Digital Deep International: India | Vijay Chawla

In the gorgeous Bay of Bengal located on the East coast of  India exists a massive metropolitan city that we don't hear too much about in todays media. Chennai , formerly known as Madras, boasts an  economy with a  broad industrial base in the car, computer, technology, hardware manufacturing, and healthcare industries. 


Though the city is expanding exponentially with its economy, the club scene is still catching up. Emerging from Chennai is a break through DJ and producer Vijay Chawla. Vijay has been my muse for the past few months with his over the top and imaginative mixes, unique style and amazing personality. I had the opportunty to catch up with him about his career and future plans.

Here's What Vijay had to say: 

"It’s all about the surprises.

I get behind the console and go where the flashing lights and music take me. I play in the moment, judging my next move by the pulse of the crowd. It is challenging yet exciting to communicate with people through music; to have the power to control moods and movement.

I try to keep it fresh, real and true at all times. I need to enjoy listening to what I’m playing. Repeatedly surprising myself with an unpredictable mix or effect, pushes me to take it further. Because the vibe of a crowd can’t be foretold, I always have to play with an open mind. I love long sets and opt to open my sets as it prepares the mood for the entire night.

I don’t follow genres, and I wouldn’t slot myself under one either. As a DJ I’m constantly evolving, being inspired and contributing my own style to the industry. Assorted influences stir me, and it shows on the mixing table. I make music I am proud of.

Electronic blended with deep house, minimal, tech-house, progressive house and techno is rapidly becoming my signature. As electronic music is still at a very niche stage, I often have to accommodate the taste of mass club-goers by dishing out commercial dance numbers. Experimenting often drives my music into unplanned territory and gives the crowd tunes they didn’t even know they wanted. 

From being a wide-eyed 18 year old mixing at ‘My bar’ in 2002, I’ve come a long way. I now take my music to elite clubs all over India including Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Bangalore. I’ve had the opportunity to showcase my work at the Sunburn Festival, Goa and Volvo Ocean Fest, Cochin. In being named the first runner up in the Beatport Cocoon Remix competition, with over 300 contenders, I know that my efforts as an artiste are being recognized on a global plane.  ‘The most stylish DJ’ award at the Globus Style Awards 2010 was a very welcome compliment!

My residency stint at ‘Bike and Barrel’ and, of course, ‘Speed’ played a colossal role in propelling my career and popularity forward.  With time and technology I grew to create a sound that was distinctly mine. Although not a lot of my music has been captured on video, the quality is apparent from the dedicated fan following I have amassed over the years. I mix, create and recreate music for those who want it and support it. Stand alone DJ sets to original compositions and producing – I do it all.

By developing on my individual style, and being faithful to my musical character I hope to leave an everlasting mark on the music movement."


Vijay has come a long way since this interview. He has just released his first EP titled Salaam, with record label Nueva Digital, March 1st  on Beatport.com. Someone as passionate about music as Vijay is force to be reckoned with and the world electronic dance music should watch out! We can't wait to see what he does next. 


Keep up to date with his music and updates at: Twitter, Soundcloud, Myspace and become a fan on Facebook. 

http://twitter.com/VijayChawla http://soundcloud.com/vijay-chawla http://myspace.com/djvijaychawla