Grantley Evan Marshall aka Daddy G is a British musician who is known to be one of the pioneers of what has historically become known as the “Bristol Sound“. It’s that laid back sound that breathes dub, reggae, funk, disco and hip hop, formally known as Trip Hop. This sound was represented by the acts like Massive Attack, Portishead and Tricky. Daddy G is one of the founding members of Massive Attack. Daddy G started off as a member of The Wild Bunch Sound System during 1980s in the Bristol music scene, which got disbanded in 1986. Marshall then went on to form the famous Trip Hop group Massive Attack. And rest is the history.

Daddy G has not been limited to Massive Attack. Way before he was a part of a band, Daddy G was known as a DJ. He started DJing as a ten year old when he already recorded mix tapes, inspired by the DJ boyfriend of his older sister. In 1980s he was one of the youngest DJs in Bristol, quickly establishing his name as a synonym for an eclectic music style. Reggae records passed on to him via his sister’s DJ boyfriend and his devotion to a good bassline through his mid-teen experience from Jamaican sounds played important roles in forming his sound. The newest of disco, fresh punk funk from NY, the first rap imports as well as soul and dub reggae were inherent parts of Daddy G’s sets. His DJ sets were not only legendary because of their selection and his mixing skills, but also because he was a master on the microphone as well.

He has also mixed a CD for “DJ-Kicks” mix series, which has a name for itself in the Bristol music scene. These mixes include some of the most versatile selections of tunes by Daddy G. For Daddy G, reggae is the source. The recent edition of “DJ-Kicks” mix kicks off with two tracks from the  legendary Studio One stable, including his “most favourite record ever”,  Willie Williams’ ‘Armagideon Time’, and includes the records like ‘Non Non Non’  by Melaaz, a languid French version of a Studio One classic, Barrington Levy’s ‘Here I Come’ ,a dancehall classic and Foxy Brown’s sassy ‘Oh Yeah’, which is based on an old Toots & the Maytals tune.

Daddy G included many tracks by his original crew, Massive Attack: Apart from ‘I Against I’ and a rare mix of ‘Karmacoma’, Daddy G has also included their groundbreaking remixes of Les Negresses Vertes and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan which he describes to be “the most enjoyable mix we’ve ever done”, finally ending up with Paul Oakenfold’s subtle mix of ‘Unfinished Sympathy’.

It is not wrong to quote the following set of sentences from his bio, “Some DJs get their kicks by dropping the most obscure tunes they can find. Others take pleasure in kicking back with friends and digging out timeless favorites. Daddy G, also known as Grant Marshall, belongs to the latter school.” The name Daddy G itself shouts nothing but pure talent.

DJ SA

In today’s dance music scene full of EDM and house music, this man stands out as India’s premiere hip-hop/trap DJ. Yes, we are talking about Mumbai-based Sanket Arjunwade aka DJ SA. Voted ‘India’s best Hip-Hop DJ’ at the inaugural VH1 MyFav Awards in the past, SA has been spreading the love of Hip-Hop music to the crowds all over the country and as a regular in India’s club league, it’s quite clear that he is doing a fantastic job.

DJ SA has played the role of opening DJ for some of the big names in Hip Hop world including Akon, Chamillionaire, Kardinal Ofishall, Sean Kingston, SnoopDogg (Lion), MIMS and DJ Green Lantern. His dedication towards Hip Hop music soon resulted in a collaboration with Universal Music to promote all their hip hop albums across India.

Having played numerous gigs throughout his career, including opening for the likes of MAJOR LAZER as well as providing support to bass music kingpin Flux Pavilion further solidifies his status as a key player in Indian club culture. This hip hop icon of India has achieved much in a relatively small time and still it’s a feeling that he is just getting started.

B.R.E.E.D

Aptly described as “Beauteous Slapping Music Alchemists” this prolific duo, B.R.E.E.D consists of Ritesh D’Souza, producer/composer and two-time DMC (India) champion, and Tara Mae, vocalist/composer and classically-trained pianist who describe their sound as “future-exotic.” After re-locating to Los Angeles, B.R.E.E.D has never looked back and continues to gain more and more recognition with an increasing international fan-base.

Their chart-topping album ‘Binate’ and ‘The Inside’ EP took the bass world by storm in 2014. Inspired by artists like Flying Lotus, FKA Twigs, Flume, Sia, and Chrome Sparks, their exotic sound and passionate performances have attracted fans far and wide. With specially-crafted beats, textured vocals, lush orchestration, and infective melodies, their sound really can’t be compared to any other.

BREED has played at various prestigious events and festivals including Coachella and Low End Theory. This power-packed duo has played alongside the artists like Major Lazer, Dillon Francis, Dada Life, Alesso, Teebs, Foreign Beggars and many others.

Daddy G will be playing in Bangalore as part of Budweiser’s Turn It Up Nights, with support from B.R.E.E.D, while DJ SA will be playing in Mumbai, with B.R.E.E.D. More details here.