Ready to plug into the electrifying beats of India’s underground electronic scene? We’re bringing you an exclusive look at the world of 8-Bit Culprit – the master of deep, hypnotic sounds that pull you into a musical trance. Known for blending atmospheric grooves with raw emotion, 8-Bit Culprit is one of the most exciting artists pushing the boundaries of electronic music today. Join Pooja Kashyap from GrooveNexus as she unveils the mind behind the music, exploring his inspirations, creative process, and what’s next on his journey!
Pooja Kashyap: From starting DJing at 15 to your first residency in 2008, how has your journey shaped your approach to music production and live performances?
8-Bit Culprit: Having spent substantial time behind the decks and gaining insights into various dance floors, I’ve found that my music-writing decisions have become increasingly cohesive over the years. Understanding how to build energy and create the right moments in a track at the right time stems from this experience, which has proven invaluable in shaping my sound.
Pooja Kashyap: Your alter ego as 8-Bit Culprit is synonymous with cutting-edge soundscapes and electrifying performances. What inspired you to create this persona, and how has it evolved over the years?
8-Bit Culprit: I believe that nothing in my life has felt as organic as my journey with 8-Bit Culprit. This persona hasn’t been crafted; rather, it has evolved naturally to reflect my true self. It embodies a seamless blend of my past and present, allowing me to explore uncharted territories as a producer while deepening my connection with audiences as a performing artist. This evolution has given me the freedom to experiment and express myself in ways that resonate on a personal level.
Pooja Kashyap: The “We Do We” campaign by Smirnoff Lemon Pop is all about unity and inclusivity. How do you think electronic music, especially your genre-fluid approach, plays a role in fostering a sense of belonging and collective unity?
8-Bit Culprit: Electronic music has always been a unifying force, breaking down barriers and bringing together diverse audiences under one roof. My aim is to create spaces where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their musical preferences or backgrounds. By blending various genres and infusing nostalgic elements of my early influences, I tap into a collective memory that resonates with many. This approach not only allows for experimentation but also fosters connection among listeners. Each performance becomes a shared experience, where the energy on the dance floor reflects a celebration of our differences and similarities, reinforcing that sense of belonging. Ultimately, electronic music has the power to create an inclusive community, where everyone can come together and be part of something bigger, just like the spirit of the “We Do We” campaign.
Pooja Kashyap: Smirnoff’s campaign promotes transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. How do you ensure your music reaches diverse audiences across different cultural and social backgrounds?
8-Bit Culprit: I ensure my music reaches diverse audiences by blending global influences, collaborating with artists from various backgrounds, engaging with different communities, and representing cultural elements authentically. By focusing on these aspects, I create musical experiences that resonate across boundaries, mirroring Smirnoff’s vision of unity and celebration among cultures.
Pooja Kashyap: You’ve mentioned being influenced by artists like Shpongle and Trentemøller. How do their influences reflect in your productions, and how have you made these influences your own?
8-Bit Culprit: Shpongle is truly one of the greats of our generation. The level of sound design, storytelling, and innovation they bring to their music is simply unparalleled. I remember being completely gobsmacked by their early albums. Similarly, Trentemøller has always inspired me with his ability to transform the simplest riffs and grooves into haunting compositions that linger in your mind for years to come. Their music resonates deeply, etched into my DNA. A significant part of my passion for expressionism and the translation of art stems from the profound impact both of these artists have had on me.
Pooja Kashyap: With the shift towards more inclusive platforms like The Lab DJ streaming series, how do you view the role of streaming in giving emerging artists a voice and space in the global music scene?
8-Bit Culprit: Streaming platforms like The Lab DJ series play a crucial role in elevating emerging artists by providing them with a global stage to showcase their talent. These platforms offer visibility and access to diverse audiences that traditional venues may not reach. By highlighting fresh sounds and unique perspectives, streaming helps democratize the music scene, enabling artists to build their fan base and connect with listeners worldwide without the barriers of entry typical of conventional music industries.
Pooja Kashyap: You’ve been experimenting with semi-live performances. What excites you the most about performing your music live, and how do you see this evolving into full live sets?
8-Bit Culprit: I’ve been playing a lot of original music recently, and it’s been an incredibly liberating experience, to say the least. In the past, I hesitated to play out my original music, but the love and encouragement from my listeners have truly uplifted my confidence. Now, I find myself spinning a substantial amount of my unreleased tracks alongside familiar favorites, creating a unique connection with the audience. Storytelling is also a vital aspect of the 8-Bit Culprit experience. I’m currently working on an album that I envision will translate beautifully into a full live set, allowing me to take the audience on an immersive journey. The evolution into complete live performances excites me because it opens up new possibilities for connection and creativity on stage (which is also hella scary), and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!
Pooja Kashyap: Your ‘less is more’ philosophy speaks to a thoughtful approach to creation. How do you apply this mindset when crafting a setlist or preparing for a performance?
8-Bit Culprit: I embrace a “less is more” philosophy when prepping my crates, prioritizing quality over quantity from the get-go. I steer clear of tracks that are overly busy or cluttered, making intentional selections that contribute to a cohesive flow. Each choice is deliberate to enhance the storytelling aspect of the set because I believe a noisy performance doesn’t always equate to a good one.
Pooja Kashyap: The Smirnoff Lemon Pop campaign encourages positive societal change. How do you believe electronic music can inspire social change and bring people together, and how do you see yourself contributing to this movement?
8-Bit Culprit: Music in general brings people from diverse backgrounds together on the dance floor, creating a shared experience that rises above disparities. Through collaborations, like with the Smirnoff Lemon Pop campaign, I aim to promote messages of unity and positivity, encouraging audiences to embrace diversity and celebrate life.
Pooja Kashyap: The Lab’s collaboration with Smirnoff Lemon Pop spans cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Goa, among others. How do you feel these dynamic cities influence your performances, and do you tailor your sets differently based on the cultural vibe of each location?
8-Bit Culprit: Each city has its own pulse and distinct sound palette that shapes the way the audiences get locked in. By being informed and attentive to these nuances, I can create a more engaging experience for the audience. Understanding these nuances helps me make informed choices on the dance floor.
Pooja Kashyap: In your opinion, how has the electronic music scene in India evolved over the years, particularly in terms of diversity and inclusivity? What changes have you noticed, and what more would you like to see?
8-Bit Culprit: Over the years, there’s been a noticeable shift towards recognizing and celebrating local talent, with more platforms dedicated to emerging artists and varied sounds. To further this progress, I would love to see even more support for underrepresented voices and a continued focus on community engagement to keep the dance floor vibrant and inclusive.
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At GrooveNexus, we believe in nurturing and empowering emerging artists, allowing them to gain visibility and recognition in the music industry. Our platform is a launchpad for talented musicians to showcase their unique styles, genres, and artistic visions.
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