We have a special treat for techno enthusiasts as we sit down with Stoked, the lynchpin of India’s burgeoning techno movement. Fuelled by an unbridled passion for his art, Stoked has been instrumental in developing the scene in his home country and pioneering the unique "Asian techno sound."
As the mastermind behind BITONAL, one of India's most respected touring agencies and promoters, Stoked has played a crucial role in bringing international talent such as Pan-Pot, GHEIST, Will Clarke, Teenage Mutants, Balthazar, and Jackrock to Indian shores. His latest work, ‘SIRENS,’ seamlessly blurs the lines between driving and progressive techno, creating a captivating hybrid melody. With a tightly woven bassline and mystifying energy, the track features beguiling vocals from Chitralekha Sen, adding a layer of deity-like beauty.
Stoked’s latest EP also includes the track ‘909,’ where he infuses a more Western, Detroit-like vocal sample. Subtly crafted beats with just enough bass, drum, and ethereal sound design make this track a favourite across the techno spectrum. The vocal sample lurks beneath the track’s core, sporadically asserting itself amidst chiming synths and blunt basslines.
Check out our interview with Stoked and listen to his exclusive UNDRCTRL mix below:
Can you tell us a little about your experience with music? Where are you from / how did you get into music?
I'm originally from Goa, India, a country known for its vibrant and diverse musical culture. Growing up here deeply influenced my journey. My love for music started early on, with genres like Disco and House. Over time, I found myself drawn to the energy and innovation of electronic music, especially techno.
I began producing music by experimenting with Fruity Loops, just like many of us do. My DJing career took off at local clubs and events, and in 2005, I got my first big break as the head resident DJ at Elysium in Pune.
You run BITONAL which is one of the fastest growing agencies in India. Has this been a hard journey to start the agency and what are you goals for it for the future?
Running BITONAL, has indeed been quite a journey. Starting the agency came with its challenges, but the passion for music and determination to succeed kept me going.
Looking ahead, our goal is to continue expanding and pushing the boundaries of the electronic music scene in India. We want to create more immersive and innovative experiences, support emerging artists, and establish BITONAL as a leading name in the global electronic music community.
How do you feel running the agency has been pivotal / important to you developing your career as a DJ?
Running BITONAL has been incredibly important for my career as a DJ. It has allowed me to network with global artists and agencies, paving the way for meaningful relationships and collaborations. This exposure has not only broadened my musical horizons but also provided invaluable opportunities to learn and grow within the industry. Being at the forefront of BITONAL has given me a unique perspective and edge, fuelling my creativity and helping me evolve as an artist
How is your sound evolving? What artists and genres do you enjoy mixing right now?
My sound is constantly evolving, especially as I blend Indian influences with techno. This fusion creates a unique vibe that reflects my roots while pushing the boundaries of my productions.
Right now, I'm really into mixing peak time and raw, hypnotic techno. I enjoy creating a set that flows, keeping the energy high and the crowd engaged. When playing in India, I like to strike a balance between melodic and peak time techno, offering something that sits well with the local audience while still preserving the STOKED sound.
Artists I'm currently inspired by include Pan-Pot, Teenage Mutants, Hi-Lo, Eli Brown, Balthazar & Jackrock, Rafael Cerato & Tigerblind mainly as their styles align well with the sound I'm developing.
The scene in India has been growing for years, what are some of the must-see venues in the country for artists and fans?
India's electronic music scene has indeed been burgeoning, offering a range of venues that cater to both artists and fans. My top 5 venues across the country include:
1. Sunburn Union – Bengaluru
2. SOHO – Delhi
3. Prism – Hyderabad
4. Raeeth – Goa
5. Echo – Goa
Your release ‘SIRENS’ is your first on the agencies label, can you talk us through this release and story behind the vocalist on the title track?
Absolutely, 'SIRENS' is a special release for me as it marks my debut on BITONAL Records. The track is a fusion of peak time techno with haunting Indian vocals by Chitralekha Sen. The idea behind blending these elements was to create a unique experience that pays homage to my Indian roots while maintaining the high-energy, driving nature of peak time techno. I’m really excited to share this release with everyone and to continue exploring this fusion of sounds in future projects.
What advice can you give others who are trying to break out of their local, and into the more international music scene?
Breaking into the international music scene can be challenging but here are some tips that might help:
1. Quality Over Quantity
2. Networking
3. Online Presence
4. Collaborations
5. Promotion
6. Be Persistent
7. Stay True to Yourself
You’ll be heading to Germany and the UK this summer, which is the first time you have played in Europe. Can you tell us some of the shows you have booked, and what you are looking forward to the most?
I played in Europe for the first time in 2018 at Steve Mulder's Orange Recording & Faroukh’sMinitech ADE Showcases. Fast forward to 2024, and I'm headlining Stage 2 at Sea You Festival alongside Pan-Pot, Lily Palmer, and Adam Beyer. Additionally, I've been booked to perform at Rave the Planet (formerly Love Parade) for Berlin's OSTFUNK ✕ GOANAUTIKA brand. Furthermore, I'll be playing at the renowned KIT-KAT Berlin for Symbiotikka & Silodom in Saarbruken.
Stoked
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