“India is a large and diverse nation. Yet the majority listen to only one kind of music,” says Mumbai-based DJ Zokhuma. In order to mix things up for them, he feels it is imperitive the artistes step out of just performing in Metros.
- May 4 Club Naila, Jaipur
- May 11 Terra Mayaa, Guwahati
- May 18 The Tribe by Hi Spirits, Siliguri
- May 24 The Daily All Day, Pune
- May 31 Above the Habitat, Mumbai
Zokhuma has recently released his second extended play (EP) record titled Code . The EP has four high-tempo and rather edgy tracks. As a part of his Code tour, the electronic dance music (EDM) artiste performed at The Park last week. . Zokhuma says he is performing primarily in tier two cities such as Indore, Jaipur and Siliguri.
“I would rather play for a small audience who wants to listen to new music instead of large venues where people are not listening,” he says.
“It’s very important for an artiste to travel to new cities because one can meet new artistes and fans,” says the 27-year-old. He says he relies on interactions after his performance to discover ideas which eventually takes the shape of music. He says, “Music production takes countless hours. When a fan reaches out to say he had a great time, I realise the efforts were worth it.”
According to him, the audience’s preferences have remained more or less the same, but the industry’s DNA is changing. In the past five years, there has been an increase in representation of women in the EDM community. “This diversity is not only empowering women but also is changing the sound of India’s EDM.”
Zokhuma admits being in a creative field is challenging. In order to deal with moments of self-doubt and help other artistes, he and five others started a community called Dasta in 2016. Its aim is to discuss music production concepts and help artistes find inspiration through collaboration. He says, “Collaboration is the key to building community. I follow a simple motto: thank people who help you and give back in any way you can.”
