Hyderabad has been in the news off late for its cool party scene. Whatever type of celebration, parties are incomplete without music. Be it a birthday party, or a wedding gathering – to ensure a night of dancing, we need people who spin out some great tracks to get it started. Nowadays even our weekend plans are made depending on our mood – which then decides the place, ambience and genre of the music we want to listen to. Be it House when you want to relax, or hip-hop or Bollywood when you want to shake a leg – we have ample of options to pick from.
It is safe to say that the party scene in the city has been growing and getting better, and the credit goes to the people who make it happen. This month, in order to celebrate the men who make us party, we caught up with some of the best DJs in the city, who excel in their respective genres.
Text: Anahita Ahuja
Fun and Filmy
Having started DJing at the age of 16, Piyush Bajaj today is the first name that comes to any Bollywood lover’s mind. His gift of being able to bind the body of his music to the soul of his audience makes him one of the most sought after DJs by exclusive clubs around. Also the founder of a DJing school, the man is known for his interactive mixing skills, spontaneity and live remixing, fused with his larger than life presence at the console. Find out more about the man who’s being making people dance to his tunes since over two decades…
How did you get interested in music?
Since childhood, I have been brought up in a musically inclined environment. My father had a huge collection of LPs and cassettes and a huge music system. I was influenced a lot by how much my dad enjoyed his music although it was mostly Boney M and Abba songs, it still left an imprint on how music could change someone’s mood no matter how bad a day they were having.
What was your first gig? How did it go?
It was my own birthday party where I had invited 400 people at a friend’s theatre that was under renovation. My friends and I had formed a dance group called ‘the funky bunch’, so we ended up performing on stage.
One secret to being a good DJ?
I feel, being a good DJ requires a lot of patience, good health, focus, and not getting the sidelined with negativity things around. Like, for me, I do not drink or smoke, which really helps me being switched on in all my shows.
How did you end up specialising in Bollywood?
I am the only DJ from Hyderabad who ended up winning the most prestigious National Championship of – Times War Of The DJ’s in 2005 , signed a 5 year Exclusive times DJ contract with them and went on to release my 1st remix album with them on Times Music called – Aap Jaisa Koi with a music video which was also appreciated. And there was no stopping after that I started travelling nationally and internationally doing Bollywood gigs.
Most common mistakes newcomers make?
Since I have been running a DJ School – Patsav since about 10 years now, as the Dean of the institute I have noticed kids these days are very impatient for name, money and success. They want everything instantaneously. Taking short cuts in learning is considered cool unfortunately and they are easily giving up the moment they do not feel entertained enough in the profession. The hunger to learn is missing.
Which track do you best relate to with your life?
Life is a highway by Tom Cochrane
If you could eternally be stuck in one year’s music scene – which year would it be?
2003 to 2004 – Funky house music and electro house was ruling that time. The kind of stuff that used to come out back then will stay with us forever as DJs. Classic house is what we call it now.
Your favourite non dance song?
I only listen to non dance songs when I am driving. But if I have to name one, it would be – It’s probably me – Sting Feat. Eric Clapton
How would you describe your style of playing?
I think my style is very bouncy, energetic and full of power. Never a dull moment is what I try to achieve while I am performing. Since I dance a lot while I perform, I end up being more connected with the crowd’s energy levels which helps me in knowing when to drop or pick up the tempo.
