Ankit Kocher better known as Ankytrixx has cemented his position as one of India’s leading underground DJ/Producer in the past few years. He has been in the electronic music scene for more than a decade and has performed alongside maestros such as John Digweed, Dubfire, Guy J, Henry Saiz, Hernan Cattaneo to name a few. Carefully crafting his sets on the classical foundation of turntables, CDJS and a mixer week after week turning each floor in to a raving hot box brought him international appeal and recognition with invites to play at underground clubs across Europe.
In 2019, he launched a brand new project called ‘Spanck’ consisting of himself and Shazahn Padamsee which is focused on electronic, indie and world sounds. They also released their debut 4-track ‘Cold Comfort’ EP on progressive-house genius Guy J’s Armadillo Records. Ankytrixx keeps on pushing the musical boundaries and explores new soundscapes with his every release & storms every dance floor with his signature music magic and fabulous stage persona.
Ahead of his performance at the INCA Awards 2021, we got an opportunity to have a chat with the super-talented DJ/Producer, check it out below:
1. What are your expectations from INCA Awards 2021?
I really hope INCA expands their horizons and touches the remote parts of the country, where the struggle is intense and the intentions are pure and beautiful. Truly rewarding. It is then who needs the help more than the established ones.
2. How was your year 2020 as it was a big hit to the music industry scene, how did you survive those tough times and did you learn anything new during the lock-down period?
Filled with unexpected twists & surprises, 2020 has turned out to be quite a year. It leaves me thinking hard about what to say. However I would like to share the good it did. Last 5 years have been like a whirlwind, non stop touring, and hectic travel schedule barely left me anytime to retrospect about life. I was literally living off my suitcase which never really gave the body & mind, the rest it needed. Hence, 2020 was more like a reset for me. Got much needed time in the studio, finishing most of my pending projects resulting in some incredible tracks ready for release. It does take isolation to make good music. Caught up on all the sleep, maintained a consistent work-out schedule, a lot of cooking and spending time with the close ones did a lot of good within. Also got ample time to plan & proceed with some new ventures which will be seeing the light very soon. Overall, I used the isolation to prepare myself for the future.
3.Being a DJ is not as easy as it seems, how do you keep your physical & mental health intact?
Staying in love, spending time with close friends, pets, funny souls, people who exude constant positivity and decluttering negative elements and energies keeps my mental health in check through-out. Consistent training in the gym, and occasional yoga / breathing classes keeps the physical aspect intact.
4. Now the events have started to happening in full swing, how’s the scene now compared to pre COVID-119 times?
Well, believe it or not, the scene has exploded for the sound we are engaged in. Finally the listeners in the country are drifting towards intelligent forms of electronic music. They’ve evolved a lot during the lock-down period. Thanks to all the live streams / online sets. The exuberance is clearly visible in every city, every club, that we are booked at, post COVID-19.
5. Goa seems to host non-stop events and festivals, so it is now safe to call Goa a mini Ibiza?
Ibiza no, not at all. Far away from that. Having said that, Goa has carved its own identity over the years. The vibe, energy, emotion is still fresh and innocent, things happen in Goa with an emotional quotient, it’s not fully industrialized and not fully money driven. An artist doesn’t need to know anyone to play a set in Goa.
6. What do you think is the reason of Techno boom in the country and what are your predictions about the Techno & Underground music scene in India compared to other genres of Electronic Music? Do you think Techno is the new commercial music in India?
We are still far from a real boom. This is just the start. It’s all a result of years of perseverance, dedication and die hard spirit of everyone in the underground fraternity who worked tirelessly to build this from nothing to something. And underground music can never be commercial. It’s becoming popular because people are more evolved, more connected and more intelligent. The pillars and pioneers have a huge role to play in the next few years, educating and guiding the dance floor.
7. What are your plans for this year and what can we expect from Ankytrixx in 2021? Any new music in the horizon?
Keep yourself tuned into my social channels. There are updates and announcements almost every week all throughout this year 🙂
Catch him playing alongside amazing acts such as KOHRA, BANDRA LOCAL, Akshit Shetty at Rock Pool, W in Goa.
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