Last update:November 12, 2024, 5:46 PM IST

8-Bit Culprit is redefining the Indian electronic music scene, bringing a mix of nostalgic vibes, cultural influences and modern beats to dance floors around the world.

Explore how 8-Bit Culprit is transforming the electronic music scene in India with his unique blend of nostalgia, inclusiveness and immersive House and Techno beats.

With a name as retro as its forward-thinking beats, 8-Bit Culprit is redefining the electronic music landscape in India, mixing nostalgia, mischief and an unapologetic love of inclusivity. Known for his captivating House and Techno sets, he has become a fixture on dancefloors across the country and beyond, bridging old school sensibilities with modern beats. But his journey isn’t just about music; it’s a commitment to building a community where everyone feels they belong.

In this exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, 8-Bit Culprit dives into the heart of his art, sharing stories of what drives him – from the magic of intimate gigs in his hometown, Kolkata, to rocking the global stage in ‘The Lab’ and Smirnoff. Lemon Pop, where he supports diversity on the dance floor. He talks about the electric vibe of the Indian underground scene, his “guilty” origins rooted in a playful love of gaming, and the liberating moment he realized he needed to make music that really resonated. Whether weaving traditional Indian influences into futuristic beats or embracing the raw energy of analog, 8-Bit Culprit is a musical alchemist with one mission: to keep the dance floor – and the heart – alive with authenticity and plenty of groove.

Here are the snippets:

Q: Smirnoff Lemon Pop’s collaboration with “The Lab” emphasizes inclusion and diversity. How do you see your music contributing to this movement, especially with your House/Techno style?

8-Bit Culprit: I believe that inclusion and diversity are core values ​​that resonate deeply with my music. My live sets aim to create a sense of community and belonging where people from all walks of life can come together and celebrate their individuality. I incorporate these themes into my shows by curating a diverse range of pieces to suit different tastes and preferences, ensuring that everyone in the audience feels included and represented.

Q: How does the “We Do We” campaign’s message of collective unity resonate with your journey as an 8-Bit Culprit and your experiences in the music industry?

8-Bit Culprit: The message of the “We Do We” campaign aligns perfectly with my journey as an 8-Bit Culprit and my experiences in the music industry. I was lucky enough to work with an incredible team at Konnekt in New Delhi. for the past three years, our collaboration embodies the spirit of unity – there is no “You and I”, only “We”. to raise a child and, in our case, to nurture an artist’s vision Together, we create, support and uplift each other, recognizing that our collective efforts make magic happen not only amplify our individual strengths but promote a vibrant community that thrives on shared success.

Q: With events planned in various cities, including Kolkata – your birthplace – what do you hope to bring to these diverse audiences through your sets?

8-Bit Culprit: Each city has its own unique palette of pulse and sound that influences how audiences connect. By being aware of these subtleties, I can create a more engaging experience for the crowd. This understanding allows me to make thoughtful choices on the dance floor.

Q: Your sound as 8-Bit Culprit is known for being distinct and catchy. How do you draw inspiration from India’s cultural diversity when creating your music?

8-Bit Culprit: Indian electronic music often feels more like a cultural adaptation than an innate expression. Artists find themselves navigating between replication and originality, striving to either blend in or stand out, depending on their personal aspirations. Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of collaborating with exceptionally talented musicians and singers on tracks that have yet to see the light of day. These experiences, along with my exposure to various cultures, deepened my appreciation for the environment and increased my focus in creating music.

Q: House and Techno have always had roots in underground and inclusive communities. How does this history influence your approach to music today?

8-Bit Culprit: I see these genres not just as forms of entertainment, but as vehicles for connection, expression and solidarity. The history of these genres reminds me of the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued, regardless of background. Furthermore, the underground ethos encourages experimentation and pushing boundaries, which resonates deeply with my own creative process. I want to challenge expectations.

Q: What is your creative process like when blending traditional influences with the more futuristic elements of House and Techno?

