Swarup Varma stands at the vanguard of a global sonic movement, merging ancestral sounds with the pulse of electronic music.
Photo credit: Swarup Varma – Facebook
His sound, deeply rooted in house, tribal, Brazilian funk, disco, breaks, and electronica, has positioned him as a standout figure in the Indian scene. Recognized as India’s No.1 Chill Out Artist by My Fav Awards, Varma’s musical journey has been anything but linear—starting as a band vocalist before transitioning into DJing, production, and sound design.
Now co-founder of the Future Sounds of India collective and label, Swarup is channeling his passion into more than just music—he’s nurturing a community and reimagining electronic music’s cultural possibilities. His latest release, the ‘Beyond Boundaries’ EP, encapsulates this ethos by seamlessly blending global textures with local roots, offering a rich, danceable narrative that transcends borders.
In this conversation, Swarup opens up about storytelling through DJ sets, the challenges of hosting events across India, and his vision for the country’s evolving electronic music landscape.
EG: Hi Swarup, welcome to EG! Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your journey into the electronic music scene?
Swarup Varma: Thank you for having me! My journey into electronic music has been deeply personal. I started as a singer in the band Dust in the early 2010s. After we split in 2013, I transitioned to DJing and held residencies in many prominent clubs and bars in the city. Over the years, I’ve explored different genres, but it was the fusion of organic/world sounds with electronic beats that truly captured me. This has inspired me to co-found Future Sounds of India. What began as a platform for exclusive electronic music events and hosting incredible DJs & producers has now evolved into a record label focused on showcasing the diverse sounds from the Indian subcontinent. I’m excited to see where this journey takes us next!
EG: Your new EP ‘Beyond Boundaries’ is released via Future Sounds of India. What was the inspiration behind this EP, and what message do you hope to convey to your listeners?
Swarup Varma: The ‘Beyond Boundaries’ EP represents a significant milestone in my musical journey. The inspiration for this EP stems from a desire to push the limits of genres and explore the intersection of traditional and electronic music. It’s about merging sounds that might seem worlds apart, whether it’s classical Indian instruments, tribal rhythms, or modern electronic beats, into something fresh & cohesive.
The core message of ‘Beyond Boundaries’ is about breaking through conventional limits, musically and personally. I want to show that music can bridge cultures, stir emotions, & spark new perspectives. Each track tells its own story, but they all share a common thread of pushing past boundaries. I hope listeners will dive into the vibrant energy of tribal house and the rich textures of global sounds, embracing the beauty of cross-cultural fusion.
EG: Your music spans a wide range of genres. How do you approach blending these diverse styles in your work?
Swarup Varma: Blending diverse sounds is core to my music. I dive into each style’s rhythms, melodies, & cultural roots, seeking connections to create something authentic. My experimental approach involves layering elements from different genres & letting them evolve naturally. For example, in tracks like ‘Sankofa’ and ‘Udaya,’ I fused tribal rhythms with Arabic vocals to craft sounds that are both innovative and rooted in tradition. Collaboration is key too; working with artists from various backgrounds enriches my perspective and adds new textures and rhythms. The goal is to respect each genre’s sound & origins while combining them in a way that feels cohesive and true.
EG: You’ve been recognized as ‘India’s No.1 Chill Out Artist’ by My Fav Awards. How does this accolade influence your creative process and the music you produce?
Swarup Varma: Being recognized as India’s No.1 Chill Out Artist by My Fav Awards is definitely a huge honor, but more than anything, it’s about knowing that the music I create resonates with people. It pushes me to explore deeper, experiment with textures, and keep blending organic/world and electronic elements in a way that feels authentic. I don’t let accolades define my sound, but they do give me the confidence to keep pushing boundaries, whether it’s in chill-out, Afro house, or folktronica or more. At the end of the day, it’s about creating an immersive experience that connects with people on an emotional level.
My brother Vinayak^a always reminds me, “Everyone is a winner.” While this recognition is affirming, staying grounded and constantly evolving is key. I focus on bringing fresh perspectives while staying true to the essence of learning, keeping my creative process dynamic and engaging for my listeners.
“I want to show that music can bridge cultures, stir emotions, & spark new perspectives”
EG: As a DJ, sound designer, and events host, you wear many hats. How do you balance these roles, and how do they complement each other in your career?
