Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Radikalhindu
THE RELEASE
Radikalhindu is an Indian-American DJ and producer originating from a small town in Wisconsin. Specializing in electronic music and hip-hop production, he has developed a unique style that reflects his North-Indian roots and diverse musical upbringing. Growing up in a motel after his family's immigration from Ahmedabad, Radikalhindu was exposed to a rich array of Hindustani Classical and Bollywood music, which greatly influenced his sound and production style. Infusing entrancing piano melodies, haunting vocal chops, and captivating synths, he seamlessly blends his South Asian influences with Western electronic sounds. Despite his controversial stage name, he embraces it ironically as a means to spread a message of religious tolerance and love within the South Asian diaspora. With performances across the United States, including cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, NYC, and Chicago, Radikalhindu is steadily gaining recognition for his talent and unique artistic perspective.
"Honestly?" by Radikalhindu offers a fresh take on his signature style, blending vocal chops and entrancing synths with energetic garage drums. This catchy dance track invites listeners to immerse themselves in its captivating atmosphere and embraces the bittersweet nature of past connections. With lyrics that pay homage to these experiences, the song aims to evoke an emotional response, inviting listeners to shed a tear on the dancefloor. Radikalhindu's ability to infuse heartfelt sentiment into an electrifying club-ready sound demonstrates his skill as a producer and his commitment to crafting a truly engaging musical experience. He continues to carve a path for himself in the music industry, combining his Indian-American background and diverse influences to create a sound that is uniquely his own.
THE INTERVIEW
What song or moment in time sparked your passion for music?
Growing up, my mom always had Bollywood songs that filled our home - I remember listening to them in the background but as I got older, you hear the scales that aren't common in contemporary music so I guess that's what really drew me in to the art of producing and sampling female vocalists.
If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?
The four individuals who inspire my current sound would be JDilla, Pharrell, Kaytranada & Salute. The elements of house mixed with boom baps and chopping samples ends up creating something that sounds timeless.
How does your creative process work from the moment you develop the idea to the completion of the record?
Every song starts as a blank canvas and I never really know what's going to come out of a project. It typically starts out with one sound that catches my attention and I build on that from the initial moment to see if I can add more layers to it. Eventually it turns out into something I resonate with.
As for this release, who is the producer and what about the production moved you?
I am the producer behind the track. I honestly made this in bed and what moved me was that the melody was happy but the vocals were melancholy - it kinda represented my mood at the time. To me it's like "Everything is going well in life but what good is it if you don't have the person to share it with."
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