Jalebee Cartel

Photograph by Shiv Ahuja

It’s tough to write about friends who have been a part of your growing years and you’ve had insane amount of memories with, both on and off the stage”¦ Individually, I have seen all of these boys grow from DJs to fulltime producers and eventually come together as a strong band, defining the evolution of EDM in India.

I remember back in 1996-97 when Ashwin had first shifted to Delhi from Bombay and come over to my Alaknanda studio, ready to take on the Delhi music scene: I was taken aback by his understanding for electronica and psy. Arjun, on the other hand, had already started his career in clubs in Bengaluru before he ventured into Delhi and we hung out many times at his GK studio. His sets were groovy beyond belief and I really wanted to play more and more with him. His music had this unmistakable element of tightness and a solid rocking groove. Ash and I got acquainted when he came down from Kolkata and soon started to play sets in Delhi. He was so full of enthusiasm and energy, playing them rocking club tunes. He was totally tuned into the pulse of the crowd and really understood the sound he played. When these boys got together, it was just pure energy and banging beats!!

Arjun, Ashwin, G-Force and Ash have been such an important part of the Delhi music scene over the years that it would be impossible to document its evolution, without talking about their relentless efforts. When they set up the Cartel, they took it a huge step further and made people realise that EDM is not just an imported genre. From the days of the farmhouse psy raves and our Cyber Mehfil parties to today’s big festivals, the Cartel has always produced and played the most cutting edge dance music in India. They have managed to put India on the map of international club music, in a way that no other artist has. Their tracks are being featured on charts which never had any Indian names on them.

They are carrying our EDM scene into the new millennium and inspiring our DJs to get their act together and make original tunes.

By Gaurav Raina of Midival Punditz