If we had to name one artiste from the city who has been making sounds (almost literally) this year, 8-Bit Culprit would be one of those names. From blasting his set during Boiler Room in the city to his 1UP/2DOWN residency at Summer House Cafe, Delhi, Faraz has only been climbing up the ladder. But now, the 34-year-old has taken it to a different level.
8-Bit’s latest track Refurbished Robots has released today on Maceo Plex’s record label Ellum Audio. The track is released as a part of the label’s Part 2 of Sampler Vol. 3 EP (listen here) where you also find tracks by John Monkman, Christian Nielsen and Headwaters. Refurbished Robots' vibrant nostalgic energy and futuristic undertones are said to resonate with both dedicated electronic music enthusiasts and mainstream listeners alike.
As a testament to 8-Bit Culprit’s masterful production skills and innovative musical vision, the track showcases his ability to push boundaries and carve a distinct space within the electronic music landscape being the first Indian music producer to release on Ellum Audio.
A chat with the genre-diverse artiste who keeps things interesting by producing melodic riffs and hard-hitting leads with TB 303.
My Kolkata: Congratulations on the release of Refurbished Robots! Can you tell us how you landed this opportunity to release your music on such an iconic label?
8-Bit Culprit: Well, this project didn’t so much come to me as I went for it. In order to get my track released on this label I had to send them a demo and if they liked it then they would release it under their label. So I produced the track keeping in mind that it is for Ellum Audio.
8-Bit’s latest track 'Refurbished Robots' has released today on Maceo Plex’s record label Ellum Audio
Releasing your track on Maceo Plex’s (Eric Estornel) record label, Ellum, must be a significant milestone. How does it feel achieving such a project?
It’s a dream come true for me! During my formative years as a musician, I was deeply influenced by Maetrik (another act by Eric Estornel). The profound impact of Maetrik’s music, along with the iconic presence of Maceo Plex, deeply resonates with me. Their visionary approach, genre-defying sounds and the sense of community fostered by Ellum constantly inspire me and remind me of the limitless possibilities that lie ahead in my own artistic journey. I’ve been a Maceo Plex fanboy for as long as I can remember, and releasing music on his label is surreal.
Your track, Refurbished Robots, is said to be cosmic-sounding. Can you sonically break down and describe the track for us?
Refurbished Robots offers an invigorating analogue soundscape, seamlessly fusing elements of electronic and synth-wave genres with a sense of nostalgia embedded in an infectious and unconventional breakbeat skeleton. The tones of the classic Korg Ms-20, Roland’s iconic Juno and the undeniable character of the Moog, sets the rich bed of sounds. The generative melody from the Make Noise 0-Coast, grabs hold of the audience, transporting them into a world where mechanised beings strive to find their purpose amidst a technology-dominated society. The vocal snippets narrate a tale of these reconditioned robots, exploring their struggles, desires and the complex intersection of emotions and artificial intelligence.
What was it that you were trying to bring out while producing the track?
I just wanted to captivate the audience, and provoke reflection on the potential consequences of our ever-evolving Indian musical landscape.
American DJ Maceo Plex (left)
Did you feel a sense of pressure in upping your game since the track will be released on such an esteemed label?
Absolutely, releasing on such a renowned label brought both pressure and self-doubt. However, these emotions are part of every artiste’s journey. While writing this particular piece of music, I had the Ellum aesthetic and future artistic direction in mind, which added to the weight of expectation. The anticipation while waiting for their response was intense. However, it’s through these challenging moments that artistes grow and find the strength to overcome their own reservations. It became a crucial part of my journey, pushing me to improve my game and refine my work further.
Would you say the track perfectly resembles the sound you identify with or is there some out-of-the-box thinking involved?
The track I have created represents a perfect fusion of my musical identity and out-of-the-box thinking. Over the years, I have embarked on a transformative journey, constantly evolving my sound in sync with my state of mind. During this time, I have drawn inspiration from a diverse range of musical styles such as UKG, breakbeat, acid house, ambient, and old-school trance music.
In my pursuit of artistic expression, I strive for a unique balance — a sound that is both edgy and deeply emotive, mirroring the essence of my DJ sets. By blending these varied influences, I have crafted a musical landscape that is a true reflection of myself — a place where I have finally found peace and artistic harmony.
'This release is not just a personal accomplishment, but also a reflection of the vibrant music scene and creative energy of my city'
Your track is going to be released alongside artistes like John Monkman, Christian Nielsen and Headwaters. How does it feel to represent your hometown Kolkata through this release?
The love and support I receive from Kolkata and its people are immeasurable and I am forever grateful for it. I firmly believe that without the support of my community, one’s accomplishments would hold little significance. Giving back to my community and making them proud is paramount to me. This release is not just a personal accomplishment but also a reflection of the vibrant music scene and creative energy of my city and I am honoured to be a part of it.
This year has been quite a blast with this release, Boiler Room and 1UP/2DOWN residency at Summer House Cafe, Delhi. How else are you wowing us this year?
This year has undeniably been a whirlwind of excitement and memorable moments. Kicking off with my Boiler Room performance, set the stage for the direction I wanted to take with my music — a culmination of hard work and creative exploration. It was an incredible opportunity to showcase my new sound on such a renowned platform.Additionally, my IP and residency 1UP/2DOWN at Summer House Cafe, Delhi, have been nothing short of amazing. The energy and enthusiasm from the audience have been overwhelming, making each gig an absolute blast. The grand finale of this residency is set to take place on August 25.Looking ahead, I invite everyone to keep an eye out for more surprises. There are exciting projects in the pipeline, including gigs, music releases, and fun IPs.
