Attend A Secret House Concert With Strangers At A Beatmap Party

If the idea of meeting people online sends shudders down your spine, then you're not alone. While a lot of relationships in the digital, modern age we live in stem from online dating apps or matrimonial sites like Tinder, Bumble, Shaadi.com or TrulyMadly, a majority of us still like the old school charm of meeting new people offline; either through mutual friends or other social engagements. A social initiative called Beatmap is enabling the old-school romantic dream while fulfilling the purpose of making strangers meet offline. The enterprise calls itself "an aggregator of performing artists and unconventional venues that host their art" which makes it more like a curated event for the ultimate hipster social butterfly.

How does it work? 

The concept is simple. You fill out a Google form on one of their social network pages (typically Facebook) enlisting your details including social media profiles, contact information etc. The next step begins with them starting with the curation where they select who to invite to the house party. If selected, they will give you a call to confirm your presence and ask you to make the entry fee (typically Rs. 500)  payment online, if you'd like to reserve your spot. Once you have made the payment or RSVP'd, all that's left to do is show up! You can expect to meet a diverse group of people ranging from 20 to up to 40 who are divided into groups to ensure smooth communication. Beatmap hosts constantly survey the area to keep the conversation flowing and have activities planned to get the ball rolling. If you are lucky, they will also rope in an independent artist, typically a musician but they can also invite comics, artists or anyone interesting to ensure that the beat of a Beatmap party isn't skipped. Sometimes they announce the artist to increase traction but most times, the location, like the performing artist remains a secret, keeping up the interest of the attendees who are allowed to bring their food and alcohol to the mixer.

Encouraging the arts

The idea behind Beatmap is not just to provide a social platform to the lovers of the offline socializing but to also encourage local arts in cities like Mumbai and Delhi which lack platforms for performing arts that aren't popular. By keeping costs low and interests high, every Beatmap party ensures that they are doing something different, not just for the attendees but for the independent artists, which is more than appreciated in the growing music circuit. Another great option is for the party hosts who can even earn money by listing their property on Beatmap. Beatmap is also a great contender for the growing house concert movement and while it has a more lucrative business model compared to Sofar Sounds or Living house gig tours, it certainly shows how house concerts can be an avenue not just for the performers, but for the organisers who are coming up with different concepts to attract the right kind of audience, which listens up.