The story of Bangalore's bFlat

bFlat is one space in Bangalore that gives us a specific kind of music — one that touches the soul and goes beyond time and borders. Arati Rao gives us a quick look into bFlat’s story…

Why the name bFlat? Why not A-Minor, B-Sharp or something like that?
The idea was to create a name that is synonymous with music as well as drinking! Go figure. (B-Flat is also a very common key for several well known jazz compositions).

When you started putting the whole place together, at any point did you ever think, “I don’t know if we can pull this off”?
No. Never. Having already been in the business of restaurants and having made a success of Take 5, Indiranagar as a jazz bar, bFlat was envisioned as taking things to the next level, to encompass other genres of music as well as pull in new audiences, with superior acoustics.

The first gig — how did it feel; were you nervous, proud, scared or all of them together?
Proud as hell that we pulled it off and nervous, but in a good way!

When it comes to spaces that encourage music across ages and boundaries — do you think you’ve achieved at least 50 per cent of what you set out to do?
We have certainly achieved more than that. We attract all age groups to bFlat, but would like to have live music at least thrice a week, if not more!

When it comes to music in the city — do you think Bangalore’s law and order could be much more flexible as far as promoting and supporting arts and culture is concerned?
Yes, definitely; it should and could be more flexible and supportive. The argument of live music/dancing vis-à-vis law and order made by the police is unfortunate and restrictive.

With every gig — what is it that you learn — from the errors, challenges and mistakes? What advice would you give to those who want to follow in your footsteps?
With every gig we learn how much incredible talent is out there and that there is an audience for every kind of music …and how starved the Bangalorean is for quality, live music.