If you were a partygoer in the late 1990s or early 2000s, and Someplace Else in The Park Kolkata was your regular hangout, you must have heard DJ Austin’s music. Back then, he was known for his retro, rock and disco mixes, which were the life of the party. Post his residency at the nightspot, DJ Austin spun at many social clubs and night places both in and outside Kolkata.
January 15 marked the end of an era, as the man who made generations dance to his music, passed away. His friends share some thoughts with My Kolkata
Ash Roy, electronic artiste
I’ve known Austin since I started DJing in 1997 at Anticlock [now Underground]. At SPE (Someplace Else), Austin was the resident, and after closing in Anticlock, I would head to his gig to hang out. Austin would let me take over the console when he got tired and I would call him ‘Daddy Austin’ as he was the senior. On my off days as well I would go to SPE to listen to him. It was always a fun time. I visited India in December last year and met him after a long time in the Dalhousie Institute. I sat at his table, had a drink and then we all left. I am shocked to hear what happened. We didn’t meet after I left Kolkata permanently, but he would post or comment on my posts. I always had high regard for him.
Gaurab Gaboo Chatterjee, drummer
In 2001, I used to play with PsyNide Angels in JJ’s Pub and Austin was DJing back then. We spent countless nights together those times, and I would always request songs from him. We became friends, and he’s been a significant part of my childhood for over 20 years. He was one of my top favorite DJs, and, of course, he was a wonderful person. We shared many good memories, and even though I hadn’t seen him in a while, it's heartbreaking to know he’s no longer with us. We had a special bond, and a part of life feels empty now.
Gautam Singh, former associate director, Someplace Else
He joined SPE four months after it opened, and I began working there in 2001. There are countless memories; it’s hard to pinpoint just one. Austin, with his vast knowledge, curated an impressive music collection, often sourcing original CDs from Singapore and Hong Kong. His expertise allowed him to play diverse genres like retro, disco, and rock. Beyond that, he fostered great relationships with musicians. He was a friendly person overall. I reached out to him on the 24th (December, 2023) because I missed him. The last time I saw him was in 2019 during his daughter’s wedding.
Akash Rohira, Bollywood DJ
It has been over 20 years that I have been associated with him. He had sound knowledge about his disco and rock n roll and was always particular about his console. Even after 15 years, he would make his console look absolutely new. We travelled together many times, with the most memorable trip being to Kathmandu for a gig. Whenever he had time he would swing by my office and we would just have some fun. There was this chai he would drink at mine and say, “I’m drinking Sindhi ka chai!” He was and always will be a legend.
