International artiste DJ Jon Rust has a massive fan following, the world over. Pegged as one of the most respected selectors from London, the artiste performed recently in the city, and entralled city folk during a three-city tour of India as part of Mansion House Party. Excerpts from the interview...
1) Your music is said to get the crowd movin’ and shakin’. How excited were you about your India trip?
To say I was excited would be an understatement. India’s history and culture is immense, full of so many contrasts. I was over for a short time, but I tried soaking up whatever I can. Travelling to share music is a privilege, I am aware. It might be my first — I’m hoping it’s not the last.
2) Have you ever been to Bengaluru? What’s your take on the music scene?
It was my first ever time here!
Traditional Indian sounds that come to mind — the harmonium, the tabla, Ravi Shankar’s sitar. Also Bollywood soundtracks and the voice of Lata Mangeshkar. Maybe these references sound clichéd. In terms of contemporary electronic music though, I have to admit, really not much at all. Reports from other DJs I know who have visited have been great though my good friend Josey Rebelle tells me that the crowds in Delhi were crazy for acid / 303 sounds. Which isn’t what we would have expected…
3) What's your message to aspiring DJs in the country? Your do's and dont’s?
Play music you love. Support the artists you see making steps forward.
Select from the heart and everything else should flow from that.
Do look to collaborate. Build a community — The day of the one-man-band is long gone.
Don’t act like music owes you a career though, it doesn’t.
4) What's your approach to planning a set?
Apart from thinking of an opening track, I don’t really plan my sets though, so I’m looking forward exploring what translates to the Indian crowd even in the near future.
