Youngsters today are drawn to music that makes them dance. Many of them even take to DJing thanks to their love for music. While some of these DJs are trained, some learn on the job. Then there are those DJs who even hold a full-time job. However, they all feel that the happening EDM scene in the City has given them a platform to shine.
DJ Robby, a techno DJ, works as a graphic designer and brand consultant and plays music during his free time. “Today, with easy access to a mixing console and mixing software, anyone can be a DJ. All one needs is a laptop and some basic knowledge.”
He feels that advanced technology could be both a boon and bane. “Since everyone else is out there doing the same thing, the biggest challenge for a DJ is to carve a niche for himself. So if you are trained and have the right tools to make music, you have an extra edge. Today, making electronic music has become easier. So the real challenge lies in adding a touch of uniqueness to your work to stay ahead in the game. The trick is to create a specific vibe and a signature sound that is synonymous with your sets,” he advises.
Robby enjoys balancing his passion with his job. “Since I work in a creative field, I get more flexibility. I play music either during the weekends or on weeknights after a regular day’s work. So in terms of time, there is no real clash,” he notes.
For Rahul Chawda, who is the director and co-founder of Bloombox Brand Engineers, music has always been a companion and guide. Inspired by various genres like classic rock, Carnatic, jazz and electronic music, the DJ is also a music enthusiast and curator. “DJs are not just entertainers. Like all artistes, they too are storytellers. I feel that DJing is a way to tell a story in a short span of time. Being a DJ allows artistic expression like no other. We can weave diverse sounds together with different emotions, moods and meaning to create a fun experience,” he says.
There are many more DJs, who have a full-time job and yet play music for the sheer love of it. Ask them if proper training in the field is necessary and Rahul says that it doesn’t matter. He believes that a good DJ is someone who has no fear about experimenting with fresh sounds, has a signature yet unpredictable sound and takes the crowd on a journey.
Rohan Kapoor, yet another popular City-based DJ, feels that the scene in the City is encouraging. “DJing is about educating people about music. Ten years ago, a playlist had just 10 to 12 songs. But now, there is a lot more music out there. So it’s hard for a DJ to mix and match different kinds of music and please everyone. Although there is an easy access to music, one needs to do a lot more than just play music to stand out.”
Akshay Hegde, who is known as DJ Axo, has been a professional DJ for the last seven years and believes that DJs do not require any formal training. “There are two kinds of DJs — those who love music and those who want to become a star. It is very important to have your own style of music and not follow the trends.
Understanding music, its history, science and structure is crucial. Always buy your music instead of downloading. When you buy the music, you respect the artiste and always mix it on a CD and not on a digital platform,” he sums up.
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