Swarup Varma: Balancing my roles as a DJ, selector, sound designer, and event host involves careful planning and support from my team. Each role complements the others: I curate diverse tracks that keep my DJ sets fresh. Hosting events through Future Sounds of India allows me to bring together a variety of artists and foster a vibrant community. It’s incredibly rewarding to create experiences that showcase the talent and creativity within our space, inspiring new ideas. Together, these roles enhance my creativity and keep my work dynamic and engaging, helping me stay connected to the evolving landscape of electronic music. By experimenting with various textures and techniques through sound design, I keep my music fresh and innovative, adding depth and originality to my productions.
EG: Can you share any memorable experiences or challenges you’ve faced while performing or hosting events in Andhra Pradesh?
Swarup Varma: Performing and hosting events in Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, and Goa has been an exciting journey with many memorable moments. A highlight was the Full Moon Festival at Sunray Resorts in Vizag, where we realized our electronic music vision with incredible support from ‘Raja Babu.’
The Boutique Festival Coast Life at Sanctuary Goa was another standout, showcasing amazing homegrown talent in a vibrant venue with both local and international artists. Our FSOI festival in Vizag also reinforced our commitment to unique electronic music experiences, featuring many favorite homegrown artists from across India.
One significant challenge was navigating the logistics and regulations of organizing events in areas with varying infrastructure. Ensuring smooth execution while following local guidelines required careful planning and adaptability. Additionally, bridging cultural gaps and introducing new electronic music concepts to a traditional audience has its own challenges, but it also offers valuable opportunities for growth and learning.
EG: Your sets are known for telling a story and hypnotizing the dance floor. Can you walk us through your process of creating a set and how you ensure it resonates with your audience?
Swarup Varma: My main focus is selecting tracks that tell a story, blending genres that evolve throughout the set. I mix unfamiliar sounds with deeper elements to keep things dynamic, fresh, and engaging. Connecting emotionally with the audience is crucial, whether creating uplifting energy or a more introspective vibe, depending on the set, room, timing, and venue that I play. I stay attuned to delivering cutting-edge sounds while keeping the crowd’s and venue’s energy in mind, adapting as the evening or morning progresses to ensure a meaningful connection with everyone.
EG: Future Sounds of India has been a platform for many innovative artists. How has your collaboration with this label influenced your music and career?
Swarup Varma: As a co-founder of Future Sounds of India, I have the freedom to push boundaries and explore new horizons. With the support of my label and team, I can experiment with different styles and connect with a wide network of creative professionals. This liberty has been instrumental in my growth as an artist, enabling me to expand my horizons and enhance my journey in the electronic music space.
“The future looks bright, and I’m excited to be part of this evolving journey”
EG: What are your thoughts on the current state of electronic music in India, and how do you see it evolving in the coming years?
Swarup Varma: The electronic music scene in India is in a really exciting place right now. There’s a growing appreciation for diverse sounds, and artists are pushing the boundaries by blending local influences with global electronic genres. It’s creating a unique space that stands out on the global stage. However, there’s a need for more inclusivity, with additional platforms and opportunities for experimentation and innovation.
Looking ahead, I see Indian talent gaining more international recognition, with festivals and events becoming key destinations for electronic music enthusiasts. Improved access to production tools, supportive policies, and cross-cultural platforms will likely lead to more innovation and experimentation, with artists breaking away from traditional norms. The future looks bright, and I’m excited to be part of this evolving journey.
My journey has been about blending traditional influences with modern electronic elements, creating a sound that’s both globally appealing and rooted in my cultural heritage. Tracks like ‘Sankofa’ and ‘Udaya’ are examples of this, where I’ve tried to merge the vibrancy of Afro rhythms with deep, melodic soundscapes, reflecting my travels and experiences across different continents.
EG: Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for the future, both in terms of your music and your contributions to the electronic music community?
Swarup Varma: Looking ahead, my main goal is to keep pushing creative boundaries with my music, exploring new sounds and blending different cultural influences. I want to continue crafting tracks that resonate globally while staying true to my roots. I’m also excited to dive deeper into collaborations with artists from various backgrounds, as I believe that cross-cultural exchange enriches both the music and the community.
On a broader level, I aim to grow Future Sounds of India as a platform for innovative electronic music, not just as a label but also as a movement. Ultimately, it’s about creating meaningful experiences through music and helping to elevate the electronic music space in India and beyond.
EG: Thanks for the time and all the best!
Swarup Varma: Thank you for your time! I truly enjoyed this session and appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts.
Swarup Varma’s ‘Beyond Boundaries’ is out now on Future Sounds of India. Stream and download here.
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