Sound Stirred

Quigley,who was in the city to perform on Sunday at the Stone Water Grill as a part of the Kingfisher Ultra Soul Flyp Night,is open to the idea of a talent academy that has been floated by the organisers. The academy will see a number of fledgling DJs participate in workshops set up in Mumbai,Pune and Bangalore to focus on the art of DJ-ing and will participate in a competition aimed at finding the best DJ in the city and will also have a chance to perform with Quigley himself.

Speaking more about the practicality of the concept Quigley says,“The concept of a talent academy is great to give new talent good exposure,especially when Indian DJs are showcased alongside international DJs in various national and international events. But ultimately,its future depends on the hard work and talent of those who love the scene and tirelessly push for it.”

So what does one mean by the art of DJ-ing anyway? “Anyone can DJ,but not everyone can DJ well,” explains Quigley,adding,“For me,good DJs play tracks ‘together’,whereby during the mix tracks will be greater than the sum total of their parts. The academy will therefore focus on this creative side of DJ-ing,so that artistes may develop their techniques and ultimately,their ability to stand out from the rest.”

As far as Indian music is concerned,Quigley is enthusiastic about it. “Indian ethnic music has always had a hypnotic,trance-like element,” he explains,adding further,“So it’s right and proper that places like Goa have been a mainstay for trance for many years. Now that India seems to be embracing the housier side of things,this can only be a positive thing for Electronic Dance Music (EDM).”

However,as far as EDM in India is concerned,he feels it’s still in a honeymoon phase. “It’s in a stage where it will be new,different and exciting to many ears. A time to be cherished,” says Quigley excitedly. “But at this moment,a DJ needs to believe in what he plays. At this stage,one should never play music that one doesn’t like,” he adds.