If you love psy-trance music, chances are that you have already grooved to the beats of DJs Hiam Lev and Guy Malka of Outsiders, the producer duo from Israel. The two have been dominating the international psy-trance circuit and playing at every major music festival in the world. Hiam Lev, one half of Outsiders, was all smiles at Gold, JW Marriott Hotel, Kolkata, where he had a gig recently. In a candid chat with My Kolkata, Hiam spoke about his musical inspirations, association with India, his favourite Indian city and more.
How did you get into music?
My journey as a DJ began when I was 15, as I wanted to listen to music more than anything else. I kept exploring genres and realised that I particularly liked psy-trance. By the time I was 19, I had moved on to produce my own music. Soon, I started collaborating with my uncle, which became a turning point for me, because there is a different level of trust when you work with family. While I was still learning, the entire artiste community in Israel backed me.
Our career got a big jump around 2015, largely due to the release of our album, Our Prophecy. It got unprecedented love and appreciation from listeners. However, the track that made us particularly popular in India was Mama India, and it forged a longtime association with this country.
What inspires you to create music?
My music comes 100 per cent from the heart, it is not about money. I create music because I truly enjoy doing this. I love making everyone sing together, irrespective of gender, culture or background. I always try to communicate through my music how we are all the same.
DJ Hiam Lev at his first Kolkata gig in Gold, J W Marriott on October 22 Image courtesy JW Marriott
What do you like most about India? Did it impact your music?
We love the musical vibe of India. We felt an instant connection with the mantras and instruments of this country, and use a lot of them in our music too. We also collaborate with Indian artistes, and through the interplay of different styles create something very interesting. That apart, India is one of the biggest markets for psy-trance music. I have played all over the world, but my first stint in Goa, in 2011, remains one of the best experiences of my life. I’ve played at Goa’s Shiva Valley and HillTop about eight times now, and really enjoy going back there every year.
Did you enjoy being in and playing in Kolkata?
It was my first time here, and the scene was amazing. Though I didn’t get an opportunity to explore the city much, the hospitality was great. To be honest, I never really have a specific plan about the venue I play at. It doesn’t matter how many people are there in the crowd. Of course, the vibe is incredible when you look at 10,000 faces in the crowd. Even when it’s a small gathering, you feel closer to the crowd and get a clearer sense of whether they are enjoying the music or not. So, my aim was just to enjoy, and I hope my audience enjoyed too.
