Music
In conversation with Wind Horse Records, India’s First House Music Label
In being content with what they’ve achieved, but still aiming for more
Words: Devika V Menon Images: Various sources
Where did it all start?
I studied Music Business at New York University and it was over there that I decided I would start a record label. There were 2 main reasons why I had to start Wind Horse as opposed to just make my own tracks and give it to other labels. One reason was that India did not have a platform to showcase House Music Productions and I felt as I am Indian I should have a home grown localised option which represents music that’s being made from a certain geographical area. In addition given the rich musical heritage India has, I felt that there was no mixing of house music and ethnic Indian and eastern sounds so Wind Horse seemed like it could become a vault of musical gems from a very special culture. Today we are known for being edgy and experimental and people like the fact that we don’t follow any trends but rather create our own musical landscape that is unique and original.
How does it feel to know that you are India’s first House Music Record Label?
It’s an honour and we take pride in knowing that collectively we are all pioneers in our own right. India was always a powerful country. We were always leaders. It’s just that we had a rough patch a few hundred years ago because of colonisation, but now the youth are poised to become
Leaders on a world stage and we are part of this movement from a cultural point of view. Exciting times ahead!!!
How has it been for you, since 2009?
Initially we did not think that we would get this kind of support but a lot of people supported us outside India and a lot of well known DJs played our music. It took some time for people In India to understand what we were doing as some people in India shy away from their own culture and tend to follow the west blindly. But here we were having the west follow some of our ideology. Now things are different in India. People have learnt how to live with artistic differences and accept all forms of music as there is room for everyone to coexist and grow together. We still have a lot more work to do in spreading even more awareness, but we are happy with what we have achieved.
If you were to name three favorite tracks that you’ve discovered, what would they be?
Stalvart John – A Dream That I Can’t Remember (Original Mix)
Yungchen Lhamo – Middle is nowhere (Hamza Remix) &
5Volts – Opencluster (Original Mix)
Music
Introducing Hanumankind, Kerala’s Boundary-Breaking Rapper
Have you ever envisioned a rapper from Kerala taking off similar pranks for a viral music video on the internet? That’s exactly what HanuMankind’s “Big Dawgs” has accomplished, racking up over 17 million views on YouTube and holding the 43rd position in the worldwide top music video chart right now.
“Pushing culture baby, got that product you can’t measure,” is the official slogan of the “Big Dawgs.” Rapper HanuMankind, who was born in Kerala, wrote, sang, and performed the song that launched desi hip-hop on a worldwide scale. This newest Instagram success is causing social media influencers, music reviewers, and fans worldwide to go crazy.
The newest mega song, “Big Dawg” featuring Kalmi, is causing quite a stir among hip-hop fans worldwide. Texas is where Sooraj Cherukat, better known by his stage as HanuMankind, spent his formative years. He created the ideal combination of desi and global components in the ‘Big Dawg’ music video by incorporating sounds with a Texas flavour.
‘Big Dawg’ is a raw video with a South American flavour, shot in Ponnani, Kerala, a coastal district. It has a desi swagger and an explosive punk vibe that is hard-hitting due to its South Indian location. It is Instagram-worthy thanks to its intense drumbeats, gritty graphics, heart-pounding moments, and deft editing.
With songs like “Rush Hour,” “Genghis,” and “Go To Sleep,” HanuMankind is becoming one of the most prominent names in popular hip-hop. ‘Big Dawgs’ has now catapulted him to an unparalleled level as an industry innovator.
Bijoy Shetty is the director of “Big Dawgs,” and Kalmi of Brown Crew Productions is supporting the film. The main rider, Sulthan Sheikh, Moor Saleem, Muhammad Shadab Ansari, and Kashish Sheikh all perform the tricks.
Entertainment
Ashwin Bhaskar I Making Waves In The K-pop Universe
The limelight is nothing new to the 27 year old Singer-Songwriter Malappuram native, Ashwin Bhaskar who went crazy viral last year for his insane dialogue remix – Perfect Ok. He is back and is making waves in the world acclaimed K-pop music universe as well.
Ashwin has released a cover collaboration of the Korean hit single Tattoo with the original singer herself – AleXa and is racking up raging views. The music video currently Trending #24 on YouTube Music is a huge shoutout to all the K-pop die hard fans right here in Kerala and we couldn’t be prouder!
Watch it here:
Checkout his music on Spotify and his latest single Story In A Nutshell.
Music
The Upcoming and Released Album Calendar
It’s nearly impossible to keep up of everything that’s coming out each year, with more music being released every year. The options are seemingly unlimited, ranging from pop to hip-hop to alternative to K-pop to country, not to mention vinyl, re-releases, and collectible editions.
Check out these upcoming and released Albums-
Sept 3-
Drake, Certified Lover boy
Sept 10-
Diana Rose, Thank You
September 17-
Daughtery, Dearly Beloved
September 24-
Diddy, Off the grid Vol 1
October 1 –
Lady Gaga and Tony Bennet, Love for sale
October 8-
Lala Lala, I Want the Door to Open
Words by: Malavika Venugopalan
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