Soupherb Records Celebrates 12th Anniversary With Techno Compilation
Electronic label co-founded by DJ-producer Ash Roy marked the milestone at Cultr Festival in Kochi in January 2025
DJ-producer Ash Roy, co-founder of Soupherb Records. Photo: Courtesy of the artist
Indian electronic veteran Ash Roy – and fellow Jalebee Cartel bandmate Ashvin Mani Sharma – launched their label Soupherb Records in 2013, at a time when there wasn’t really much of an outlet for experimental techno, minimal and house DJ-producers in the country.
Soupherb marked their 12th anniversary right from the start of the year, with a label showcase at Cultr festival in Kochi on Jan. 12, 2024. “We […] featured artists such as Folic State, who opened the main stage, followed by Maksim Dark from Russia, and finally, I closed the stage with a B2B with Calm Chor. We opened our B2B set with a tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain,” Roy says.
On the label front, in the last 12 years, Soupherb have put out over 200 releases and are also celebrating that with the launch of a new, two-part compilation album called 200+. While 200+ Part 01 features tracks by Roy, Calm Chor, Folic State and Jitter, plus label favorites such as Breger, Arnold From Mumbai, Hans Dunkelkammer and more across 12 tracks.
Roy said in a statement, “As we step into 2025, we want to take a moment to celebrate and express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us over the years. Thanks to you, we’re now 12 years strong with over 200 releases under our belt. A huge shoutout to all the incredible artists who have contributed to our journey and helped define our signature ‘Soupherbness.’”
The nine-track second part, 200+ Part 02, specifically highlights “the incredible contributions of women artists to this genre.” Producers such as Ayesha Pramanik, Vasvi, Aka Nina, Oryza and more feature, “each delivering a mind-bending musical journey,” according to the label. Roy adds, “We thank these wonder women for supporting and being part of the Soupherb family.”
Outside of Soupherb, Ash Roy and Folic State also teamed up for a collaborative release Gentle Mental EP via Hydrozoa Records, released on Feb. 14, 2025. The two-track offering sees the electronic artists “venture deep into the realms of minimal techno,” one that “merges modern, futuristic electronica with a haunting, immersive atmosphere.” The description for the EP adds, “Infused with eerie, deep-rooted elements, the tracks create a hypnotic rhythm, pulsing with raw intensity. The scorching bassline and intricate percussive layers build tension effortlessly, while the trippy energy evokes the essence of classic deep techno, taking listeners on a thrilling, otherworldly ride.”
