Taking music up a notch

The one-day dance extravaganza Don’t Let Daddy Know (DLDK) which made debut in Ibiza, four years ago became a sensational hit across the world. DLDK tours the world whipping up dance frenzies wherever it goes creating experiential music reminiscence. After sweeping the world it recently made the first appearance in India at Mumbai on May 26.

The future of electronic music doesn't look quite bright at the moment. Every song sounds the same. 10 years down the line, no one will remember a commercial hit from today because it's all just the same

The first Indian edition of DLDK featured the former Swedish House Mafia member - Steve Angello, who made his return after the #OneLastTour. Angello is undoubtedly one of the biggest artists in the world. As part of Swedish House Mafia, he travelled the globe and played to millions but since the group disbanded and the other members Axwell and Ingrosso went their separate ways, he's stepped things up a notch.

What kind of show did you expect?
I know this for a fact that my Indian fans love me a lot. All the love that they show me on social media and all the fan mails I receive is quite overwhelming for me. I knew that my Indian fans will be really excited to see me perform and so am I came and performed for them.

Did you make any special track for the event?
Well, I planned an awesome set for my Indian fans. A lot of my classics and also Wild Youth were a highlight.

When did the music bug bite you?
I have grown up in a music loving family listening to a lot of storytellers like Nas, Jay Z, etc. I also used to listen to a lot of music by Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd and Gang Starr. They had a purpose and a meaning behind their music. That's how I fell in love with music.

Why did you choose electronic music?
I discovered Daft Punk and after that there was no looking back. That's how I tilted towards electronic music.

Amongst your contemporaries, who is your favourite DJ and why?
‘M83’ and ‘The Temper Trap’. Also, not many days go by without me listening to Fink. I also respect Kanye West. I know people don't have nice things to say about him but in my eyes, he is the musical visionary that he claims to be. He doesn't let anything bog him down, and that is something really great.

He just cares about his art. In dance music the problem is people care way too much. People care about radio hits. I for one cannot tell the difference between a dance track and a Selena Gomez song and I am sure many people share this thought. We just need to start taking dance music seriously.

Your brother is also a DJ. So how was it while growing up?
My brother is really talented and we have always been very close. One day he came to me and said that he wants to drop out of school and focus on music. I felt the passion that he had and that is when I decided to support his decision and bought him a MacBook, Logic Express and headphones and told him to show me what he can do.

What are the chances of Swedish House Mafia coming together again?
We haven't discussed it. We haven't said that we are going to come together. We haven't said that we aren't going to come together. I think we shall have to wait and see. Whatever has to happen will happen. Que Sera Sera.

What is music to you?
I eat and breathe music. I take music very seriously. It’s a way of living for me.

What is the future of electronic music?
The future of electronic music doesn't look quite bright at the moment. Every song sounds the same. 10 years down the line, no one will remember a commercial hit from today because it's all just the same.

What are your upcoming projects?
I have been working on a live setup for quite some time now. Also, my plan is to go on a Q2 tour.

By:Navin Pivhal