In a country like India where the music scene is dominated by Bollywood (film soundtracks) and Bollywood remixes, choosing a genre as eclectic and tangentially different as tribal tech or electro would be suicidal for any budding DJ’s career. Never one to conform to the norm, Tuhin Mehta did just that…with dramatic results! We caught up with Tuhin as he gets set to play in Goa at Riviera De Goa for the Tuborg San Joao Grind on June 24

It’s been over 18 years in the music industry. How did DJing come about?

I think that DJing for me has been a natural extension of my childhood. Growing up I was surrounded with the music my parents played. Mom and her tapes in the car and dad and his record collection! It’s something that kept me going through the toughest of times. I’m happiest when I’m behind the console playing for people.

You were known for your radically different sets from the usual Bollywood remixes. How difficult was it to establish a foothold and get people to listen to your sets?

Incredibly difficult is how it was and continues to be. Recognition is the hardest thing in this industry. There is always someone trying to get ahead of you and pausing even for one moment will ensure that you start to slide back in the race. The secret, however, is to play what you love and let the audience see your love and passion for the music. The vibe thereafter is infectious.

2006 saw the release of your single Kill The Bass. When can we expect the release of your next single?

The year 2010 will definitely see a couple of releases. These will be post summer.

You have played alongside some of the biggest names in the dance industry globally. Tell us a little about your experiences and what it felt like.

It would be cliché to call it a dream but that’s just how it’s been! Sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in the industry, legends if you will, has truly been a dream. You learn a lot by watching them work and their support while you play your set is phenomenal.

We have a vast bank of talent in India. Any advice for them?

The only advice I’d give anyone is to stay true to what you believe in. It is very easy to get lost in the glam and hype of the industry. Once you are lost, the music suffers too.

From The Grind in Chennai when you started off to Go Madras festival 2010…what’s the journey been like?

EPIC I think is the right word but it’s also nowhere close to being complete. There have been ups and downs and a whole lot of turnarounds, but I can’t wait for the next 18 years!

Any funny incidents during any of your gigs?

I think one of the funniest sights I have seen was at Sunburn 2009. I was just starting off my set and my opening tune was Cafe del Mar from 1998. The tune has an incredibly long build up before the melody kicks in at the breakdown and for about 5 minutes it just drags you into its ever progressing song structure. I remember looking at all the trancers with completely confused looks on their faces. They were having a hard time remembering what the tune was and when that melody hit it was like they all attained nirvana!

What can we expect for the Tuborg Sao Joao Grind at Riviera De Goa this Thursday?

I never prepare my sets and I really like to feed off the crowd at my gig. Safe to say I have some tunes that will rip the roof off create a splash this Sao Joao.

(Muzic Matters)

(Catch Tuhin Mehta aka Brute Force at the Tuborg Sao Joao Grind at Riviera De Goa on June 24)