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8-Bit Culprit is redefining India’s electronic music scene, bringing a mix of nostalgic vibes, cultural influences, and modern beats to dance floors across the world.
Explore how 8-Bit Culprit is transforming India’s electronic music scene with his unique blend of nostalgia, inclusivity, and immersive House and Techno beats.
With a name that’s as retro as his beats are forward-thinking, 8-Bit Culprit is redefining India’s electronic music landscape by mixing nostalgia, mischief, and an unapologetic love for inclusivity. Known for his immersive House and Techno sets, he’s become a fixture on dance floors across the country and beyond, bridging old-school sensibilities with modern rhythms. But his journey isn’t just about the music; it’s a commitment to building a community where everyone feels like they belong.
In this exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, 8-Bit Culprit dives into the heart of his art, sharing stories about what drives him—from the magic of intimate gigs in his hometown of Kolkata to rocking the global stage on ‘The Lab’ and Smirnoff Lemon Pop, where he champions diversity on the dance floor. He talks about the electric vibe of the Indian underground scene, his ‘culprit’ origins rooted in a playful love for gaming, and the liberating moment he realized he needed to create music that truly resonates. Whether he’s weaving traditional Indian influences into futuristic beats or embracing the raw energy of analogue, 8-Bit Culprit is a musical alchemist with one mission: to keep the dance floor—and the heart—alive with authenticity and a whole lot of groove.
Here are the excerpts:
Q: The Smirnoff Lemon Pop collaboration with ‘The Lab’ emphasizes inclusivity and diversity. How do you see your music contributing to this movement, especially with your House/Techno style?
8-Bit Culprit: I believe that inclusivity and diversity are essential 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 performances by curating a diverse range of tracks that cater to 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 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 8-Bit Culprit and my experiences in the music industry. I’ve been fortunate to work with an incredible team at Konnekt in New Delhi over the past three years. Our collaboration embodies the spirit of unity—there’s no “You & I,” only “We.” This philosophy underscores the belief that it truly takes a village to raise a child, and in our case, to nurture an artist’s vision. Together, we create, support, and elevate each other, recognizing that our collective efforts are what make the magic happen. This synergy not only amplifies our individual strengths but also fosters a vibrant community that thrives on shared success.
Q: With events planned across various cities, including Kolkata—your home ground—what do you hope to bring to these diverse audiences through your sets?
8-Bit Culprit: Every city has its own unique pulse and sound palette that influences how audiences connect. By staying aware of these subtleties, I can craft a more captivating 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 immersive. How do you draw inspiration from the cultural diversity of India when crafting your music?
8-Bit Culprit: Electronic music in India often feels like a cultural adaptation rather 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’ve had the privilege of collaborating with exceptionally talented musicians and singers on tracks that are yet to see the light of day. These experiences, coupled with my exposure to diverse cultures, have deepened my appreciation for my surroundings and enhanced my mindfulness in creating music.
Q: House and Techno have always had roots in underground and inclusive communities. How does that history influence your approach to music today?
8-Bit Culprit: I see these genres as not just 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 their background. Moreover, 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 you’re blending traditional influences with the more futuristic elements of House and Techno?
8-Bit Culprit: I’m yet to take a shot at this. I’ve worked on some music with traditional influences with styles like UKG, Jungle & Electro.
Q: ‘The Lab’ is a celebrated DJ streaming series with a global reach. How does it feel to be part of a platform that has such a broad audience, and what can fans expect from your set this season?
8-Bit Culprit: Being part of a globally celebrated platform like ‘The Lab’ is an incredible feeling. It’s rewarding to showcase the music I’ve written in my studio, often in solitude and shorts, and share it with a diverse audience around the world. This season, I’ve put together a blend of my recent releases and some unreleased material that reflect my journey and artistic evolution.
Q: Your performances are known for being electrifying. How do you maintain that high energy while staying authentic to your unique sound, especially in a live-streamed setting like ‘The Lab’?
8-Bit Culprit: When I’m playing on home turf, the energy is unmatchable, with my city coming out to show love, and I’m often squeezed for space in 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 turned off, they sprang into action like a mischievous swarm. Suddenly, I found myself right back in the thick of it, jostled around in the console once again!
Q: From your beginnings to becoming 8-Bit Culprit, what have been 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—rather than simply settling for whatever was readily available—was a pivotal liberation in my journey. It transformed my artistic expression and connected me more authentically to my audience. The name “8-Bit Culprit” carries a special significance for 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” conjures memories of that classic era. I was quite the mischievous child—always a bit of a menace—getting caught for things I did and even for things I didn’t do, hence the name “culprit.” That playful spirit hasn’t left me; I still have that cheeky kid inside, eager to drop the filthiest and most playful tracks to keep the dance floor alive and interesting. It’s all about keeping it fun!
Q: What does being a part of India’s evolving electronic music scene mean to you, especially as the genre becomes more mainstream and inclusive?
8-Bit Culprit: It feels like we’re at the forefront of a cultural shift, where electronic music is not just a niche but is embraced by diverse audiences 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 over the past few years, particularly in terms of audience inclusivity and diversity?
8-Bit Culprit: The electronic music scene in India has seen significant evolution in recent years, especially regarding audience inclusivity and diversity. But I feel we can still do better by increasing the representation of more artists from varied backgrounds, genders, 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 varied audience.
Q: Looking ahead, what kind of impact do you hope to make 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 one another, share resources, and collaborate on projects. When we watch out for one another 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 series of exciting collaborations and releases lined up, along with the launch of my 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: To evolve as an artist is to weave the threads of your origins into the fabric of innovation. In this journey, I aim to honor the echoes of my past while embracing the whispers of the future, for true artistry lies in the balance between remembrance and reinvention.
