As one of the busiest DJs in the country, Anish Sood is among those who have taken the Indian dance music industry by storm. The Goa-based DJ/producer has been immersed in the country’s dance music scene, as an artist and as a fan, since 2006, and has experienced the growth of the country’s dance music industry first hand.

Sood, who holds an engineering degree from the Goa College of Engineering, began DJ-ing in his teens.

In 2008, Sood got the opportunity to open for DJ Pearl, (wife of Nikhil Chinapa), one of the co-founders of Submerge, and one of India’s foremost DJs, at a small club in Goa, which was probably his first gig that kick started his career as a professional DJ. After that, he began getting a lot more offers, and by 2009, he was a regular on the circuit.

Since then, Sood has played at some of the biggest music festivals in the country, including Sunburn and Bacardi NH 7 Weekender and has opened for many big DJ when they came to India. Some of the names include, Gareth Emery, Steve Aoki and many others. He’s also toured Europe and Asia; His two EPs – 2012’s Wanna Be Your Only Love and 2013’s Hello World - were well received. In the span of four years, Sood had graduated from playing at college parties to becoming one of India’s top dance music exports.

Anish was also part of the recently concluded first-of-its-kind online Vh1 Relay Music Festival on World Music Day.

We had a chance to chat with the talented lad and know more about his career so far, his spinning skills, his radio show and his unique production.

You’re already part of the EDM scene in India. What do you think of its progress in India and the numerous international artists that play here? 

I think it’s been a fantastic few years for dance music in India, we’ve seen some great growth and the younger generation has really embraced the dance music culture.

What made you take up DJing?

I loved collecting music and eventually I found this compelling need to share the music I had with friends and the obvious logical outcome to satisfy that need was to start DJing!

What and when was your first major gig that brought you to instant fame?

Definitely touring with David Guetta in March 2012.

What equipment do you use at your shows?

Pioneer CDJ2000 nexus players and a Pioneer DJM900 nexus mixer.

Which are your favorite Indian cities to play in?

Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Bangalore!

You are in your mid 20s, what is the best part of your job?

The all expenses paid travelling!

Which are your favorite international DJs?

Keep changing every week, if I had to pick a few right now, they would be - Joseph Capriati, Adriatique, Adam Beyer and Porter Robinson.

You have been around for a couple of years now, when can fans expect an album from you?

Hopefully 2016!

You had a show Radio show - Sunburn on Air. Can you tell us what it is all about?

Yeah, it’s been doing really well. We feature guest mixes by international artists every week and I program the first hour of the show. I try and cover most genres within the House space and always keep the track selection current and fresh.

You recently released a track, Superfly' with Anushka Manchanda and Nanok. How was it working with her and what role did she play in your track?

It was amazing working with both Anushka and Jai (Nanok). Anushka is an incredibly versatile singer and it was really easy to get her to understand the idea Jai and I had in mind. We’re all really happy with the way the track turned out!

Do you also feel there is a place for female DJs in the country?

Of course! There are so many promising female acts in India right now, my pick is Sandunes!

What are requirements to become a good DJ? 

The ability to read dance floors and most importantly develop the skill of playing the right track at the right moment. Sadly, DJing as an art form is being overlooked these days with laptops and shorter sets being the norm, however there is something pretty magical about watching a DJ play just one record after another for six hours.

What is your message to your DJs who want to take up a career as a DJ?

Sounds cliché but don’t do this for all the wrong reasons! There is a serious amount of effort we put in week in/week out behind the scenes and today since you essentially need to be a producer as well, this includes writing music, studying music theory, learning production and engineering technique. Most importantly don’t expect results instantly. It will take you a minimum of 3 years of dedicated hard work before you might book your first big show. (It took me 5 years)

Interviewed by Verus Ferreira