As part of our attempt at rounding up everything that has gone down within the music scene in the country over the past twelve months, we recently brought to you our list of the Top 10 releases by Indian acts in 2017. And now moving along, we have decided to put the spotlight on our Top 10 Indian Acts of the year! What truly has proven to be a phenomenal 2017 for artists from across different genres, we have managed to witness Indian heavyweights including Arjun Vagale and Nucleya chart greater heights, besides also seeing some of the hottest up and coming acts make some major moves.
Without further ado, head down below and get to know if you’ve managed to check out some of our favourite Indian acts from 2017!
10. dotdat
One of the most exciting names emerging from the country’s raging underground scene, dotdat has certainly carved a niche for himself in 2017 with some incredible productions, as well as supporting some of the biggest names in techno. Having played alongside the likes of Petter B, Drumcell, Charlotte De Witte, Tijana T, Drunken Kong among others, the Pune-based DJ/producer has gone from strength to strength, and 2018 looks really promising for this prodigy.
9. Karan Kanchan
Taking the #9 spot on our list is none other than Karan Kanchan! The J-trap pioneer based out of Mumbai has been making some major moves throughout the year to be reckoned as one of the hottest upstarts within the country’s burgeoning bass music scene. Known for his ruthless creations which can be easily identified, thanks to his signature brand of work, the Jwala co-founder has managed to tantalize listeners over the past twelve months with tracks like ‘Trap Bandit’, ‘Dojo’ amongst others. And with a massive 2018 which awaits him, we can only hope for bigger things to come from the rising act!
8. chrms
2017 has pushed several homegrown artists into the spotlight! And with that in mind, one of India’s youngest upstarts, Chrms finds a much deserved place in our Top 10. Lesser known as Veer Kowli, the Mumbai-based producer/DJ grabbed our attention earlier this year with his futuristic creations, which seemed to be heavily influenced by his idols including the likes of Porter Robinson, Flume, Mr. Carmack amongst others. With his fresh, yet eclectic creations, the producer soon found himself playing shows before dropping his gorgeous single ‘Heart Rates’ with fellow Indian-born songstress Zoya that has also received support from famed American duo The Chainsmokers. While the Jwala co-founder has made sure not to look back ever since, we can’t help but hope for bigger things to come from Chrms, who has essentially been one of 2017’s biggest finds.
7. Aerate Sound
Bengaluru-based duo Aerate Sound can easily be identified as one of the country’s most eclectic acts! Comprising of Joe Panicker and Naquash, the AV collaboration between the two longtime friends witnessed major success following the release of their memorable debut album ‘Only For External’. Released via Bengaluru-based collective/label Consolidate, their 9-track LP managed to stitch together a range of sounds and samples from our daily surroundings to craft a masterful body of work. Securing their spot on the bill for Boiler Room’s second ever show in India in April, the mammoth gig saw them share decks alongside the likes of Zora Jones, Sinjin Hawke, Jlin and more. With a more recent performance at Magnetic Fields, Aerate Sound are now looking forward to what promises to be an even bigger 2018!
6. Komorebi
Securing a spot in our list is the incredibly talented New Delhi-based vocalist/producer and instrumentalist, Tarana Marwah, aka Komorebi who returned to action this year with the release of her landmark debut album ‘Soliloquy‘! While the 8-track LP certainly saw her deliver some of her strongest works till date spanning a range of genres right from hip-hop, glitch hop to downtempo and jazz, ‘Soliloquy‘ also saw her team up with some of the country’s most talented artists including Mohini Dey, Sohrab Nicholson and Warren Mendonsa. With a bunch of exceptional live performances under her belt which took place throughout the year, 2017 saw Komorebi showcase her growth as an artist in its truest sense. All being said, we are definitely excited for what’s next to come!
5. Disco Puppet
Bengaluru-based producer Disco Puppet officially put himself on the map in 2017 with the release of not one, but two highly impressive albums! Having quickly risen up the ranks owing to his experimental take on electronic music, Shoumik Biswas has not only stood out as one of Consolidate’s most promising exports, but he also made sure to offer a stunning glimpse into what the electronic music scene in the country has to offer! Fresh off the success of his sophomore album ‘Princess This‘ which has already found a spot in our list of Top 10 releases by Indian artists in 2017, we surely can’t wait to hear more of what Disco Puppet has to offer in 2018.
4. FILM
Sanil Sudan continues to be an important name within the dance music scene in the country! And with his musical moniker FILM, he only decided to make bigger moves in 2017. With the release of his brilliant EP ‘Hope’ and consequently following it up one of the most underrated tracks of the year, ‘Everyone Needs Closure’ which appeared on homegrown collective Lowlit’s Better Late Vol. 2 compilation, Sanil managed to showcase his sonic vision which traverses through the realms of his experimental take of house and techno. As the New Delhi-based producer/DJ prepares his debut album for 2018, he wrapped up his year in style earlier this December with a memorable performance at Boiler Room in the national capital alongside living legends Omar S and Marcellus Pittman.
3. Prabh Deep
Bagging the #3 spot on our list is Indian hip-hop proponent and one of the country’s top MCs at the moment, Prabh Deep who absolutely bodied 2017! The New Delhi-based rapper who kicked off the year on a high note with the release of his striking single ‘Kal (Future)’, was followed up soon after by the equally powerful ‘Suno’. With all roads leading to the unveil of his debut album ‘Class-Sikh’, the 12-track LP proved to be a landmark moment for the country’s hip-hop scene which was brought to life in collaboration with his longtime friend and producer Sez. With recent appearances at multiple festivals around the country and a memorable tour under his belt alongside British rap queen Lady Leshurr, Prabh Deep has made his intentions very clear that he’s coming for the rap throne in 2018!
2. Nucleya
1. Arjun Vagale
Where do we even start about Arjun Vagale. The man has been a pioneering force in the dance music scene of the country since its nascent stages, and has been a shining beacon for a number of emerging artists. On the back of an already strong 2016, Arjun entered 2017 with all guns blazing. Launching his own record label, Odd Recordings, headlining the Awakenings stage at Vh1 Supersonic, playing international festivals, including the prestigious Awakenings Festival in Netherlands, as well as a release on Drumcode (becoming the first Asian producer to release on the record label) and Suara, the techno kingpin did it all. That’s more than enough for us to choose him as Bangin Beats’ Top Indian act of 2017.
With inputs from: Pranav Gupta