Rock and electronic music have always had a strange equation. While rock music fans have never considered electronic music to be a true form of music and always mocked the genre, electronic music fans on the other hand have always asked fans of rock music to keep up with the times. But at the end of the day, it all comes down to a person’s own taste in music.
In today’s date and age, when artists are experimenting with their sounds to expand their musical palette, a number of musicians have jumped ship from rock music to try their hand at electronic music, and have succeeded while at it. Here we take a look at a handful of musicians, both international and Indian, who have handled the transition quite successfully.
1. Thom Yorke
The eccentric frontman of one of the most influential bands of our generation, Thom Yorke has shaped the musical identity of the 2000’s through some incredible albums with Radiohead. Spending more time on his solo projects, the English musician has taken to DJing, while also dabbling with electronica in his solo debut album ‘The Eraser‘. You can check out his 30 minute Boiler Room set here.
2. MojoJojo/Akshay Johar
Delhi’s own bass music purveyor, Mojojojo, is known for his trap and moombahton tunes, but did you know the ‘Thar Bomb‘ hitmaker has also served as the bassist for bands such as Gravy Train, Barefaced Liar and The Doppler Effect.
3. John Frusciante/Trickfinger
Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante is widely known for his distinctive guitar licks and riffs. However, ever since quitting the band in 2009, Frusciante has experimented with electronic music under his alias Trickfinger, releasing a self titled studio album as well.
4. Aqua Dominatrix/Akshay Rajpurohit
Aqua Dominatrix is the electronic music pseudonym of Akshay Rajpurohit, who is known for his work with popular metal bands Scribe and Pangea. Switching from guitars to synths quite effortlessly, Aqua Dominatrix is Akshay’s effort to explore ambient electronic music.
5. Chris Baio (Vampire Weekend)/Baio
Vampire Weekend‘s bassist Chris Baio DJs and produces electronic music under his alias Baio, and has already released and EP and an album, ‘Sunburn‘ and ‘The Names‘ respectively.
6. Gus Unger-Hamilton (alt-J)
alt-J‘s keyboardist and back up vocalist Gus Unger-Hamilton also doubles up as a DJ from time to time, having toured as a DJ, with one set coming in Delhi when their March gig was cancelled in 2015.
7. Skrillex/From First To Last
We’re pretty sure this name doesn’t need any introduction. Skrillex has dominated the bass scene around the world, with a variety of productions ranging from dubstep to trap with some of the biggest names in the music scene. However, the ‘Purple Lamborghini‘ producer has fronted the post hardcore band From First To Last, even releasing a new song ‘Make War‘ after almost a decade.
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