HYDERABAD: Benjamin Damage is a Welsh born techno DJ. The first artist to be signed to the iconic Berlin-based electronic act-Modeselektor’s 50 Weapons labels back in 2010, the artist makes his way to Hyderabad this Sunday to entertain EDM fans in the city.
Coming to the city as a part of a four-city tour by the Red Bull Music Academy, Benjamin has delivered hits like ‘Creeper’ and ‘They!Live’ in collaboration with Doc Daneeka who runs the popular music label Ten Thousand Yen. Last year, his debut album ‘Heliosphere’ hit the sound waves and received quite the response.
Talking about his journey thus far, Benjamin Damage tells City Express more in an exclusive.
Q: Tell us about the start of career. What got you into the field of producing music and DJing?
I’ve been into music from a very young age. I started off using an obscure tracker programme called ‘Digital Symphony’ on an ancient Acorn Archimedes (a failed British computer system), and I really liked how you could layer different sounds together. After that I started using better machines and learnt more about synthesis and producing. I started DJing after I was already produced for some years.
Q: Was it an easy choice?
It was a struggle at first. When you don’t have any profile at all, there’s very little money coming in from music so you have to get by with part time jobs. But you still have to find the time to put effort into what you are doing.
Q:What kind of music did you listen to when you were growing up? Who/what were your influences and musical inspirations?
When I was very young I’d listen to all my parents records, like Jimi Hendrix and Frank Zappa. Then I discovered electronic music. There wasn’t that much of a scene for it in Swansea, where I’m from, so I’d buy a lot of old dance compilations. Things like Best of Rave, Best of Techno volumes 1-10. It sounded so fresh and exciting back then.
Q: Is this the first time you’ll be coming to India?
It will be my first time, yes. I don’t really know what to expect from the EDM following. The terms mean different things to different people. I’m excited to see what happens.
Q: EDM has witnessed this sudden surge in the past decade and the wave has only just reached India. Given your international schedule, how would you define the electronic music scene across the globe?
There always has and always will be people doing it for the right reasons and the wrong reasons. I don’t think that’s changed much.
With the extra popularity, you could say it attracts more celebrity DJs who don’t necessarily care about the music as much as they should. But there will always be people doing things with passion and hopefully people will see that.
Q: Over the years, how would you say you’ve grown musically? Could you describe your sound for us?
In a way, I feel like I’ve gone back to the start when I first got interested in electronic music. I’ve made quite a few different styles over the years, drum and bass, house, etc., but I don’t worry about genres at all now. When I’m making dance floor tracks, I think about what I would want to play in my sets.
Q: Tell us about working with Modeselektor.
They are really great guys, very passionate about what they do. It was certainly an experience.
Q: What plans do you have for the future? Is there an album in the pipeline?
I’ve been writing an album this year. I can’t really say when it’ll be ready, but I’m very excited about it.
Q: Is there a dream project in mind?
I’m already doing my dream project
Q: Is it hard to come up with new sounds? How do you stay inspired?
It’s a lot of experimenting with different techniques. It’s a really good feeling when you come up with a great sound. Seeing new places gives you more energy too.
Q: Have you heard to any music composers from India?
I’m hoping to hear a lot more when I get there.
Q: One last thing, your stage name: why Benjamin Damage?
Come to the show and you’ll find out (laughs)