Niles Hollowell-Dhar is better known as DJ KSHMR, and was ranked at 23rd on DJ Mag's 2015 Top 100 DJs. As far as 2017 is concerned, the man ranks at 12th. This hardly comes as a surprise, as the 29-year-old DJ is an alumni of the famed Berkeley - the elective of many a musicians. Even though DJ KSHMR was born in California, he goes back to his roots, his Indian roots, through his music. DJ KSHMR will be performing at the Sunburn arena on Sunday, 29 October.
Infact, his stage name - KSHMR - is a tribute to the troubled valley, and the state of Jammu and Kashmir. In fact, where his music sometimes wavers, it’s the visual quality of his videos that make an impact. Jammu, one of DJ KSHMR’s tracks is the perfect example of this:
The video, makes quite the impact. It could easily pass off as a short film if a few minutes were extended.
Claim To Fame
But before Niles Hollowell-Dhar became DJ KSHMR, he was a part of the popular duo - The Cataracs - who’ve collaborated with the likes of Dev and the Far East Movement.
Having been on the music scene for a while now, Dev and the Far East Movement are responsible for hits such as Bass Down Low and Like a G6.
Of course, after The Cataracs parted ways, DJ KSHMR was created.
Style File
Maybe that is the reason why Neeta Lulla, one of India’s ace designers has been roped in to create an outfit for KSHMR. After being handed the task, the designer is experimenting on her mini project.
KSHMR is known to love his kurtas so we have tried to experiment with the style, fabric and design and make a Diwali friendly kurta. The exotic vibe of Kashmir and the aesthetic history of paisley is all the inspiration we needed to design for the very talented Indo-American DJ KSHMR.Neeta Lulla, Designer
DJ KSHMR is quite enthused after learning this.
I have always been quite fascinated by Indian sensibilities when it comes to fashion and style and I’m excited to see what Neeta has in store for me!DJ KSHMR
Collaborations
The more catchy stuff from KSHMR’s workstation however are mostly collabs with the likes of Tiesto and Hardwell.
Harder, which was produced in along with Tiesto and and Talay Riley, is one of his recent works. As a DJ KSHMR fan puts it, "in the EDM circle this trio (KSHMR, Tiesto, and Talay Riley) is said to be a very deadly one”.
But the track that has catapulted KSHMR to recognition is Secrets.
One thing is clear; KSHMR knows how to increase his value by collaborating with those who can make up for what he lacks, and it goes both ways. Where Tiesto, and smaller artists like Vassey, lack in video production, KSHMR is leagues ahead in that aspect. KSHMR’. And Tiesto adds to KSHMR’s musical presence.
... and the DJ Will Keep on Spinning
DJ KSHMR is not new on the Indian circuit, nor is he new to Sunburn. He’s the one responsible for the official Sunburn anthem in 2015 - Bazaar, in collaboration with Marnik.
KSHMR’s Indian influence can surely be felt in Bazaar.
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