NASH (@nashjrofficial)
Introduce yourself
I am Nash, I am a full-time DJ. Uplifting souls through music is what I do for a living.
How did you get into DJing? What motivated you to choose this?
I discovered Hip-Hop and R&B very early in my life and I knew whatever I do in my life, it would be related to music. This strong appetite for music motivated me to move to Delhi when I was 15. Started as a promoter and eventually made it as a DJ. Has been quite an eventful journey but I’m glad I listened to my heart.
Who are your inspiration as a DJ?
Peggy Gou, Jamie XX and Special Request. It’s not just their music, but the overall aura, personality, lifestyle, and vibe is what inspires me.
Define your style in three words?
Fresh, comfortable, and progressive.
What changes would you like to see in your field in India?
I see many artists who just stick to what they know already and are afraid to go outside the box and experiment. I’d say versatility is something I’d love to see more here.
How has the last two years affected your work and what are the positive things you learned from it?
Not gonna lie, but last year turned dark real quick with no gigs and the lockdown. However, it gave me enough time to self-introspect and put more effort into relationships with people around me. I can totally see the positive change in my perspective towards life.
Goals for 2021?
Spread positivity and make some kickass music. And of course, the workouts. Won’t miss it this year for sure!
Best place to hang out in Delhi?
I personally love quiet places where I can wine and dine. Kofuku (@kofukudelhi) is definitely top of my hang out list. Love the ambience of the place.
Best place in Delhi/NCR for good live/independent music?
The Piano Man (@tpmcafes), Auro (@Aurokitchenbar), Summerhouse (@summerhousecafe_delhi) , and Diablo (@diablodelhi). These places are promoting the best indie/underground music in the city right now.
Delhi’s best local music artist?
Has to be Prabh Deep (@prabhdeepmusic) or Lifafa (@lifafa) without a doubt. In fact not just Delhi but the whole country.
A musician who you grew up listening to/defines the teenage you?
Hip-Hop had a big influence over me while growing up. I’d say Three 6 Mafia, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and The Game were the ones who defined my music and lifestyle choices back in the day.
Recommended online radio/podcast channel?
Business of Hype by Hypebeast Radio is a must for every artist and creative entrepreneur.
Best gig you’ve been to?
Magnetic Fields 2019 was an absolute madness.
The first concert/live show you would like to go to once things are more normal again?
We definitely need Boiler Room in this country once things settle.
Whose playlist would you like to listen to?
Black Coffee and Jamie XX.
Top 5 songs on your playlist?
Jamie XX – Sleep Sound
Jamie XX – All Under One Roof Raving
Gil Scott-Heron, Jamie XX – Ny is killing me
Knxwledge – theykome&go
KH, Four tet – Only Human
JENNIFER (@j_luikham)
Introduce yourself
I am JENNIFER LUIKHAM, 21 yrs old. Born in Manipur, Imphal and brought up in Delhi. I am a professional Tennis player
Tell us about your profession?
It’s been a roller coaster ride. Travelled to many small villages to cities and countries. Been exotic and a lot of grinding. I am currently ranked 926 in the world (WTA-Womens Tennis Association) and no.10 in India
How did you get into Tennis as a career?
I initially started for fitness and for being a part of a sport as a growing child. Parents were engaged into tennis as well and enjoyed playing as a family and that’s how I got into this game and as time went on, I happened to pick up the game quite quickly and just fell in love with it.
What inspires you and why?
My family inspires me. Mentally, physically, emotionally. Always been my backbone. Even though I’m the only professional athlete in my family, they inspire me to achieve my goals, back me in everything I do and push me to be my best.
Define your style?
Sporty but bohemian.
What changes would you like to see in your field?
Awareness, acceptance, and recognition!
How has the last two years affected your career and what are the positive things you learned from it?
I couldn’t practice at all and since I couldn’t travel, my ranking was also affected. That being said, I took that time for things I couldn’t engage myself into earlier. Small pleasures like learning how to dance (online), volunteering at NGOs, painting, yoga etc. I am feeling the changes already (esp from Yoga) and it’s positive effect in life and for mental health.
Best place to hang out in Delhi?
I love to be in the wild, so Malcha forest in Central Delhi.
Top 5 songs on your playlist?
Sex sound – Lil Tjay
Who needs love – Tory Lanez
Soulja cry – Atm Tana
I won – Future
Family don’t matter – Young Thug.
ANOUSKHA (@kairosqui)
Introduce yourself
I’m Anoushka David, I’m a photographer and a model who loves art in every shape conceivable. I’m freelancing as a photo editor. I curate images according to the requirements of different companies and I would like to get into the fashion world as a photographer and a model (with an…odd sense of style). I have an eye on what looks good and on how to perfect certain shots because I understand both sides of the coin.