8-Bit Culprit: Haven’t tried this yet. I’ve been working on some traditional influenced music with styles like UKG, Jungle and Electro.

Q: “The Lab” is a renowned DJ streaming series with a global reach. How does it feel to be a part of a platform that has such a wide audience and what can fans expect from your set this season?

The 8-bit culprit: Being a part of a globally celebrated platform like “The Lab” is an incredible feeling. It is rewarding to present the music I have written in my studio, often in solitude and short films, and share it with a diverse audience around the world. This season, I’ve put together a mix of my recent releases and some unreleased material that reflects my artistic journey and evolution.

Q: Your performances are known for being electrifying. How do you maintain that high energy while remaining authentic to your unique sound, especially in a live setting like “The Lab”?

8-Bit Culprit: When I play on my home turf, the energy is unmatched, my city comes out to show love, and I’m often jostled for space at the DJ console, surrounded by friends and familiar faces. During the stream, my crew had to keep their distance and couldn’t indulge in their usual antics, but as soon as the cameras stopped, they swung into action like a vicious swarm. Suddenly, I found myself in the middle of it again, weighted down in the console once more!

Q: From your early days to becoming 8-Bit Culprit, what were some key moments that shaped your artistic identity? And what’s the story behind your stage name?

8-Bit Culprit: The moment I realized I needed to create and perform music that resonated with me on a deeper level—instead of simply settling for whatever was available—was a major release on my journey. It transformed my artistic expression and connected me more authentically to my audience. The name “8-Bit Culprit” has a special meaning to me. It reflects my upbringing and mindset, which are rooted in old school values, allowing me to stay true to myself. Nostalgia is a fundamental aspect of my brand and music. Growing up, I was deeply immersed in gaming, and the term “8-Bit” evokes memories of that classic era. I was quite a mischievous child – always a bit of a threat – who got caught for things I did and even things I didn’t do, hence the name “guilty.” This playful spirit has not left me; I still have this. cheeky kid inside, eager to throw down the dirtiest and playful bits to keep the dance floor alive and interesting.

Q: What does it mean to you to be a part of India’s evolving electronic music scene, especially as the genre becomes more mainstream and inclusive?

8-Bit Culprit: We seem to be at the forefront of a cultural shift where electronic music is not just a niche, but is being embraced by a diverse audience across the country. It’s vital that we maintain our authenticity and continue to innovate, ensuring that the roots of our music are reflected in the stories we tell.

Q: How do you feel the electronic music scene in India has changed in recent years, especially in terms of audience inclusivity and diversity?

8-Bit Culprit: India’s electronic music scene has evolved significantly in recent years, especially in terms of audience inclusivity and diversity. But I feel we can still do better by increasing the representation of more artists from diverse backgrounds, genres and ethnicities in the spotlight, truly creating a more inclusive environment. The rise of festival culture in the electronic music scene has also provided platforms for emerging and established artists alike. These festivals often promote inclusivity, featuring a wide range of acts that appeal to different demographics, helping to attract a more diverse audience.

Q: Looking ahead, what kind of impact do you hope to have through your music on the electronic music scene in India and globally?

8-Bit Culprit: I envision creating a thriving community and connection, both in India and beyond. My goal is to build an inclusive space where artists, fans and industry players come together to support each other, share resources and collaborate on projects. When we care for each other and celebrate our successes, we amplify the spirit of our art and strengthen the bonds that unite us.

Q: What’s next for 8-Bit Culprit after this collaboration with Smirnoff Lemon Pop and The Lab? Are there any upcoming projects or releases that fans should look out for?

8-Bit Culprit: I have a number of exciting collaborations and releases lined up, along with the launch of the imprint set for early 2025.

Q: As you continue to evolve as an artist, how do you plan to stay true to your roots while embracing new trends and opportunities in the music world?

8-Bit Culprit: Evolving as an artist means weaving the threads of your origins into the fabric of innovation. On this journey, I aim to honor the echoes of my past while embracing the whispers of the future, for true art lies in the balance between remembering and reinventing.