Ladies and Gentlemen, the long due sound of India has finally taken shape as a strong and distinctive figure. It’s become clear that bass lines scurrying above 145 BPM are the ones that prevail amongst aspiring Indian psychedelic artists. The new age Indian trance-addict has followed the path laid by the Israelis and swiftly picked up the fine art of music production. And although most producers are still far away from the quality and technique exemplified by Ocelot or Para Halu, it’s encouraging to see that Indians are on the way. One wonders what provoked this queer choice, skewed so drastically towards night music.

Let us journey into the mind of the Indian producer. It’s usually the experience of dancing the night away that evokes an inspiration strong enough to encompass the heart of a ‘to-be’ psy super star. Logical reasoning follows. The typical rationale for taking up music as a lifestyle is something along the lines of - ‘In order to be successful, one must always enjoy his/her line of work’. Those who make it beyond this point move on to face the next set of questions, “How do I brand myself with the best label? What kind of returns can I expect? How long before I’m out touring the world?”

Darkpsy Producers in India have a few platforms to choose from – Beyond Logic Records, Tantrumm Records, Samsara Recordings, Temple Twister Records, Disco Valley Records and Namaha Records to name a few. Juxtapose this with number of mainstream labels who would promote the ‘full-on’ producer, only a name or two comes to mind. Although a gamut of mainstream labels releasing progressive and full on psytrance exists outside the country, it’s possible that the smart producer realizes the best methodology adopted by a musician is to work in close proximity of his colleagues. This gives rise to new ideas, networking and a very important factor - collaboration (which plays a pivotal role in an industry where the conversion percentile regarding those who actually ‘make it’ is a mere 15 %.)

From another angle (and some personal experience), a relatively large audience is usually witnessed at nature parties featuring dark artists. Converse with a trancer residing in New Delhi and he/she will surely reminisce the night Merry Prankster and Schizobot wreaked havoc at a farm ensconced in the hills, or the night when Dennis the Menace ensured a very happy new year!

Whether it’s the factors stated above, or the insinuation that dark psytrance does not involve highly complex melodies, or maybe just the old school thought that pure love for night music overtakes any other in this part of the world, the conclusion remains the same - India has a distinct identity on the global spreadsheet.

Indian artists can be found on the charts of renowned digital stores (such as Beatport or Track It Down) and it’s only a matter of time until they’re playing live in front of your eyes. Setting the standards are the Bombay boys Kerosene Club/Stomp and FreeAtmah, who already enjoy international bookings.

Another point to note is that the latest release by New Delhi based Samsara Recordings reiterates this case, for their newest release “VA Rajdhani Xpress – The Sound of India” comprises home grown talent from the motherland, with a track list that epitomizes the original sound, replete with 10 authentic Indian tracks.

Nature parties and CD sales might be on the brink of extinction, but that’s not enough to slow down these young guns!

Jai Hind!

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Article by Divyan Salotra

divyan@shivlinkrecords.com