MUMBAI: BLOT! derives inspirations from elements and materials revolving around its existence on a daily basis. These elements could be sound, posters, conversations, or even the sorry state of our health-care system. The duo – separated by approaches, united by art – remain dominantly driven by the common goal of creating an identity, that not only guarantees copious audience or ‘pat-on -the-back’ from the press but re-transforms the definition of innovation in music. Branding BLOT! as a musical act may not be incorrect, but it isn’t entirely the truth either. “We make music, film and art,” Gaurav reminds of the attributes that best describes the electronic act. The DJ – one half of BLOT! – holds the fort for sonic duties, and Avinash executes a visual story providing a unique blend of detailed audio-visual sets.
What began as a minimal techno act gradually evolved into something distinctive – sonically. And the act’s Soundcloud account since its debut album release proves the duo’s creative desperation to explore into the latest the urban culture has to offer. Films or art installations – to clear any doubts – equally represent the duo’s purpose when compared to the sound.
With BLOT!, Gaurav has performed on several international platforms and while several DJs brush off the accusations without explaining the personal and professional viewpoint of the subject, the producer does not shy away from solving the misconception. “DJ-ing is not that easy. To produce good content is tricky. It also depends on selection of music, and staying updated with technology is very essential,” explains Gaurav, minutes before his maiden disco set at the Aer Lounge, Four Seasons for Ciroc Disco Fever – an evening of disco music featuring BLOT!, M.MAT and LOBOCOP.
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So does the statement bother him as an artist? “The statement does not bother me. People who actually DJ understand the real deal. Not only am I a performer, I also produce music. It’s like a whole band in one person, to put it simply. As an electronic artist, one mixes some songs and also create original music. What remains important is the producer provides equal effort for both,” replies Gaurav. The DJ quickly reminds how the electronic scene’s evolution could not be compared to the 1990s’ Europe. Electronic music in India, for now, caters to a different kind of audience. Unlike Europe or the States, electronic scene exploded through music festivals and the inevitable interest in the genre. Explains Gaurav, “When your taste evolves, you look for other genres – say, techno, and more underground sound. The underground scene is small, it’s still new. There’s a lot of time. In a country with 1 billion people, you cannot say, it’s saturated. Only 10% of the people are exposed to the scene.” The statement also stands as a proof of how the argument of ‘saturation of genre’ does not concern the DJ.
Gaurav Malaker and Avinash Kumar, almost a decade ago, embarked on the journey that puts the act on gig calendars throughout the year. The camaraderie looks ‘sexy’ to the eyes, and pleases what the art demands of the act, but is it really ‘sexy’ for the duo? “In our interactions, there’s some of him and some of me. And the middle ground is completely different. The vision is spontaneous, and so is the music, in a confined territory. Planning the environment, and not the set, is important,” elaborates Gaurav.
How does he describe the camaraderie? “There’s no conflict of interest – artistically- between me and Avinash. Think about a race car – there’s a driver and a navigator. Both have different roles, and neither would switch the roles. Similarly, we trust each other with our sensibilities,” adds Gaurav. The DJ, alien to the concept of music festivals when the idea of music as a profession hit him, nevertheless welcomes and acknowledges the contributions and improvements injected into the music scene, due to the sudden growth in the number of music festivals.
“It’s good to have music festivals. Going to campuses, and other such initiatives are welcoming and refreshing. When I was 16, I did not even know what music festivals were, and now, the scenario has changed. There are advantages and disadvantages, but I do not think it’s bad at all. I like it, and the more the merrier. Anything that competes with Bollywood is nice,” says Gaurav.
