Hyderabad: In a city known for its thriving nightlife, Micless stands out, not with booming speakers or flashy lights, but with voices singing in unison, without microphones.
Created by the Telugu band Merakee, co-founded by Ganesh Krovidi and Vidya Sivalenka, Micless has become a grassroots music phenomenon in Hyderabad.
What began in 2019 as an intimate, unplugged jam session with just 40 people has evolved into a community-driven experience drawing crowds of over a thousand.
Newsmeter spoke to Vidya Sivalenka about the journey, the philosophy behind the format, and where Micless might be headed next.
ORIGINS & INTENT
NM: What inspired you and Ganesh Krovidi to create ‘Micless’? Was there a defining moment or feeling that sparked the idea?
Vidya: It started when I saw Motta Maadi Music’s video on Facebook, where a bunch of people were sitting together and singing on a terrace. It was something I wanted to bring to Hyderabad. I went to Chennai, met Badhri (who started Motta Maadi Music), and took permission to do the Telugu version. The concept is such a community-led experience that it was bound to work. What also helps is the amazing audience we have, who continue to attend our shows despite them not being very frequent.
NM: Why no microphones? Was it a creative constraint, a statement, or something else entirely?
Vidya: The concept is the audience singing together. No mics is our way of telling them to let go and be free while singing their heart out. It’s a no-judgement space where people can just be themselves.
NM: Micless started in 2019 with just 40 people. What do you remember most vividly about that first session?
Vidya: It was in the basement area of Terrassen Cafe. I was very sceptical about people turning up, unsure if they understood the concept. But the place filled up. I remember having tears of happiness when we sang ‘Bommanu Geesthey’. It felt so warm.
THE CONCEPT & COMMUNITY
NM: You describe the crowd as becoming the concert. How does that shift the dynamic of a traditional performance?
Vidya: It’s a very interactive format. A traditional band performance is one-sided. This ensures the audience is involved and fully present while having fun.
NM: There’s a deep emotional thread that runs through each Micless night. What do you think creates that emotional openness among strangers?
Vidya: Some songs bring a strong sense of nostalgia. Knowing that hundreds of others love the same songs you do—it creates an instant connection. The openness comes from a shared love for Telugu music and singing.
NM: How do you curate the setlist or atmosphere so everyone, whether shy or outgoing, feels included and safe?
Vidya: We use data from city charts, YouTube, and Instagram trends. We try to include songs for all age groups, align with re-releases, and pay tribute to favourite artists. The set always ends on an upbeat note, so people can dance and sing. I host the show and interact a lot with the crowd. I crack jokes, name familiar faces, and create a ‘Mana Micless’ feeling where people feel like it’s their space.
NM: Micless is alcohol-free and family-friendly. Was that always intentional? Why was that important to you?
Vidya: Yes, it was always intentional. There aren’t many live music spaces where families can go. You’ll find people from all age groups at Micless. A big part of the safety and comfort comes from it being alcohol-free. We intend to keep it that way for as long as we can, fingers crossed.
IMPACT ON HYDERABAD’S CULTURE
NM: Hyderabad’s nightlife usually revolves around clubs, DJs, and bars. What kind of cultural shift is Micless trying to create?
Vidya: I wouldn’t call it a cultural shift. Hyderabad’s nightlife is thriving, but I wanted to create a space for people who don’t go to clubs or want to enjoy music differently. The crux of Micless is music, not food, drinks, or ambience. It’s an experience the audience is part of.
NM: Have you seen Micless influence how other music or community events are curated in the city?
Vidya: Micless is our IP, but the concept is being replicated. We’ve seen several copies in Hyderabad, mostly by people we know personally. It would’ve been nice if they had spoken to us; we could’ve figured out a way to collaborate or take turns. But I guess that’s how the space works sometimes.
NM: Do you see Micless as a form of quiet resistance to noise, chaos, or perhaps even loneliness in urban life?
Vidya: That’s an interesting way to put it. Micless has nurtured new connections. People make friends, plan to meet at shows, and even go on dates. One couple who met at Micless ended up getting married. So yes, it helps ease some of the isolation of city life.
BEHIND THE SCENES
NM: What’s the most challenging part of pulling off a Micless session with hundreds of people?
Vidya: Finding venues. Hyderabad doesn’t have many auditoriums or performance spaces, and the ones that do exist are often booked or too expensive. We’re still trying to work around that.
NM: Can you share a behind-the-scenes ritual or preparation that’s personal to you before a Micless event?
Vidya: Making the setlist with Ganesh. We listen to every song fully, test how singable it is, and argue a lot before finalising. Sometimes we even bet on whether a song will work with the crowd or not.
PERSONAL CONNECTION
NM: What has Micless taught you personally, about people, about music, or even about yourself?
Vidya: I didn’t know I could handle a crowd of 2500 people until I did. For both Ganesh and me, Micless has taught us our capabilities, our patience, and our resilience to keep going no matter the challenge.
NM: Have any specific stories or messages from attendees deeply moved you?
Vidya: There was a 75+ year old couple who came and sang along. So many families come together and treat Ganesh and me like part of their own. One attendee even wrote and gave us a handwritten song about their Micless experience. That meant a lot.
FUTURE & VISION
NM: Micless has grown massively since 2019. Where do you see it heading in the next five years? Would you consider taking it to other cities or globally?
Vidya: We’ve already done shows in Vijayawada and Vizag. Bangalore and Chennai are in the pipeline. We’d love to go global, especially to places with large Telugu-speaking audiences. Hopefully, that happens in 2026.
NM: Do you think this format can work with original music, or is the familiarity of known songs key to the connection?
Vidya: Familiarity is key. But if original music becomes familiar through streaming or independent circuits, we’d love to include it.
NM: What’s one dream venue or setting where you’d love to host a Micless night someday?
Vidya: No subtle dreams here, having a sold-out show at Gachibowli Indoor Stadium or performing at an IPL match would be amazing.
CLOSING THOUGHT
NM: If someone’s never been to Micless before, how would you describe it, not just the music, but the feeling?
Vidya: Warmth, connections, and community. Those are the three words that best describe the Micless experience.
