Popularity of EDM in India is skyrocketing: Belgium DJ duo

The popularity of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) in India is skyrocketing, believe Belgian DJ duo Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike. However, they say there's scope for improvement.

The duo, who are brothers, hold the top spot in an annual 'Top 100 DJs' poll. They headlined the first day of the three-day Sunburn Goa festival here on Sunday, playing hits like "Waves", "Wakanda" and "Mammoth".

"EDM... I still see it skyrocketing (in India). We started in India five years back in small clubs. And events like Sunburn and solo concerts that we do are amazing. I think we still haven't hit the roof. The market is still improving," Dimitri told IANS in an interview here.

Happy to be back in the country after their performance at Sunburn Goa last year, Dimitri said: "We are really excited to be here. After what we felt the last time... it was such an amazing party that we couldn't resist coming back here. Even though we have to travel a lot, it is worth it (to come here."

There was news last year that they were collaborating with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan for a project.

Asked if they are planning something new, Dimitri said: "We are still thinking. We already did a couple of small Bollywood projects. But at this point we don't have anything on that front to perform for the people."

They were adjudged numero uno in DJ Magazine's annual 'Top 100 DJs poll', and said such spots motivate them.

"We don't feel pressurised, but it is an honour to be on that position. We are honoured that so many people, including a lot of fans from India, voted for us. We feel obliged to make all of them proud who voted for us. But, I wouldn't call it pressure... it's rather motivation," he said.

How has their life as musicians affected their bond?

Dimitri said: "We are together all the time. We have been working together as artistes for 12 years. Before that, we were working as entertainers... so we have always been together. It's just great that we have reached the level where we are (at present)."

With two different minds at work, differences are bound to happen. So how do they manage?

"It happens, but most of the times, if one of us is really opinionated about something, the other one goes, 'You are so sure, let's do it!'. But then that also puts a lot of pressure on the other person because if it goes wrong, the other one gets to say, 'I told you so'," Dimitri quipped.

(The writer's trip at the invitation of the festival organisers. Kishori Sud can be contacted at kishori.s@ians.in)