An EDM trip with Nucleya

When global music producers boasted that they owned Electronic Dance Music (EDM), an Indian artiste stood up from behind the console and ensured his sound was heard. Delhi boy Udyan Sagar, who operates with the moniker Nucleya, became a household name after his first album Bass Rani. The homebred music producer and DJ launched his second album titled Raja Baja at the NSCI (Worli) last weekend.

Nucleya (on the table) interacts with fans during a live gig . Pic courtesy/Himanshu Rohilla

Excerpts from an interview:

Tell us about the album, the artistes. It's your second in a year, how did it happen?
The first single (Take Me There) features Kavya Trehan, a talented vocalist from New Delhi. You will hear about the rest of the artistes in the coming weeks. Talking about the making of the album, I have been taking off (from live gigs) during summers. I spent that time in the studio writing new music, which helps me balance my professional and personal life too.

There was a custom-made stage especially for you and the launch...
We got hold of Wolves Visuals, the best in the country. They partnered with us on this project to create the stage design.

People see Nucleya fiddling with many gadgets on stage; what gears do you use?
I use Ableton Live Push, Novation Launchpad and Macbook Pro. Honestly, I feel you don't need these gadgets to make music. What you actually need is inspiration.

Both your albums were released during the Ganesh festival; was this planned? Last year, the tracks became a rage during the immersion day...
It wasn't planned. Last year, the launch during the immersion fell in place, and it turned out to be interesting. We felt it would be a cool idea. My team made it happen. The listeners loved it. As far as Raja Baja is concerned, we were planning this album for while, and waited for the perfect time to release it.

How did world audiences react to your sound?
I've received overwhelming response at all international gigs over the last one-and-a-half years. Recently, I played in Melbourne and Sydney for the first time, and I was expecting an average show. But when I got there, the club was packed and they were familiar with my songs.

You've always been vocal about influences from South Indian music. Who are your favourites?
Raja sir (Ilaiyaraaja), Chinnaponnu, AR Rahman and Sivamani.

Log on to https://goo.gl/vPJ6gS

The Nucleya trip
Laung Gawacha
Heer
Street Boy Dub Sharma
Akkad Bakkad
Bass Rani