HYDERABAD: Over the years, Hyderabad’s party scene has evolved tremendously as more and more youngsters are taking to Electronic Dance Music (EDM) to groove at nightclubs, parties and events. With EDM gaining prominence in the country in early 2010, predominantly in Goa and Mumbai, party-goers in Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai have witnessed a nightlife explosion in recent years, which has led to the rise of EDM. Unlike a few years back, Hyderabadis are no longer in a hurry to rush to Goa for Sunburn and other such parties as high-scale events are being planned in the city that offers high-quality music for party-goers to groove all night.
This Halloween, popular EDM band RESET India is all set to mesmerise Hyderabad with a high-octane party at Leo International convention and exhibition center on October 31.
The Hyderabad connect
“Hyderabad is the spiritual home for RESET. There is some amazing local talent who have really built the scene in the last 2-3 years and with the help of the entire community, I think Hyderabad has one of the strongest underground scene in the country. This will be our 3rd edition in the city and I’m extremely excited about it,” says Arjun Vagale, DJ and producer.
“The music is the only thing that you really need to be excited about, and if you’re not, then you shouldn’t be in this business. If you sift through all the thousands of mediocre productions, and really dig deep, you still find some proper dance floor gems, and that’s one thing that I love doing. Reminds me a bit of the old days sifting through vinyl at a record store – only now it’s digital,” Arjun adds.
“Different cities always have their own vibe and it’s sometimes easy to tell. Hyderabad has a great crowd that’s very responsive which is always a blessing for any performing artist,” feels Madhav Shorey aka Kohra, DJ and producer.
The Numbers Game
Catering to the niche musical genre, the festival expects to pull an impressive crowd. “We are expecting it to be our best RESET yet in terms of numbers and production this time is going to be breathtaking. Hyderabad is our home city, where it all began. We get a lot of love from Hyderabad, so we decide to give it back to them by giving them great production which would provide for a brilliant experience. We are expecting 2,000-2,500 people,” says Bharath Varma, founder Phoenix Live, who conceptualised RESET with UnMute.
Impacting social change
Can DJs bring about positive social change and engage young people? “Whether they should or shouldn’t is personal choice and frankly none of my business. However, I do feel that they shouldn’t be afraid to, or be wary of how making a stand for a social cause could affect their brand/ image/ fan base. This planet is worth fighting for, it’s the only one we have and in the imaginary words of that intrepid intergalactic space traveller Spock, To destroy your home planet’s ecosystem for imaginary wealth is illogical,” says Nikhil Chinapa, music entrepreneur and playing his first RESET in the city.
“In a country like India, I think we all need to come together and bring about social change. We need it. The dance music community is strong, and for the most part loyal to the artists they follow, so if one can persuade them to bring good, spreading awareness of the countless issues we face as a nation, I’m all for it. Though there are some people trying to monetise this, which I’m absolutely against,” adds Arjun Vagale, DJ and producer
EDM Evolution
EDM events are increasing in India and harmoniously blending in with the traditional events that people in this country celebrate. Today, EDM has become a part of the Indian psyche and a DJ has become a necessity at most parties and events.
“The alternative scene is more vibrant than it has ever been. Recently at the Amsterdam Dance Music (an annual music conference and dance events destination) there were five-six techno parties every night at various venues. Each venue held between 2,000 - 4,000 people and all were sold out well in advance. We’re also seeing giant strides in bass music as well as the indie-dance scene with acts like Disclosure (who are travelling to Goa) taking centre stage,” says Nikhil.
Highlight for this year
“I really can’t say what the highlight will be before the show, what we can promise is, it will be special. It’s Halloween, we might have a few surprises lined up for which you will need to come see it live,” Dev Bhatia, co-founder UnMute and RESET.
Drugs controversy
Electronic dance music festivals have been widely criticised for allowing usage of drugs at the event. Throughout the genre’s history there have been numerous reports of people dying or needing medical attention for drug overdose, dehydration, overheating, or seizures at shows. “It is a serious issue, globally, that needs tackling. Education for all parties involved is the need of the hour,” says Dev.
After a show
“It depends on how tired I am. Mostly I’d head back to my pad but if my friends are around, I wouldn’t mind hanging over a drink or coffee,” says Aardy aka Raj Dorai.