What ’ s your process of choosing an artist you would like to collaborate with ? What drew you to your other collaborators Bawari Basanti , Avneet Khurmi and Amira Gill for example ?
For me it ’ s all about that first reaction . There has to be something special that instantly draws me to their voice . I think each of the collaborators is very unique in their own way and I ’ ve also processed each vocal differently to bring out the texture in their voices .
You ' re signed with a famous label Anjunadeep , which is a big first for an Indian artist . Congratulations ! What are your thoughts on signed on with a label ? What are your expectations of a label like Anjunadeep ?
Thank you ! It ’ s a pretty surreal feeling to be honest . I grew up listening to Above & Beyond and Anjunadeep and some of the oldest CDs in my first DJ case feature their records . Beyond the initial excitement , I ’ m actually very grateful that they have signed a sound that is quite radically different from the rest of their catalogue and that ’ s always a huge risk for such an established label .
They have an impressive distribution network I ’ m also really excited for Anjunadeep ’ s very loyal following worldwide to listen to the music , I truly believe it ’ s a unique and authentic sound and I ’ m looking forward to sharing it .
Tell us about 5 pieces of gear you cannot live without and why .
My laptop definitely tops the list . Over the years I ’ ve transitioned from being fully in the box to buying a bunch of hardware and external gear to coming around and being in the box again . I think at this point the difference between software and hardware is only how you can creatively use it and what inspires you , sonically they are nearly identical .
My Focal Twin6 monitors come next , having a reliable and accurate set of monitors is essential while producing .
The Native Instruments Maschine MK3 comes next . All my drums are arranged on it and it ’ s a key element in my songwriting process .
Next is the Universal Audio Apollo / Satellite combo . The Apollo is a phenomenal soundcard and the Satellite gives me extra processing power to run the UAD plugins which are absolutely amazing . They really narrow the gap between producers in home studios mixing ITB and those using large format consoles in dedicated studios .
Last but not the least is my only piece of outboard gear and that ’ s the Elektron Analog MK2 . I sold two synths to buy this one and it ’ s ridiculously powerful for its size . While the UI can be tricky to navigate , once you learn the workflow it ’ s very rewarding .
You transition from Anish Sood to Anyasa also prompts us to ask for your take on the electronic music scene in India .
I think the electronic music scene is at a pivotal stage in the country . After the initial EDM boom that was instrumental in exposing so many young listeners to electronic music , the whole country has evolved and everyone has found their distinct tastes .
What we have now is a scene that is far more mature and also very dedicated to the sound they want to listen to .
What would be your message be to upcoming artists who choose a similar path such as you ?
Two key words - patience and resilience . Like everything in life , time is the key to finding a sound and identity .
It ’ s also really important to stay focussed to your vision . It ’ s often easy to pick opportunities that come along the way that may not fully align with your vision and there is nothing wrong with seizing those moments because everyone ’ s journey is different and we all have bills to pay . The important thing however is to come around and find the path again and that ’ s the only way to effectively break through .
Could you share a few details about your upcoming projects ?
First up is a special livestream set that was recorded on a cliff above Anjuna beach . It ’ s a great homecoming for the label and showcases a beautiful side of my hometown , Goa .
We also have a music video coming up for ‘ Rasiya ’ very shortly which a collaboration with my friend Tridha Choudhury .
The second EP with Anjunadeep is almost done and should be scheduled for release towards the end of the year .
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