Bay Beat Collective!

Live electronic music emerged during the 1960s as a reaction against tape music, which was seen by some as an activity that was largely technocratic and rationalistic. A number of composers at this time believed studio based composition lacked elements that were central to the creation of live music such as spontaneity, dialogue, discovery and group interaction (Sutherland 1994:157).

And then the Electronica revolution took the world by storm.Ofcourse India was a part of it. A tad bit late, but so what? Whether it was international DJ’s playing to packed audiences at Sunburn( the country’s biggest Electronica, Trance fest) or the very stylish Midival Punditz throwing crowds into a frenzy at Glastonbury, it’s safe to assume that the genre has almost reached it’s epoch in the country. The number of DJ’s across clubs has shot up, but can you really tell what’s good and what’s not? Most people, who aren’t ardent fans, can’t differentiate but ask those EDM whores and they’ll tell you, that amongst the newer artists, Bay Beat Collective is here to stay!

BBC comprises three very diverse artists but Kris (one of the most experienced DJ’s in India at the moment) says “we collectively love an experimental sound” and that really is what binds them. However, there clearly isn’t a dearth of DJ’s in the country, then why must we listen to BBC? To that, Sohail says, ” 90% of the DJ collectives in India are promoting 4x4.There is a good community of people who listen to breaks, drum n bass and other such genres but not enough DJ’s promoting this music and that’s where we come in”. Infact, Rolling Stone Magazine once published an article talking about why Indians love drum n bass. Research says it’s our undying love for dance! Sohail agrees, however, he thinks it’s more of a global phenomenon-” it creates a beautiful ambience, mood, and vibe and community culture”. What really got me is the fact that these guys want to take their music to the streets. They don’t JUST want to play indoors to audiences that will pay to watch ‘em live! Sort of like a symbiotic relationship with the audience, you give some and then you receive ten-fold. BBC does both live sets as well as DJ sets. And who exactly does what? ” Our sets are very beat based so it relies on each of us taking turns playing at a time while the others do things like playing samples, creating effects and other such live stuff”, says Raffael. Raffael is the dude who you’ll probably notice first, dread locks et all!

It’s a shame that most rock/jazz listeners would term Electronica and DJ-ing in general as ‘easy’ music. But making his stand clear, Raffael says, “Well, like any form of music producing or even playing electronic music live is an art. It is a performance and and an act too. And again like performing any genre even as a DJ, the perfect timing and a good mix only comes from practice. But to everyone their own right? I’m guessing people who say these things haven’t completely understood electronic music yet”. His biggest influences would include Massive Attack, Breakfastaz, Aquasky and anything with phat beats and a heavy bassline while Sohail’s love for Drum n Bass is evident with him drawing inspiration from artists like London Elektricity, Klute, Aphrodite and such. Talking about London Elektricity, I reckon Kris recently opened for them. That’s a big deal for any DJ considering they’re one of the biggest Drum n Bass acts around. What was it like? “It was a nice feeling because as you evolve to different genres of music you listen to certain artistes and London Elektricity was one of them. The turnout was great and the timing of the slot [12 - 2 am] was perfect to warm up a party. But on a technical front, I wasn’t allowed to use my laptop to play, due to some strange L.E policy and that was a little disappointing. All said though it was really a nice vibe but not really the only peak that a DJ of Indian origin can hope to achieve, I’m sure they can do more”. That only goes on to show his faith in the Indian scene.

The threesome is gaining immense ground and what’s great is that they’re only a few gigs old- engraving their music in this scene, Kris thinks Electronica will eventually influence most forms of music. Well, he couldn’t have been more accurate- Rock bands, Jazz bands, Funk and Soul artists- ALL of them seem to be incorporating elements of the genre into their tunes. It’s not entirely commercial but it does sell well. As far as BBC is concerned, they know what they’re doing, and they know how to get where they want to. If there’s any advice I’d give you- without a second thought, go watch them live!

But for starters, it’s the name Bay Beat Collective that I really fancy!