Stoked: It's been a blend of hard work, creativity, and staying true to my roots while embracing new influences and sounds
We are happy to welcome our today's guest, Stoked!
Already a don in the Indian music scene, Stoked now follows the path of many of the world’s greats, combining production, DJing and curation to inject his flavour into the global Techno movement. Headlining Sea You Festival this summer alongside Adam Beyer & Pan-Pot, having already played the festival in past years. Notably, Stoked is the first Indian artist to headline Sonne Monde Sterne & Grune Sonne in Germany, as well as the iconic Rave the Planet (ex Love Parade).
Beyond his DJ performances, Stoked is the driving force behind Bitonal, a record label and touring agency that features artists such as Pan-Pot, Gheist, Teenage Mutants, Balthazar & Jackrock, and Rafael Cerato. He is also responsible for programming at super clubs Salud and Diaz in Goa.
We had a chat with Stoked about his new EP 'Sirens' and gathered other insights! Check it out!
Already a don in the Indian music scene, Stoked now follows the path of many of the world’s greats, combining production, DJing and curation to inject his flavour into the global Techno movement. Headlining Sea You Festival this summer alongside Adam Beyer & Pan-Pot, having already played the festival in past years. Notably, Stoked is the first Indian artist to headline Sonne Monde Sterne & Grune Sonne in Germany, as well as the iconic Rave the Planet (ex Love Parade).
Beyond his DJ performances, Stoked is the driving force behind Bitonal, a record label and touring agency that features artists such as Pan-Pot, Gheist, Teenage Mutants, Balthazar & Jackrock, and Rafael Cerato. He is also responsible for programming at super clubs Salud and Diaz in Goa.
We had a chat with Stoked about his new EP 'Sirens' and gathered other insights! Check it out!
RMH:
Welcome, Stoked! We’re thrilled to have you with us. To kick things off, how have you been, and what has the journey been like for you as one of the first Indian DJs to make a significant mark in the European dance scene?
STOKED:
Thank you for having me! It's been quite a journey, to say the least. I've been doing well, constantly evolving my sound and pushing the boundaries of what I can create. Breaking into the European dance scene as one of the first Indian DJs has been both challenging and rewarding.
Starting with my first gig in Amsterdam back in 2018, it was incredible to see the reception to my music. Europe has such a rich and diverse electronic music culture, and being able to bring a bit of my Indian heritage into that mix has been a unique experience. It's been a blend of hard work, creativity, and staying true to my roots while embracing new influences and sounds. I'm grateful for all the support and looking forward to what's next, especially with exciting projects like my upcoming EP 'Sirens' and the Dual-Tone arena concept show.
Starting with my first gig in Amsterdam back in 2018, it was incredible to see the reception to my music. Europe has such a rich and diverse electronic music culture, and being able to bring a bit of my Indian heritage into that mix has been a unique experience. It's been a blend of hard work, creativity, and staying true to my roots while embracing new influences and sounds. I'm grateful for all the support and looking forward to what's next, especially with exciting projects like my upcoming EP 'Sirens' and the Dual-Tone arena concept show.
RMH:
Your new EP 'SIRENS' incorporates elements of your Indian heritage, especially with the vocals of Chitralekha Sen. How important is it for you to blend your cultural roots with electronic music, and how do you think it resonates with your audience?
STOKED:
Blending my cultural roots with electronic music is incredibly important to me. It’s a way of expressing my identity and bringing something unique to the techno scene. Indian elements, particularly the vocals of Chitralekha Sen on 'SIRENS', add a layer of depth and emotional resonance to the music that might not be achieved otherwise.
This blend not only reflects my personal journey but also connects with listeners on a deeper level. The haunting ethnic vocals juxtaposed with peak-time techno beats create a dynamic and immersive experience. I believe it resonates with my audience because it offers something fresh and distinctive, bridging traditional sounds with modern electronic music. It's a way of showcasing the rich cultural heritage I come from while pushing the boundaries of my sound.
This blend not only reflects my personal journey but also connects with listeners on a deeper level. The haunting ethnic vocals juxtaposed with peak-time techno beats create a dynamic and immersive experience. I believe it resonates with my audience because it offers something fresh and distinctive, bridging traditional sounds with modern electronic music. It's a way of showcasing the rich cultural heritage I come from while pushing the boundaries of my sound.
RMH:
As the founder of BITONAL, you’ve been pivotal in bringing international acts to India and highlighting local talent. What inspired you to start this platform, and how do you see its role evolving in the future?
STOKED:
Starting BITONAL was primarily for building my personal network with agencies and artists. Secondly it was driven by my passion for techno and a desire to create a platform that could elevate the electronic music scene in India. I wanted to bring the energy and quality of international acts to Indian audiences while also giving local talent the opportunity to shine on a bigger stage. Seeing the potential and enthusiasm for electronic music in India inspired me to bridge the gap between local and global scenes.
