This week’s guest mix takes us halfway around the world and is a foray into some sounds that you (probably) haven’t heard before. Hailing from Betul, India, Baajewala is an artist whose sound design absolutely blew me away the first time I stumbled upon him. A true pioneer of electronic music in India, Baajewala has seen international success, including a debut EP release on Quality Goods Records and having his tracks being played out live on shows like Triple J Mix Up and Diplo’s Revolution. This man has impeccable taste when it comes to both dubstep and trap music, and his production style features a slew of sounds and instruments that I would wager many western-based producers couldn’t even name. Dive into his interview below to learn more about what inspires his unique take on bass music and what’s in store for the future of Baajewala!
Thank you so much for hopping on today’s guest mix! What kind of vibe are we about to hear from you?
Hey! Thank you so much for having me. Expect some groovy animal sounds blended with hard ahh beats. Just having fun with it, really.
Can you give us a little bit of background about yourself? What made you begin a career in music?
My dad got me a toy keyboard when I was around 5—I had no clue what the buttons did, but I kept pressing them and got hooked. Later, I joined the school band and picked up the guitar at 12. From there on, it just snowballed.
I’m sure most of our readers aren’t intimately familiar with the music scene in India. How would you describe it? Do you think it deserves more recognition internationally?
Absolutely. India has an incredibly diverse music landscape—each region has its own flavor. Producers here have been pushing ethnic sounds with modern beats for years. Even big names like Skrillex are incorporating Indian vocals and vibes now. I think most Western music has its roots in jazz and rhythm-based genres, but here, we’re blending centuries of tradition with new-age sounds. Look at artists like Hanumankind and Kalmi—they’re already breaking through. The underground scene here is evolving fast, and it’s only a matter of time before more Indian artists start showing up on global charts.
Everyone’s using the same synths and plugins, but it’s those real, raw, human elements that stand out to me.
There’s obviously a lot of cultural influence when it comes to the instrumentation in your tracks. What’s your favorite sound/instrument that we don’t hear American and European producers use very often?
I listen to a lot of world music—everything from African to Arabic. But I love the sound of a real sitar, the thump of a dholak, flutes from different cultures… even a distorted guitar or piano can feel so alive. Everyone’s using the same synths and plugins, but it’s those real, raw, human elements that stand out to me.
Do you play any live instruments yourself? If so, what are they?
Yeah! I’ve been playing keyboard since I was a kid. I also mess around with guitar and ukulele, and I have a whole cabinet of percussive instruments and flutes. I’ve got a melodica, a harmonica I’m still figuring out, ghungroos, and even a hang drum. I love picking up new instruments—it comes naturally after watching live musicians.
I think it’s safe to say that your Hell Raiden EP on Quality Goods Records really helped you gain some attention abroad. How did it feel being able to release on such a prominent label? Any future releases in the works with Quality Goods or anyone else?
Honestly, it was surreal. I come from a small town where most people don’t even know what dubstep is. I discovered electronic music thanks to the internet—ripping UZ, Hucci, TroyBoi tracks off EDM.com. So when I saw UZ comment on Reddit about one of my songs and then repost it? That was a full-circle moment. Working with QGR was such a learning experience, especially on the promotion and curation side. Would love to work with them again, or anyone pushing the envelope.
When we proposed this guest mix, you mentioned it had been a while since you had done a proper mix to release. Does that mean most of your time lately is spent in the studio working on new songs instead?
Definitely. I’ve been working more as a record producer than a DJ these days. There aren’t many consistent ways to make money from music here unless you blow up, so I’ve been doing freelance audio engineering and production work to pay the bills. On my off days, I’m back in my own world—making beats, finishing tracks, and sending stuff out to collaborators.
Just listening to all kinds of music and thinking: “What made the artist make this?” I love diving into new genres, studying older contemporary music, and reading about art in general. I’m pretty much immersed in music all the time.
Who or what are your biggest sources of inspiration when it comes to music?
Just listening to all kinds of music and thinking: “What made the artist make this?” I love diving into new genres, studying older contemporary music, and reading about art in general. I’m pretty much immersed in music all the time. Some of my all-time inspirations are A.R. Rahman, Skrillex, Mithoon, Amit Trivedi, Sneha Khanwalkar. Bollywood music is in my DNA—it shaped the way I hear and create music.
Are there any big plans you have for 2025, music-related or otherwise?
Yes! I’m currently working on my first album as a singer-songwriter/producer. I’ve also got a bunch of dubstep stuff ready for the good ol’ SoundCloud fam. And some collabs from last year are finally dropping soon. Exciting times!
Who are some underground artists you’d like to shine a light on for our readers? Bonus points for more Indian artists that deserve some attention!
Haha, love that! Shoutout to Kriday, Brijplease/Three Oscillators, UKato, and Kalmi—some truly innovative sounds coming from them. Also, my favorite collaborators: Nanku, Karun, GHILDIYAL, and Frappe Ash. They’re all pushing boundaries and bringing something new to the table.
Do you have time for any hobbies outside of music? How do you spend your free time?
I’ve recently gotten into reading and have been trying to learn how to cook—planning to move out on my own soon. I spend a lot of time chatting with my parents and friends, and I try to go out now and then just to clear my head.
AI can make you melodies but pressing keys and putting out the vibrations of the heart is only a living Human’s ability!
What words of inspiration would you like to give to anyone aspiring to learn how to produce?
I would say focus on being a good musician, AI can make you melodies but pressing keys and putting out the vibrations of the heart is only a living Human’s ability! Also, use your DAW and technology as your toy.
Any last words for our readers? Anything at all!
It’s been so nice talking about dubstep again after ages. As the (not-so-new) Skrillex album says, “Skrillex is dead”… but I’m excited to see what’s next.
Baajewala FUXWITHIT Guest Mix Tracklist
Baajewala – Chul
Baajewala – Pandu
LYNY – Noxious (Jon Casey remix)
Losco & ONHELL – Carnal
UZ – Futon (Baajewala Remix edit)
Sorza – Dumble
borne – Give It To Me
PARA – Nikki
latesleeper – Resplendent
Volume Unit – From The Top
Dabow – Ole (William. Remix)
Chloe Robinson & DJ ADHD – Dream
Hanumankind – Big Dawgs (brijplease flip)
Baajewala – Shitty Ryda
Baajewala – Annihilate edit
Erotic Cafe’ – Newrave2020
Brent Faiyaz – Rolling Stone (shonci Jersey Club)
