We want to start a hip hop revolution in India: DNOAX

DNOAX or Desi Number One Artistes Xtraordinaire, a group of 20-odd musicians from Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi and other cities is blending hip-hop with metal, carnatic and hindustani music with multilingual lyrics for a contemporary touch.

"Our first album has songs from various genres like romantic, gangsta and club, owing to our different backgrounds," says Abhishek aka Ace, a group member.

The band was recently here to participate in the Park Hotel's New Festival which aims to promote emerging and new artists and is scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai.

Their first album  "They See (Desi)"  released in 2008 featured tracks from various genres like romantic, gangsta and club.

While common backgrounds bind artists together in most bands, DNOAX feels their diversity unites them. "Our love for music and our diversity bind us together. We all come from different parts of India and we take pride in this fact," says Abhishek.

On comparisons to other Indian artists like Rishi Rich and Bombay Rockers, Meghraj aka Megawatt, another DNOAX rapper who also beatboxes, says, "These artists are too clubby and commercial. We try to be more current and socially conscious. For instance, if the Hazare stir inspires any of us, we might write a song on it."

On their unique name, Abhishek Dhusia, a DNOAX rapper says, "We're desi, we're number one, and because we come from different parts of India, we feel we are extraordinary. Hence the name, Desi Number One Artists Xtraordinaire."

Since the artists come from different cities across India, meeting for practise sessions or concerts became difficult.

"To a large extent, technology has helped us. We jammed over Skype to prepare for this concernt," says Meghraj.

On the current music scene in the Indian film industry, Abhishek points out, "Hip hop and rap is coming up in a big way in Bollywood, but it's not right. We want to promote the right style."

Revelling in the success of their first album and first music video, the artists are excited about making another music video for one of their songs. A sequel to 'They See (Desi) Revolution' is also in the pipeline, which would be released in about 5 to 6 months.

"We want to make a place for India on the global stage and give people like us a platform," he says.