It is undeniable. India has mapped a trajectory which will take it to the Dance Music epicenter sooner rather than later. With roots of the harder styles of Dance Music within our sun kissed shores, it should come as no surprise that music makers and audiences have developed a palette for diversity in the last few decades. And where we stand today, it is indeed undeniable, that India is prepped for big things. Over the years, the Underground genres have gotten a tremendous push, with countless international superstars lending their hand in surging this eclectic genre forward. Whether it be Techno, Deep Tech, Deep House, Downtempo, Liquid Drum N’ Bass, every genre has found a keen ear in India. What India needed was a platform that connected the audiences with the artists who devote themselves to these artistic styles. India needed a showcase, where domestic artists could be performing in an environment at par with International standards – the likes of the Balearic or even the ever-pragmatic Detroit backyards. Enter RESET – An Electronic Music Showcase that has devoted itself to domestic acts, honed in a setting of the finest Audio systems and Visual mapping an audience can experience.
Having launched this concept earlier this year in March, the showcase returned in early November to India’s rapidly evolving Underground hotspot Hyderabad. An artist lineup that made our eyes squint with glee and a music experience that reinforced our love for Techno, the opening leg was a roaring success with social media abuzz days after the event concluded. Two weeks later the party continued at Bangalore, as the city’s growing love for Tech was mirrored in the enthusiasm they bought with them into the venue. Perhaps, what sets it most apart, is the fact that RESET is an electronic dance music showcase curated with finesse; is a home-brewed celebration of quality Indian talent. Having spread across various cities, each gathering offers a unique scope and international vision. The first week of December, the showcase moved to the enchanting venue of The Blue Frog, Pune, where we had the pleasure of RESETing our musical utopia, thanks to a heavenly experience.
With a lineup that included the likes of Big City Harmonics, BLOT!, Jitter, Kohra, Mmat, Oozeundat, Pawas, Praveen Achary, Qwiver, Sandunes, Audio Glitch, Color Ray and India’s Techno Godfather Arjun Vagale, RESET Pune was a shining star event for the showcase – bringing an ocean of talent on one stage together. The music was surreal; the atmosphere was informal and the experience unforgettable. Food and drink neatly tucked away, the Blue Frog amphitheater spread its planes for Techno inspired fans, who just came to dance. With the talents of Audio Glitch, Color Ray, Big City Harmonics & Sandunes taking centerstage, the showcase began with a dabble of Deep Tech, Glitch Hop and Bluestep. With Qwiver, Oozeundat & Vagale performing a scorching Sunset kissed set, the mood shifted drastically and a Techno-laden evening began to recess on us. Mmat and Pawas came on as the lights dimmed down and we got the full effect of the scorching visuals. All anticipation was rewarded with equal measure as the crisp visuals beltered down the raging audience members. The outdoor event came to a phenomenal close with a smashing performance by Blot! vs Praveen Achary. The boys who also performed at the Bangalore leg came in with thick basslines and grooving melodies, taking the budding crowd to a higher place with their floor thumping set. The night was far from over, as the afterparty moved few feet away into the packed Blue Frog indoor venue where bundle-of-energy Ankytrixx combined forces with Kohra & Jitter to join Tech mastermind Arjun Vagale on the decks, it what can be best described as one of the finest indoor events of the season! The energy from the crowd was relentless and so was the enthralling music churning out of the speakers. RESET Pune, undoubtedly was the highlight for one too many when it comes to declaring one of the best events matched to International standards.
Another glimmering addition to the RESET lineup across all venues was the fascinating Funktion-One Sound system. Focused on the pursuit of absolute audio quality, Funktion-One is an independent English inventor and manufacturer of professional loudspeaker systems. Their innovative and efficient designs deliver clear, involving sound without the harshness often associated with more conventional approaches. The combination of their creative vision and technical understanding gives rise to products with exceptional transient capability, sonic purity and realism and that’s precisely what was bestowed on audiences arriving for RESET!
Delivering only within the confines of perfection, RESET has redefined standards of showcasing Underground talent and performances with their forward thinking and visionary approach. Hats off to the guys and looking forward to more enthralling and enchanting RESET evenings!
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