In the future, I envision BITONAL evolving into a central hub for techno in India, fostering collaborations between international and local artists, and expanding into more immersive and innovative experiences. Our upcoming Dual-Tone Arena Concept show is a step in this direction, blending audio-visual elements with a unique Indian touch. I also see BITONAL growing as a record label, supporting more artists and releasing diverse and cutting-edge music. The goal is to keep pushing boundaries, nurturing talent, and creating unforgettable experiences for our audience.
In the future, I envision BITONAL evolving into a central hub for techno in India, fostering collaborations between international and local artists, and expanding into more immersive and innovative experiences. Our upcoming Dual-Tone Arena Concept show is a step in this direction, blending audio-visual elements with a unique Indian touch. I also see BITONAL growing as a record label, supporting more artists and releasing diverse and cutting-edge music. The goal is to keep pushing boundaries, nurturing talent, and creating unforgettable experiences for our audience.
RMH:
You've got exciting projects lined up, including a collab with Ronnie Spiteri on Kenja Records with a remix from Alan Fitzpatrick. Can you give us a sneak peek into what listeners can expect from these upcoming tracks?
STOKED:
Absolutely! The collaboration with Ronnie Spiteri is a high-energy track that blends our distinct styles to create something truly unique. With Alan Fitzpatrick's remix, listeners can expect a dynamic reinterpretation that adds his signature touch to the track. Overall, these upcoming releases are packed with powerful techno, intricate melodies, driving rhythms that will keep the dance floors moving. The tracks reflect my evolving sound and commitment to pushing the boundaries of techno, ensuring an exciting listening experience for all.
RMH:
With gigs booked at See You Festival, RaveThePlanet, and a Kenja Records Showcase, how do you prepare for these performances, and what do you aim to deliver in your live sets?
STOKED:
Preparing for gigs like Sea You Festival, RaveThePlanet, and the Kenja Records Showcase involves a mix of meticulous planning and creative spontaneity. Here's how I approach it:
I start by researching the festival and understanding the vibe and expectations of the audience. This helps me curate a setlist that will resonate with the crowd while staying true to my style. In the days leading up to the performance, I dedicate extensive hours in the studio, immersing myself in rehearsing my set. I experiment with transitions, effects, and live remixing to perfect the flow and guarantee that every moment leaves a lasting impact.
Once on-site, I gauge the crowd's energy and mood, making real-time adjustments to my set. This flexibility allows me to connect better with the audience and keep the energy flowing. My goal is to maintain high energy levels, engage the crowd, and keep them ‘Stoked’ throughout my performance and beyond.
I start by researching the festival and understanding the vibe and expectations of the audience. This helps me curate a setlist that will resonate with the crowd while staying true to my style. In the days leading up to the performance, I dedicate extensive hours in the studio, immersing myself in rehearsing my set. I experiment with transitions, effects, and live remixing to perfect the flow and guarantee that every moment leaves a lasting impact.
Once on-site, I gauge the crowd's energy and mood, making real-time adjustments to my set. This flexibility allows me to connect better with the audience and keep the energy flowing. My goal is to maintain high energy levels, engage the crowd, and keep them ‘Stoked’ throughout my performance and beyond.
RMH:
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future both as an artist and as a founder of BITONAL? Are there any specific projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about?
STOKED:
As an artist, my goals for the future include continuing to evolve my sound and pushing the boundaries of techno by incorporating more Indian influences. I aim to create music that resonates on a global scale while staying true to my roots. I also plan to collaborate with other artists who inspire me, exploring new creative avenues and bringing fresh energy to my sets and productions.
As the founder of BITONAL, my vision is to expand the agency and label's presence both locally and internationally, curating unique experiences that blend cutting-edge music with immersive visual elements. One of the projects I'm particularly excited about is our first-ever Arena Concept show, Dual-Tone, scheduled for November. This event will feature a ground-breaking audio-visual experience inspired by Indian culture, and I'm thrilled to bring this vision to life. Additionally, I'm looking forward to collaborating with a diverse range of artists to showcase the depth and diversity of techno on our platform.
As the founder of BITONAL, my vision is to expand the agency and label's presence both locally and internationally, curating unique experiences that blend cutting-edge music with immersive visual elements. One of the projects I'm particularly excited about is our first-ever Arena Concept show, Dual-Tone, scheduled for November. This event will feature a ground-breaking audio-visual experience inspired by Indian culture, and I'm thrilled to bring this vision to life. Additionally, I'm looking forward to collaborating with a diverse range of artists to showcase the depth and diversity of techno on our platform.
RMH:
If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be and what would you ask them?
STOKED:
If I could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, I’d choose an actor, a DJ, and a comedian.
Nicolas Cage: - Question:
How did you prepare for the iconic 'Not the bees!' scene in The Wicker Man?
Deadmau5: Question:
Can I borrow one of your helmets for Halloween?
Jeff Ross: Question:
Can you Roast a chicken that’s already roasted?
Nicolas Cage: - Question:
How did you prepare for the iconic 'Not the bees!' scene in The Wicker Man?
Deadmau5: Question:
Can I borrow one of your helmets for Halloween?
Jeff Ross: Question:
Can you Roast a chicken that’s already roasted?
Editor: Olly Kuskova
