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi forged the template for what became Heavy Metal and is quite possibly the single most influential rock guitarist ever. With timeless anthems like “Paranoid” and “Iron Man”, Black Sabbath is easily the most important group in the history of the genre. Tony wore this leather coat on stage during the Ozzfest tour in 1999.
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