Define your style in three words?
Vulnerable, rebellious, and unconventional.
What inspires your art, your creativity?
Hope inspires me, my art is based on things I have understood through the love of people around me and myself and through the diversity of creativity flowing across the globe. It makes me feel seen while simultaneously making me feel more about the community and the person that I am. The one thing that’s common in all of it is hope, hope that even if I’m hurting, I can create something beautiful so hurt doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing and if I’m able to shed away that hurt and make something beautiful out of that celebration, I would be able to help people understand that they can too.
How has the last two years affected your work and what are the positive things you take from it?
The last one year has shaped me to be the person giving you this interview today. It has changed my entire perspective on myself and my art and my relationship between the two. I’ve learnt that I’m enough, just by existing, and no matter what I do or don’t do doesn’t define my worth. That extending to my art which is an extension of me, my art isn’t made to be the best, it’s made to be me. The one thing I know best is myself and every time I discover more parts of myself, I try to translate it into my art.
Best place to hang out in Delhi?
Right now I would say Champa Gali in Saket, it’s a place very cleverly time heart.
Best place in Delhi/NCR for good live/independent music?
I haven’t been to a lot of places in Delhi as my student years have been lived in Bangalore but as far as I know, The Piano Man (@tpmcafes) does a wonderful job.
Delhi’s best local music artist?
I have been loving what Prabh Deep (@prabhdeepmusic) has been putting out!
A musician who you grew up listening to/defines the teenage you?
Honestly it was Rihanna, she made me feel like a badass and that I didn’t have to take anyone’s sh!t (although I did) while being in touch with my emotions and how those two things can coincide with one another.
Recommended online radio/podcast channel?
I’ve been listening to a lot of music from Knxwledge lately, he usually comes online on Twitch and live streams his beautiful beats.
Best gig you’ve been to?
It has to be Homeshake (@pitersugar), I was transported to another place.
The first concert/live show you would like to go to once things are more normal again?
I’ve been dying to see Flume and Hiatus Kaiyote live since I heard they could be or have come to India so if there’s a possibility I’m on my way.
Whose playlist would you like to listen to?
I would love to listen to a playlist curated by Lava La Rue (@lavalarue), she’s been my current artistic influence and makes me feel powerful as a human and a woman so I would love to hear what inspires her.
Top 5 songs on your playlist?
Cellophane by FKA twigs
Good days by SZA
Goofy hearts club by Lava La Rue
Binz by Solange
Honey by Raveena
UTKARSH (@thegreybox)
Introduce yourself
I am Utkarsh, I design experiences and interfaces, make beats, rap, DJ and have a keen interest in fashion. I do different things on different days.
What motivated you to choose music as a career?
I knew pretty early on that I had a lot of varied interests and I wanted to explore multiple avenues, whether it was through work or otherwise, so I was inclined towards doing projects rather than a fixed commitment: ongoing job.
What inspires you?
All unrealistic scenarios are someone else’s reality and if someone has done it, I can do it too. Maybe even do something no one has.
Define your style in three words?
Steezy. Chic. Unpredictable.
What changes would you like to see in your field, in India?
I believe India has a vast majority of extremely talented people living under certain insecurities and mostly trying to mimic external cultures. We need more authentic stories that can help pave the way for a unique culture that we can represent together.
How has the last two years affected your work and what are the positive things you learned from it?
I’ve always been a freelancer, so no real shock for me work-wise. There have been a lot of positives and learnings but one thing that stood out is to not derive existential value from being “productive”. Focus more on the value I create for others (and me) rather than doing “work”.
Best place to hang out in Delhi?
Cyber hub and One Horizon in Gurgaon for the nice restaurants.
Best place in Delhi for good live/independent music?
Boxout Wednesdays (@boxoutwednesdays)
Delhi’s best local music artist?
MadStarBase (@madstarbase)
A musician who you grew up listening to that defines the teenage you?
Aphex Twin (Warp Records).
Recommended online radio/podcast channel?
Your Mom’s House / Flagrant 2/ Good For You.
Best gig you’ve been to?
The Gaslamp Killer (Oval Space, London).
The first concert/live show you would like to go to once things are more normal again?
Would love to go back to Sonar Festival.
Whose playlist would you like to listen to?
Kanye West.
Top 5 songs on your playlist?
Melody Gardot – From Paris With Love
U – DJ Seinfeld
Bad 1 – K1 N15
Lil Baby – On Me
When I’m Gone – Theo Parrish.
