Aardy, a name breaking fetter as one of Asia’s Prime Techno exports. Hailing from Hyderabad, India, the range of sounds that Aardy has to offer is extensive.
Having been in the industry for over 20 years, his craft has come a long way from warehouse/dungeon to now playing groovier driving sets with a hint of alternative Indie and Dark Disco. Artistically ambidextrous, Aardy owns and runs his imprint, Hydrozoa Recordings. With his razor-sharp ear for future electronica of superior quality, he is also the A&R at the mighty Octopus Recordings. Sunday Playground, one of India’s most coveted Sunday gatherings is Aardy’s most passionate masterwork. The platform promotes and encourages homegrown artists to present their craft. With his recent release on Oliver Huntemann’s Senso Sounds receiving a massive response from the Indian & International music community, Aardy is one of the most sought after Techno tastemakers to represent India in major festivals & clubs across Europe, Asia & Australia.
How do you feel about performing at a one of a kind festival experience in the secluded hills?
Exciting times! Firstly, I want to congratulate the team & crew, who I know are working super hard, putting this together. Playing music for like-minded audiences in such breath-taking locales is going to be immensely memorable & I am glad to be a part of this pilot edition. It will also be my first time in the mountains which makes it even more special.
Who/what is your inspiration behind the kind of music that you make?
It is important to stay unique and also authentic at the same time. I try to make music that is foundational and is not time or trend bound. Every artist has to pave his/her own path and that happens when you stay innovative and true, constantly. For me inspiration comes in waves and it can be from simple things like interacting with artists I admire or when I have just finished playing a high energy set. It could also hit me when I am simply sipping my coffee at home.
If you had a chance to collaborate with an artist, who would it be?
It is a difficult question. Collaborating with another artist is a complex process. Several elements need to align for it to happen organically. And that’s what makes a collaboration worth its while.
How do you feel about techno getting so big in India and Indian artists finally getting the recognition that they were missing out on in the past
India has some immensely talented artists, not just Techno, but underground in general. This genre has gained a lot of following in the past 5-10 years but we have a long way to go. I am happy that we are headed in the right direction and festivals like these are putting out quality Indian acts in the forefront to exhibit their work and talent. The best is yet to come!
Which city do you feel has the best audience for techno in India?
Back in the day when it all began, Chennai had a mad underground community. But currently, I think, it is shared between Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa & Delhi
How long have you been playing along with Shaun Moses and how did you guys meet/ start?
We met in 2016 in Goa. I was there to play a festival. He connected with me later and sent demos for my label Hydrozoa Recordings. We started collaborating since late 2019
What can we expect from your B2B with Shaun at Off Grid Festival?
Shaun and I have different personalities. That’s probably what makes our b2b, one of a kind. We always intend to lay out an energy infused set.
OFF GRID is set to take place on 30th April – 1st May, 2022 in Himachal Pradesh, India, you can buy tickets from here.
Follow Me