Says Nikhil Chinapa about what makes an artiste successful; theย DJ-music promoter will feature on the panel at the Electronic Music Conference, Sydney, Australia to be held in December
It is impossible to have a discussion on the boom in the electronic music scene in India without the mention of Nikhil Chinapa. Theย former VJ- turned-music promoter and DJ has not only provided his creative genius to two of India’s most happening music festivals, but has also worked tirelessly in bringing down some of the most sought after electronica acts to India over the past many years. So it didn’t surprise us when we got to know that he will be one of the panelists at the Electronic Music Conference (EMC), Sydney, Australia, which will be held on December 2-4.
In this interview, the dynamic artiste tells The Sherp everything about EMC and much more.
1. How does it feel to be a panelist at EMC, Sydney?
I attended the panel for the first time last year and it wasย extremely productive. I’m very pleased to be going back again this year. EMC, in my opinion is growing into aย definitive music conference for the region.
2. What are some of the most important points you will touch upon in your discussion?
I’ve always championed the Indian dance music scene and will continue to encourage greater cooperation between artistes from Australia and India.
3. What are the three big changes you’ve noticed in the burgeoning market for EDM consumers in India?
There is now clear polarisation in the dance music scene in India, giving birth to nascent scenes in the bass music and techno spaces respectively. EDM as an entry genre seems to be doing what it said it would on the tin – introduce fans to dance music and then encourage them to dig deeper.
4. With more and more Indians being exposed to international festivals, what, according to you, the challenges that indigenous festival organisers have to face, in order to keep the homegrown festivals exciting and more experiential?
You just need to know how to curate a great experience. Most people tend to forget that a music festival isn’t only about music. It encapsulates a range of emotions and experiences.
5. This year’s speakers include the bigwigs of EDM, such as Steve Aoki, Peking Duk,Marlo, and others. How does it feel to share the same platform with them?
It’s all right, I guess. The key isn’t really in the stature of the person you’re standing next to – it’s in what he/she can contribute to what is clearly the quickest growing music scene ever.
6. If you were to give one advice to an up-and-coming music producer/DJ in today’s time — where an artiste’s image/brand value and commercial viability count as much as real talent — what would that be?
I’m sorry, I fundamentally disagree. No amount of fireworks, hair gel or silicon can make up for talent and the pure driven ambition to succeed.
7. How important is the role of music conferences such as EMC to the industry as a whole?ย ย
Conferences like the EMC bring the community together to discuss issues and subjects that impact our scene. It’s also a great place to scope new acts and talent.
8. Whose talk are you looking forward to at the conference?
