Techno artiste Deepesh Sharma has been making waves in the underground music scene. From touring the world, playing alongside some of the biggest names to being one of the youngest artistes/DJs to own a multilevel beach club in Goa called Glory, Deepesh has been one of the active people who has been pushing the boundaries of the music scene for years. Other than having his own techno project, the artiste from Mumbai also has a psy-trance project — with his brother Romeo — titled Designer Hippies. He also has plans to open a few more other clubs in Mumbai, Goa and Europe.
The Telegraph caught up with Deepesh during his recent gig at The Carnival, in association with The Telegraph, held at JW Marriott Kolkata.
You have a strong connection with Kolkata.
It is always a pleasure to be here in Kolkata. I have a long relationship with Kolkata... since the time the city became known as Kolkata. From all the projects that I have been involved with, from Designer Hippies... be it Mr Right, now Deepesh Sharma... I also did a Deepesh Sharma and Romeo Ji b2b (back to back). I am really happy to see this city grow.
How was the Kolkata you knew?
To be honest, the energy of the crowd was immense. People come out to party and they know how to. They save dates like it’s a wedding date and that’s what brings excitement to musicians. And it’s important. There were times when I thought the nightlife scene was dying because of various reason but it’s good to see people come over with the same love and affection.
These days we see about five festivals taking place in a month. What do you think of the growth?
Life and everything in it is always evolving; it’s inevitable. When we started our club in Goa, Chronicle, now it’s Glory, it was 11 years ago... when people did not know or understand the genre. So there were nights when my club used to be empty. People started giving us ideas about doing Bollywood, commercial and EDM nights. But the passion of giving somebody the experience we (Deepesh, Romeo and Francizka) had in mind was something so different that we didn’t give up hope. It was nice to see music and people evolve and they had the love to come and appreciate music... that’s how the scene grew.
We have seen a change, from psychedelic music to trance to deep house and techno. You have to give in to what’s coming; you can’t be stuck in a moment. If music is fading, it is fading. There can’t be a reason for it.
Your venue in Vagator, Goa, changed its name from Chronicles to Glory. Why?
We are opening tomorrow as we speak (November 19), so I am very excited. We have a huge lineup of superstars flying down to perform. The name change took place after the pandemic. I feel like we have all seen so much sadness and businesses getting done with. We are fortunate to be here. Hence, the name change to Glory... let’s dance to a moment of glory.
The music industry has had to deal with heavy losses and many artistes have called off their tours for reasons pertaining to health concerns. But your schedule for November and December looks packed.
It is very hectic, I won’t lie. My deepest condolences to the sad news that has come our way. But at the same time, people are becoming aware to stay fit and that is a message we want to deliver. In between hectic schedules I try to hit the gym everyday. From sipping coffee and having protein shakes while I am dancing and not having alcohol... do whatever you can to make your lifestyle healthy.
What lies ahead for Deepesh Sharma?
You will not be seeing Deepesh Sharma after this season ends. I will lock myself in a room and produce my EP and album. From March, I will be underground and after that expect me in some of the biggest festivals in the world. I also plan to open a lot more nightclubs and restaurants around the world.
Can we get an insight into the EP you plan to work on?
My new album is going to have a lot of collaborations with a lot of talented musicians from around the world.
Where are we going to see you perform next?
I have already performed at Exit Festival, the next lineup is at Tomorrowland. Then I am going to be in Europe. When I was there for six months, I figured that they are looking for a lot of talent and now is the best time for your sound to be heard.