Sanjoy Channels Indian Roots on New Album ‘Dance Under the Influence’

Sanjoy Deb. Photo courtesy of the artist.

If there is one thing California-based music producer Sanjoy Deb is sure about, it’s that he wants to make music that will stand the test of time. “All of the music right now is momentary,” says the 24-year-old over the phone from San Jose. “I want to build relationships with music rather than focus on the views and likes.”

The Bangladeshi-born producer who claims strong Indian roots through his grandparents, is determined to do his part in putting India on the forefront of international mainstream music. “I want to try and build a bridge between India and America,” explains Deb.

Deb shot to fame doing exactly that in 2013, when his single “Ab Laut Aa” [featuring Bollywood singer Sunidhi Chauhan] quickly garnered positive attention worldwide due to its video addressing gender discrimination. It helped that the track was Chauhan’s first independent single outside Bollywood. Deb then went on to work with some of the most talented names in Bollywood””including singers Arijit Singh and Benny Dayal.

With his latest summer soundtrack “Slip Away”, Deb aimed for a feel-good tune that just about anyone could enjoy and relate to; and the result was an upbeat, dance-pop single about falling in love. Deb also brought in American singer Trever Holmes on vocals, while providing backup vocals himself.

Deb’s desire to bring Indian artists to the forefront and to revive pop in a big way is what led to the almost three-year-long journey to record his second album Dance Under The Influence. The album, which released last week, features a variety of Indian musicians like Dayal and Mumbai-based playback singer Aditi Singh Sharma. “People don’t believe it’s Indian artists on the album,” he states. “They’re always amazed at how incredible they sound.”

Listen to “Slip Away” below.