Homegrown talent is slowly but surelyย being recognized internationally, ย From Shaair and Func to Nucleya, here’s the list of Indian musicians who went International this year.
1. Pearl at Global Gathering (UK)
An Indian producer than hardly needs an introduction, having performed at some of the best and brightest clubs in the world in London and Ibiza, pearl is no stranger to the International scene. Taking it a step further this year Pearl got to showcase her skills and brand of upbeat funky electro beats and soundsย at the BBC Essential Radio 1 stage alongside electronica beasts such ย as Pete Tong, Eric Prydz and The Prodigy at the cult dancefest Global Gathering (UK).
2. Filter Coffee at Oneness Gathering (UK)
Authentic Indian sounds are gradually leaving a very appealing scent abroad, with yet another Indian artist being called upon to dazzle at an overseas festival. The ‘ethnotronicโ folk duo from Mumbai,ย Shriram Sampathย &ย Swarupa Ananthย aka Filter Coffee played ย at the Oneness Gathering โ an intimate festival held near Glastonbury which took place from the 11th to 13th July.
This collaborative’s sound includes a unique blend of Indian Classical/Folk instruments, textured sounds & voices with electronic grooves. Having performed at numerous local festivals including theย Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, Sulafest, Fireflies, Prithvi Festivalย just to name a few, the duo are very much accomplished on the international scene having performed previously atย The Balispirit Festival (Indonesia) as well. If you haven’t already checked them out we implore you to do so now.
3. Shaair and Func at Glastonbury & Safiko
The massively popular Mumbai based electro-rock act were be a part of the roster for two overseas festivals this year – Britainโs biggest music festival, Glastonbury and Safiko (a music festival hosted inย Reunion Island, on the24thย of May.)
Big respect to these guys – having played gigs across the country, North America and Europe for almost a decade, they are renowned for putting up some of the most scintillating live acts with their unique and melodious mixture of electro, rock & folk.ย Although this is not the first time Monica & Randolph have been part of Glastonbury, this was the first instance the entire band took up the stage atย Worthy Farm, Pilton. Performing on the 2ndย day of the festival, i.eย 28thJune, theyshared the stage with some of the biggest & most seasoned names in music โย Massive Attack, Kasabian, Robert Plant. Disclosureย &ย Arcade Fire, to name a few.
4. Nucleya at Safiko & Shambala
Known for practically redefining popular indianized bass music with is massively successful EP ‘Koocha Monster, Delhi based produced Nucleya has become a household name in the indian independent scene. What’s better? Heย along with Shaair and Func ย was given the chance to wow audiences at the Safiko festival, held on a tiny island off the coast of Africa in May. That’s not all for Nucleya, he’s currently on a UK tour, where he’ll be stopping by at the Shambala Festival at the end of the month to deliver some good ol’ Akkad Bakkad.
5. Shaan at Tomorrowland
An Indian DJ performing at the world’s biggest dance music festival was something dreams were made of. Up and till, this years edition when (S)haan (after becoming the first Indian DJ to perform at โThe Boxโ at UKโsย Ministry of Sound)ย also became the first Indian DJ to blast a set atย Tomorrowland,ย ย Belgium. Sharing the stage with the likes of Albin Myers and Bassjackers Shaanย played a one-hour set to a packed stage during the first day of the 2nd famed festival. with many Indians in the crowd waving the flags up high in the air in support.
6. Zaeden at Marenostrum (Spain)
Delhi-bred Sahil Sharma started his career in dance music at the wee age of 14 and became the first Indian artist to feature on Hardwell On Air. After that things have just gone uphill for the guy, as he put out a popular and official remix of ‘Magic’ by Coldplay and collaborated with Syzz of ย for the single ‘Land Of Lords’. ย Recently Zaeden performed at Marenostrum Music Festivalย – a massive EDM fest that took place in Valencia, Spain, this July.ย Playing alongside artists like Hardwell, Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike, Quintino,we’re pretty sure this is just the start for this talented young individual.
7. Janux at O.Z.O.R.A & Hadra
Representing India in the international psy and psy trance scene, Janux recently performed at O.Z.O.R.A festival in Hungary and will perform at ย Hadra in France at the end of this month.ย Janux is one of the pioneer DJs of India who has played all over the planet and also the programmer of Blue Frog, Mumbai – Janux style ranges from high energy night music to psychedelic sounds. He has also been hosting the biggest psytrance parties in Mumbai for awhile now. We can definitely count on see him perform at more psy festivals over the years.
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8. Demonic Ressurection at Wacken Open Air (Germany)
Demon Resurrection have been in the Indian metal scene, for a good 14 years now and have really made a mark for themselves internationally as well. Apart playing at many international festivals and venues over the years and winning a bunch of metal accolades likeย ย Metal Hammer Golden God Award for Global Metal in 2010, the band also chanced upon playing at the the massive metal fest Wacken Open Air in Germany this year. More power to these guys!
9. Arjun Vagale at BPM festival ( Mexico)
Arjun Vagale has been a household name and one of our country’s finest electronic music producers for awhile now. ย He is no stranger to the international scene, having played all in Asia, all over Europe and the States and also plays incessantly at home when he isn’t touring. He’s received numerous praise and awards for his proficient ย production skills and is currently right up there on the DJ Mag India poll. ย ArjunVagale did us proud by playing at the BPM Festival in Mexico, early this year. That’s not all! Vagale will be showcasing his music at ADE, too.
10. Skyharbor at Download Festival & Graspop Metal Meeting
A band consisting of members from various nationalities, but essentially born in New Delhi, Sky Harbour is a progressive metal band most of you will know from an awesome first festival appearance at NH7 Weekender in 2011. ย Now an established and frequently touring band they definitely have come a long way. This year they took stage at the insanely popular Download Festival in UK and the Graspop Metal Meeting.
11. Ankytrixx at Wild Und Frie/ Wild Zur Festival (Amsterdam)
If you’ve been following the Indian Techno or Progressive house scene closely you would know Ankytrixx is well revered artists. He’s an absolute specialist of his music which possesses that infectious and high energy quality to it, a perfect addition to Indian Techno. Armed with all this popularity, Ankytrixx has ‘shared consoles’ alongside the likes of Armin Van Burren, Guy J and even John Digweed. Previously having played at Sunburn and international festivals like Tree of Life in Turkey and Pearl Festival in London he recently added to his festival appearances by playing a smashing set at the Wild Zur Festival in Amsterdam, earlier this month. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for more from him.
12. Ashvin Mani Sharma at ย Fusion Festival andย F.I.G. festival (Germany)
As one of the founding members of electronic supertroop Jalebee Cartel, Ashvin or ‘Calm Chor’ has been part of of the industry since 1998. His style of music is a curious mix ofย Techno, Psy Tech and Progressive, a blend that can leave you high and dry for more. Apart from putting India on the map for Electronic music with Jalebee Cartel, he’s also been busy with his solo tours, having already performed at two German music festivals this year – Fusion Festival and F.I.G.
13. NDS & Blue at Marenostrum Music Festival (Spain)
Here are another young duo killing it on the global stage, with releases on top international labels and their tracks ย being supported by Armin Van Buuren on ASOT, Above & Beyond on Anjunabeats WorldWide and Group Therapy Radio, NDS & Blue have a lot in store for the future. They also recently performed at Spain’s summer fest Marenostrum, last month.