Sahil Madaan has been a part of the DJ-ing community for over nine years, and has created quite a name and fan following since he first started. This young artist’s music echoed so loud at the Sunburn Goa 2012 that it left a powerful impact on his performance at the Supersonic 2013 as well. We speak to this Coimbatorian based in Bengaluru known for his style of mixing.
Sahil’s musical career started in temples where he used to sing as a kid. Sahil was interested in music but was not sure if it could lead him to where he wanted to go. He adds, “Music became my passion and it was only in college that I started DJ-ing. Nothing was planned. I did my mechanical engineering but was always on the lookout for new software that could make music.” Music always had its impact in his life throughout. Initially shocked at the decision of becoming a DJ, Sahil did receive support when he made the shift to the music industry. “A lot of people asked why I left engineering, but my only answer to them was that music was something that I have always wanted to do. I feel that I am quite lucky to have friends and parents around me who were a strong pillars of support.” Having grown up in Coimbatore all his life, Sahil had to shift to the city, if he wanted to pursue music. “In Bengaluru, I met Vachan Chinnappa who I would say is the biggest inspiration as he has always told me to keep doing music”, Sahil adds. Sahil is not just popular in Bengaluru but also in other cities like Chennai, Goa, Guhwati, and Shillong as well.
When asked what music means to him, Sahil has just one word – Happiness. Seeing people dance to his music or just listening to music makes him happy. On the genre he categorises his music into, Sahil says, “My music would be categorised into drum and bass which is slowly picking up and funk and hip-hop which has a really good platform in Bengaluru”. If you’re a DJ from Bengaluru then the respect you get is unmatched. “The city is the best place when it comes to music. Having played in other cities, the way we are treated here is at a another level. Even when we go to other cities, Bengaluru DJ’s get a lot of respect.” On who he would like to collaborate Sahil adds, “If it’s international then an artiste called Chase and Status. But for an Indian act, I would like to collaborate with Vachan Chinnappa as we both know what the other likes, and I think this will create wonder when we work together.” When not making people dance to his beats, Sahil is mostly seen reading, playing games, playing the guitar and wathing movies.
On his plans for the future, “I have a new album coming out next month – a drum and bass EP with three songs. I am looking to do an album launch event and also trying to get involved with the live music scene in the city,” he signs off.
