It wasn’t his first choice to enter the music industry. But a realisation of how impactful music can be changed his world completely.
DJ Shaan launched his career at Sunburn Goa at the age of 15. He became the first Indian to ever perform at Tomorrowland Festival and released his debut single ‘Light Up The World’ with Lauren Evens. Portraying a unique sound in his latest track titled ‘Break Your Ways’, released via Armada Music, he depicted the change in both his musical and personal styles. He chats with Anila Kurian about how he became one of the most talked about DJs in the country.
You entered the DJing world at a very young age. Was it something that you always wanted to do?
I’ve always wanted to do something different. Though I still do think that being a sportsman would be my ideal job, music and DJing transformed my life. I’ve had a rough start with people questioning me, insulting me and putting me down. But all that criticism only helped me work harder and reach where I am today.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Emotions and nature are my best inspirations. I think the closest you can get to a unique piece of music is by creating it from the soul. I also look up to a lot of non-dance music acts like Canyon City, Passenger, Michael Jackson, James Aurthur and many more..
How is your style of music different from that of other DJs?
I used to produce a lot of progressive house music when I started. I was one of the first Indian artistes to do that. But when the tides changed, everyone started producing the same music. I then moved onto creating something new with an Indian touch and flavour. I use tabla as the main percussion and I believe that is what sets me apart from the others.
Something about the DJ scene in India that you would like to change.
There is a sense of competition where one is trying to outplay the other. Even then, everyone is supporting each other and that is a unique thing. Maybe in a few years, Indian DJs will take over the world. That would a great change.
A dream destination for you to play your music.
Oh, man! Everest Base Camp would be totally different and probably unsafe. It would be cool, though!
Your best gig so far.
The ‘Sunburn’ in 2014 was a big turning point in my career. It really slingshotted me towards where I am now.
Your latest projects.
I am releasing a track early next week. I think it is one of my favourite tracks till date. From the responses I’ve received so far, people are already loving it. I’m just going to say.... I’m taking 2017 by storm! (Laughs)
Tell us about your time in Bengaluru last week.
I love the city and it is definitely one of my favourite places to be. However, it would have been great if the travel to the airport wasn’t so long.
Your forecast for the music trends next year.
I hope dance music and pop will trump Bollywood music. A unique blend of Hindi vocals on purely pop production would do very well and it’ll be a great way to embrace the true culture of Indian music and move past the Bollywood aspect.
A word of advice for upcoming artistes?
Dream big because dreams are only dreams if you don’t make them a reality.
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