Hyderabad Live Venue The Moonshine Project Prepares for Expansion
Alternative live music venue and bar The Moonshine Project (TMP) in Hyderabad is preparing to expand its footprint with a new branch at Neopolis in Kokapet, according to co-founder Hemender Reddy. The planned expansion to the commercial hotspot is expected to launch in 2027.
Reflecting on the venue's history, Reddy noted that the project has provided a platform for Telugu music for 11 years from its location in Jubilee Hills. Known for supporting regional artists when the independent Telugu music scene was still developing, the venue aims to offer further opportunities for independent musicians and local audiences with its upcoming Neopolis site.
Evolution and Shift to Regional Music
When The Moonshine Project initially launched in 2015, its setup for staging, sound, and acoustics was minimal. Reddy recalled that early performances, including a gig by the band PipeDreams, highlighted the specific technical requirements needed for a dedicated live performance space, leading the team to upgrade its equipment over time.
While the venue's name was inspired by illicit liquor produced during the Prohibition era in the United States, the founders focused on establishing the location primarily as a music venue rather than a standard bar or nightclub. Following an initial six-month period after launch, listener preferences in Hyderabad began shifting toward breweries, techno, and Bollywood music. In 2016, the venue pivoted to establish itself as a platform dedicated exclusively to Telugu music.
Reddy stated that the decision arose after an independent singer reported having a microphone turned off during a performance elsewhere while singing in Telugu. Following that incident, TMP began scheduling daily regional music sessions. Despite initial resistance, audience engagement grew, and regional music gigs subsequently became more widespread across the city.
Multi-Genre Programming and Community Initiatives
In 2022, the venue expanded its physical footprint by launching EXT, a semi-indoor live space located on its first floor. While TMP remains focused on Telugu music, EXT hosts musicians across multiple languages and genres, including visiting artists. Over its operational history, the combined venue has introduced 36 bands from Hyderabad.
Reddy attributed the ongoing operations of the space to an artist-first philosophy, noting that creative individuals across various fields have contributed to building a community centered around music, art, flea markets, theatre, workshops, and dance. He highlighted the contributions of Abbas from the death metal band GODLESS and sound engineer Sri Varun, who initially served as consultants to refine the venue's live-sound experience before establishing a long-term working relationship with the team.
