'Producers are focusing more on marketing'

Beating the likes of Axwell, Don Diablo and Thomas Gold among others, Delhi-based DJ Kerano has become the first Indian artiste to top the Beatport’s Progressive House Chart with his production ‘Breathing’. Collaborating with Dutch duo Magnificence, the track which was released in March received support from other EDM biggies like Martin Garrix, Tiesto, Afrojack, Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike. The 23-year-old has earlier collaborated with Polish producer and DJ Tom Swoon for his single Here I Stand. In a freewheeling chat with Metrolife, the musician talks about his triumph, music and future plans.

Excerpts:

How does it feel to top the Beatport’s Progressive House Chart?
It feels amazing. I think it’s something every producer strives for. To see their creation take off from their laptop and land a spot amongst the top producers in the industry. It was surreal.

How was Breathing created?
I met Magnificence in Amsterdam at ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event) last year and we just connected as friends first. We went out, got a few drinks and it was the following day that we sat in the studio and came up with scratches for the track. I came back to India and we developed “Breathing” together via countless Skype sessions.  

How was it working with Magnificence?
We all had a great time working together. Egos kept aside and just a common goal to make good music; it was a lot of fun. They’re both great guys and good friends!

How did your association with music begin?
I’ve been a musician pretty much all my life. A drummer for most part (I still am). I started writing songs on the guitar when I was 13. I have worked with a lot of singers and have written a number of RnB and pop songs. Finally, in my first year of college, I started working at a studio in New Delhi and got into dance music from there.

How would you define your music?
I can’t really define my music. It’s an outcome of what I’m feeling at the studio at that moment on that day. It changes every time. I love melodies, so that’s a staple part of every one of my tracks.

What does it take to make a mark in music in our country?
It depends. Too much in our country depends on social media standing and numbers. A promoter for a club will only want an artiste with a really strong social media reach because they feel that the artiste will pull more crowd. As a result, producers are focussing more on marketing and much less time in the studio making music. The focus needs to shift. I hope it does.

How do you see the future of dance music in India?
Dance music in India is at a very important stage right now.  There are so many people getting into the music industry and so many producers out there, it’s amazing. We just need to be careful to not get over influenced by the West and lose our origins and originality. We need to bring India to the global market rather than ape what’s already happening in the West.

If not a musician, what would you have been?
Definitely, something entrepreneurial. I’ve always wanted to be my own boss and never wanted to be employed by anyone. So yeah, definitely a business of my own.  

Will we see you mixing for Bollywood someday?  
You may see me ‘producing’ for Bollywood one day only if I can bring Kerano to the table and not some contorted Bollywood version.

What’s next?
I have four projects in the pipeline for this year. I’m working very closely with my team to go international this year as well and I’m starting my own space for producers to meet and collaborate and learn. Exciting times ahead!