DJ-producer Patrick Mason at DGTL India in Mumbai in 2023. Photo: DGTL
The upcoming edition of DGTL India – taking place in Mumbai on Nov. 8 and 9 at Nesco Center) and in Bengaluru on Nov. 9 and 10 at Jayamahal Palace – proved once again that the electronic music festival has always brought the kind of global and Indian programming that makes them stand out.
Although not in competition with any other electronic music series in the country, DGTL India’s curation reflects just the kind of artists that deliver that warehouse (and open-air) party atmosphere. This year, the festival is notably headlined by U.K. drum and bass duo Chase & Status, plus veterans like techno artist Stephan Bodzin and Ben Klock. Underground favorites like Sama Abdulhadi and African artist Masšh are also part of the lineup, alongside the likes of SPFDJ and South Asian selectors Yung Singh and Chippy Nonstop, among others.
Founder of DGTL India’s organizers Forward, Arnab Banerjee – who also DJs under the moniker Likwid – says, “The intent was to break patterns to what we had done as a team three years in a row in India with DGTL. The lineup this year is proactively diverse, balanced and set to create a benchmark for the electronic music scene in India as opposed to following trends.”
According to a press release, the organizers took into account changing listening habits, the audience profile and the way electronic music is consumed in India in 2024 compared to previous years. The release particularly identifies Gen-Z as a target audience, one that “is actively redefining festival culture.” The release adds, “They’re looking to form connections and authentically engage with other people their age/ or with shared interests.”
Banerjee says in his statement, “It’s time to shift gears and understand the pulse of the crowd — many people don’t seem to be reading into it. We have always been extremely line-up oriented, and the DGTL India 2024 line-up delivers exactly this; setting the tone for an edgy, surprising and awe-inspiring show.” He says that curation-wise, they were led by “instinct, a fresh perspective and a close ear to the ground this time around.” He adds, “This is the right point in time to drive a cultural change; the landscape is about to change and we don’t want to wait for it to change — instead we want to be at the forefront driving this shift.”
Get tickets for DGTL India Mumbai and Bengaluru editions here.
