As a lead up to the Universal Religion 2012 Edition, we are going to be releasing exclusive interviews with your favorite artists. Some of them you may have seen before, some you shall have the joy of catching this April in Nepal ! This is simply a space to “Know Your Artist”, the person behind the music and the soul behind the sound.
With this week, we bring you the story of the man behind the power-packed sound of Ankytrixx. Spreading his energetic vibes from one dance floor to another, this year Universal Religion shall see the birth of his new psychedelic project on a festival stage for the first time: Firefly. Watch out for his set in April, and read on now to find out more …
Tell us a little about your journey, who were the artists that shaped Ankytrixx in his early years?
I’ve been an avid dreamer ever since i was 3. From a cosmonaut to a Rockstar, Battle Knight to a scientist, I day-dreamed about playing all of these characters in real life. I grew up fighting the odds of a degree-driven family and in the process, I stuck to my ground and believed that Im going to chase my dreams no matter what! In that period of conflict, where i was torn deciding between my free will plans or attractive career option, Music kept me calm (till date it does). I started spending a lot of time listening & connecting with anything that had an electronic beats in it. Some early age clubbing at the right places made me listen to some great djs & tunes. All of this amalgamated into finally taking up DJ’ing professionally as a career after digs at medical school & fashion designing! The 90’s saw the best euphoric days of clubbing & the tunes produced were epic. Oakenfold, Josh Wink, Prodigy, Digweed, shaped my early musical education! The rest just followed….
What is the one DJ gear, you’d like to buy?
I already own one. Technics 1200s – the good old Turntables
Give us your top 5 tunes of all time.
1. Terra Tronics – Protoculture
2. Cosmatic – Cosma
3. Hypnotic Energy – Liquid Soul
4. Provider – Earnst & Ben
5. Summersault – Taste Experience
Your thoughts on going digital?
None at this moment.
Ankytrixx is a master blaster of Progressive, Tech and Psychedelic, what makes you cover such a vast spectrum of dance music?
It was the late nineties when Electronic Dance Music had entered India in a big way. That was the period which saw the biggest releases of all time. Every tune dug deep into you and remained inside forever! I happened to be lucky enough to get hit by such sounds at that time….it led me to major research & study. That’s where I extended my knowledge and passion about Progressive & Tech House & Trance (Euro-trance today). Life then took me to the Himalayas where I spend the last 11 years. The mountains gave birth and inspration for my psychedelic sounds which had been anyways brewing up there for many decades.
I love creating journeys, giving a listener a virtual dream while they dance, and to do that u need music from all over, from each and every genre. I’m a lover of music, not binding by its genre. If it sounds good & has a story…I’ll send it! From this year on, i am going to be playing EDM sounds under two different projects, with Ankytrixx being dedicated to house, tech and progressive, and FireFly dedicated to progressive psy and psychedelic. Universal Religion shall be the first festival where I am looking forward to bang it as Firefly!
Any plans to veer in to producing?
As of now…yes…Im continuing my work towards producing unforgettable nights every time I take up the console. And, when its ready, you’ll hear about the other productions too! Soon! 😉
How special is your association with Digital Om and Universal Religion?
Digital Om has been one of the prime and most credible labels this side of the globe. They have crafted a niche for themselves by promoting quality music & acts from India & beyond and doing it consistently. Digital Om hold a very special place in my heart 🙂
Universal Religion is my 3 day stay in the Paradise with the hundreds of amazing souls from all over the world, together, pounding the earth beneath our feet, marching away…to the highest level of music & the most spectacular line up of artists ever! Universal Religion means home to me. Its that time of the year when everyone from all over comes & fall in love with Nepal and its people.
What has been your proudest moments in the last year, as an artist?
John Digweed taking over with the golden words, “the floor looks perfect mate”!
Having been one of the busiest DJ’s in 2011, what’s your gig guide looking like in 2012?
It’s a roller coaster I am enjoying riding, with April and May seeing me jump between India and Nepal for club gigs and Universal Religion, and then June onwards I hit Lebanon for Baobab Festival, then Tree of Life in Turkey, moving onto Club gigs in Berlin in July. Some mega surprises are lined up for the end of the year, special tours and shows: those shall be revealed slowly but surely 🙂
Is there a tune, that is a must drop for impact?
A new tech house tune which has an Ankytrixx edit on it… I’m callin it Bengal. Its doing the trick everywhere!
Your favorite club or festival?
My career has shaped up in India, hence I love the clubs here. Blue Frog is my favorite club since it has contributed towards my career by giving me packed memorable nights every time! Mountain Madness / Universal Religion / Experience Festival remain my favourite festivals.
Your favorite food?
Anything that Chef Anky belts out….if he aint cooking…then I like to dig Indian & Pakistani food.
What is your most preferred style statement when you are playing?
Well…as of now…its the multi colored watches! I know many who are on a mission to steal them 😛
Where do you see yourself as an artist, 10 years from now?
10 Years is a long time from now. Time is traveling fast but I just like to live in the moment. I love where I am at this moment and I hope to see the same view i have now, 10 years from now… 🙂
What can your followers expect from your set at Universal Religion 2012?
Kill-Bill Part 3.
Are you happy with the direction dance music has taken?
Totally! The Indian electronic dance movement has taken off! Everyone connected to Music whether they are djs or producers, promoters or a clubber are walking that extra mile to add to a wholesome experience of a satisfying musical treat every now & then! The Quality of gigs, artists, productions are supreme & can match anyy other major music destination. Im honoured to be living in this era of Prime Musical High…
Let’s say you were stuck on an island with Ajja, Atriohm, Diggers, Dave Seaman, Sanjay Dutta and Fearsome Engine for company, what would you do?
Pull my ***kin hair out considering its all men!
Check out more on Ankytrixx a.k.a Firefly :
http://www.facebook.com/Ankytrixx
http://soundcloud.com/ankytrixx
Check out information on Universal Religion at:
http://www.facebook.com/universal.religion.nepal
Courtesy Priya Sen
universalreligionartists 