Master of remix

You have to be unique to succeed, says top Indian DJ

A simple, cool guy, DJ Nasha is down-to-earth. "One has to be different, with one's own unique style, to compete in today's music scene," says the two times (1999 and 2000) DMC (Disco Mixing Club) championship winner from India.

Nasha is currently in Dubai. He hosted an "Enchanting Evening" on Thursday at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel. He also has a number of programmes lined up for the duration of his stay, including a guest appearance at the All UAE DJ competition.

Since the release of his first album ... Party Mania‚ DJ Nasha has found recognition from both musicians and masses. Besides the usual remix, what makes the album different is the popular track Nasha, with pieces by flautist Romu Muzumdar, percussion work by Raja Rajbhat and aalap by Pandit Chaturvedi.

Nasha attributes the ever-increasing popularity of remixes to the now prominent dance culture in India. A simple but catchy tune is transformed into a foot-tapping number by adding beats and pieces‚ making it more "groovy". Naturally, songs that are suitable for dancing are chosen for adaptation.

Nasha has hosted shows for B4U, Z music channel and his album has featured on MTV Asia. He personally loves Tribal House and Progressive House music as well as Hindi film songs from Seventies and Eighties. He admires John Digweed, who was voted No. 1 club DJ internationally, and DJ Craze, a three-times DMC world champion.

What does he find the most exciting in his job? "When I am facing an audience of 4,000 people who are dancing away into the early hours, shouting, hands in the air, asking for more, loving the music, well, that is the best moment for me," he says.

Besides knowledge of equipment, music and mixing, Nasha believes that a lot of hard work and dedication is required to be a successful DJ and he personally helps aspirants by training them.

Nasha who has been working as a DJ for last 10 years, intends to go International with his original dance mix album. He also has plans to do tracks with Shivamani, Anamika and Adnan Sami.