Anjunadeep’s Explorations series has given a fantastic platform to up and coming producers to showcase their talent. Renowned artists like Marsh, Ben Bohmer, Luttrell, Just Her and many more have made their label debut on Anjunadeep as a part of the Explorations series. With over 19 compilations, we have been introduced to over 100 new artists and the list will certainly go on.
Today, the 20th edition of Anjunadeep Explorations comes out and we couldn’t be more proud to see one of our very own homegrown talent on the track-list. Bengaluru based DJ/Producer, Abhijith Hegde also known by his moniker Weird Sounding Dude makes his label debut with the mesmerizing ‘Hyper Dream‘. Following on from releases on The Soundgarden and Sudbeat, Weird Sounding Dude continues to showcase complex production with symphonic and uplifting melodies.
To celebrate the release of ‘Hyper Dream‘ we invited Abhijith to have a chat with us. We discussed about the story behind Hyper Dream, how he feels to be making his Anjunadeep debut, seeking inspiration during a creative block, some of his early influences and much more. Read the full interview below.
Hey Abhi, how are you doing? Where are you currently?
Hey Rahul, firstly I would like to thank you for hosting me, I have been doing great, thanks.
I just got back from my recent gig in Goa to my hometown Bangalore.
You have been everywhere off late! Releases on Soundgarden, 3rd Avenue, Juicebox and now Anjunadeep! What’s the secret behind all this?
Yes, fortunately, everything’s been falling in the right place, and I am super grateful to all the label owners for giving me a platform to showcase my art and help my music reach people across the globe. For me consistency and dedication are the key and maintaining a positive mindset, I guess that’s the real secret for my recent success.
Tell us all about your upcoming Anjunadeep release - Hyper Dream.
Ever since the lock-down started a lot of DJ’s have found delight in streaming their sets live on Twitch, YouTube, etc, once such streaming series called Sunday Deep Set was curated by Tony McGuinness from Above & Beyond, The real inspiration for ‘Hyper Dream’ came from Tony’s constant support towards my music during his live streams. This paved way for the release and I shall be ever so grateful to Tony for being so supportive towards my music and for the opportunity.
A lot of the artists that you drew inspiration from along the years have been dropping your tracks in their sets and streams. The crowd reaction has been amazing. Does it feel like you are in a Hyper Dream?
It sure does!!! It brings me pure joy and happiness each time I see an artist support my work, it’s truly amazing to see how music connects people. It’s like I am living in a dream and I wish this dream never ends. Goes without saying a big thank you to all the artists/friends who continue to support my work from day one.
Could you name 3 tracks that definitively shaped your music production style along the years?
Navar – Phases of Grief (Guy J Remix)
Alessandro Diga – Nostalgia (Original Mix)
Guy Gerber – Secret Encounters (Original Mix)
What according to you are the key elements to make an organic house track that connects with the listeners?
Don’t force the process, let the track takes its own course in the creation process. All you should do is sit back, relax and enjoy the whole experience. This for me would be the key elements that can help your music connect with the listeners.
It doesn’t seem like you hit a creative block too often but when you do, how do you overcome it?
Oh well, I was in that space for almost 2 years I think it was around the 2015/17 period, I was trying hard to write and finish tracks during this time, and it only made it even more difficult. I switched off for a while and came back and started writing without any expectations and let the creative process take its own course. I would say the best thing you can do is take some time off don’t be too harsh on yourself, come back with a positive attitude.
3 artists to watch out for in 2022?
Goos, Amol Reon, Aaryan
Any plans to change your artist name to ‘Amazing Sounding Dude’?
Haha!! I have been getting those requests quite a lot now, but no I guess it’s good to be weird. Keeps the listeners intrigued and maintains the mystery.
