Desi Bass & BollyTech: Indian Classics Reimagined
I blend my Marathi and Indian roots with the raw energy of modern electronic music. From spiritual mantras to Bollywood retro, these sets are built to make you feel something real while you move.
Here's a glimpse of my Techno edit of the beautiful Malayalam song "Uyiril Thodum." I love taking regional classics and giving them a new life on the electronic dance floor, all while representing in my signature saree.
It is an overwhelming and proud moment to see the crowd respect and support Indian classical music blended with Drum and Bass. Here I am dropping a national song during a club set.
A classic Bollywood retro song, "Roop Tera Mastana," reimagined as a Drum and Bass mix. It's always fun to give these timeless tracks a modern, bass-heavy twist.
Dropping my "Apsara Aali" remix for the Mumbai family. It's a joy to see the crowd's reaction when they hear a classic Marathi song transformed with electronic beats.
Flipping a beautiful Marathi devotional song, "Pundalik Warde," into a bass banger. This is an experiment in blending spirituality with heavy bass music, and the energy was incredible.
As a Maharashtrian, I feel honored to support my culture through my art. Here's a clip of me playing my DnB mix of "Jaise Jyache Karm" in my hometown.
It feels great to see people vibing to my Bollywood DnB remixes. This was a fun afternoon set where I blended classic Hindi film songs with liquid drum and bass.
The urge to blend Indian classical vibes into my DJ sets is a soul-satisfying feeling. Here I am mixing a track by Midival Punditz with a heavy bassline for the Bombay Fam.
My original track "Saajan Na Aaye" blended with a heavy Drum and Bass rhythm. This is where my heart is, fusing soulful Indian vocals with the energy of DnB.
This is my original song, "Saajan Na Aaye," featuring the blissful voice of Bhavya Pandit. It's my attempt to pour my emotions and understanding of Indian classical music into a Drum and Bass track.
About Desi Bass & BollyTech
When I perform these sets, I use Ableton to layer elements on the fly, so every track—whether it’s a Marathi classic or a Bollywood retro remix—gets a unique treatment. To make these bass-heavy fusions land perfectly at your venue, I require a 45-minute sound check. If you’re looking for a set that feels less like a shuffled playlist and more like a conversation between my roots and your crowd, let’s chat.
My Approach to BollyTech
For me, music is a way to share my identity. My 'Desi Bass & BollyTech' sets aren't just about playing popular tracks. I dig into the archives, finding classic Hindi film songs or Marathi folk tunes, and flip them into something modern, bass-heavy, and high-energy.
I treat my sets as live experiments. Using Ableton Live and Akai controllers, I am not just hitting play; I am remixing and layering on the spot. You might hear the delicate sounds of a sitar or a tabla sample suddenly drop into a heavy Drum & Bass rhythm.
What to Expect
- Live Technicality: This is not a standard DJ set. I bring my laptop, controllers, and years of studio work to the stage to ensure the sound has that specific raw edge I love.
- Cultural Fusion: I weave in Marathi devotional songs, Hindi classics, and even spiritual mantras. It is my way of keeping our culture alive on the dancefloor.
- Adaptability: While the focus is on Desi Bass, I read the room. If it is a wedding, we might pivot into more mainstream BollyTech; if it is a club, we go harder into the underground bass.
The Logistics
Because I perform as a live hybrid act, the technical requirements matter. I need a clear console space for my gear and a dedicated sound check before doors open. This isn't just about volume; it's about making sure the Indian classical vocals and the bass hits sit right in the mix. If you have a specific vision for your entry tracks or a favorite retro song you want to hear transformed, give me a week's notice. I love building custom edits for special moments.
Smokey
I’m Smokey, a DnBnaari deeply rooted in Marathi culture and Indian soundscapes. For 17 years, I’ve been finding ways to bring our traditional music into the electronic era, making sure every set feels like a piece of my own soul. It’s not just about the beat; it’s about connection.
Not the vibe you were looking for?
Explore other performance styles to find the right music for your event.
More from Live DJ & Electronic Music Performance by Smokey
More services by Smokey