INTERVIEW: Hamza Rahimtula

Hamza Rahimtula joins us on The last Future today for a wee chat about their recent LP and much more. Read on to find out a little bit more about this artist...

What was the first thing that attracted you to the world of electronic music?

Electronic music is a universal genre that goes beyond words and is connecting with cultures across the globe. As there is no language here, everyone can relate. Also, it has a spiritual element to it as people feel the same thing at the same time. The power of this spirit is beyond words and is truly exceptional.

Do you remember any album or concert that has changed everything?

- Terry Francis @ Fabric

- Chemical Brothers (First 3 Albums) and their performance

- Dj Heather @ Fabric

- Louis Vega (Vinyl Releases in the early 2000’s)

Since you got into this professionally, what helped you the most to grow as an artist?

- Being around other creative people.

- Starting my Studio/Music School as you learn a lot when you teach people.

- You tube tutorials! We are so lucky to have all the information we need at the tip of our fingers.

- Hearing other artists at music festivals.

How is the music scene in your city?

New Delhi goes through ups and downs but now there is a lot of energy in the city as the older and younger generations are all working together and as a result the scene is slowly improving.

Historically New Delhi started the Electronic Music scene in India. Most of big Indian Artists and labels came out of this city. The best Indian Blog ‘Wild City’ was born out of this city. Boxout Fm started here as well. Soupherb, Qilla, Wind Horse are some of the main labels that all started in New Delhi. Warehouse Mix started in Delhi and is rocking it right now with their amazing events.

What are your favorite places to hang out in the city?

- I like hanging out at the Warehouse Mix Events as they are throwing the best parties in Delhi.

- Boxout Fm Also throws great parties and they cater to many different genres.

- Auro is a great venue to play at. Top Vibe!

- Diablo (Konnekt Parties)

Have you had time to focus on making music, spending time with your family, or planning future projects during this past year(s) of lockdowns?

That’s exactly what I did. My Daughter Kenza was born during covid. I spent a lot of my time with her and my wife at home which was great! My wife really needed that support as this is our first child so I was fortunate that I could help out.

I went mad in the studio. I made 6-7 LP’s in 2 years so I believe i took full advantage of the lockdown. I also improved my mixdowns and my overall sound in these 2 years so this was a breakthrough moment for me simply due to the regularity of the studio sessions.

What do you want to convey in this work? What is the concept behind it?

Banjara Series Is a concept I have created to showcase traditional sounds of certain countries that I have travelled to and feel inspired by. My goal is to mix these rare instruments with modern deep tech grooves and create some special moments for dance floors across the globe.

I feel closely about working with rural and indigenous musicians and through this LP I would like to shed light into some of these communities in India that contribute by making amazing music and folklore. I want the world to hear these sounds and want to bring to their attention that there are places like Rajasthan in India that are a gold mine for sounds. We need people to support these communities and their music, which is my opinion is out of this world.

As for your studio, what is your setup currently made of?

I have 2 studios. My home set up is a simply lap top with genelec 1030A’s and some Roland Aira Gear. My school and studio is where i do my mix downs in a bigger studio which has more gear. Collectively between the 2 studios I have the following gear.

- Logic x

- Ableton

- Lynx Arora Digital to Analog Coverter

- MEA 2 (Maselec)

- Vari Mu Compressor & Limmiter

- Dangerous 2 Bus + (Analog Summing)

- U-87 Newman Microphone

- Audix Mics for Drums + Percussion

- Roland System 8

- Roland Mc 707

- Roland TR8S

- Roland TB3

- Roland VT4

- Genelec Ones

- Genelec 1030A’s

- Fender Guitar Amps

- Fender Guitar and Bass

- Pioneer DJS 1000’s

- Mapex Pro Drum Set

What's the one bit of kit you'll never get rid of, no matter what?

Genelec 1030A’s

What would you say is the definition of your sound?

- Deep Tech Minimal

- Afro

- Latin

- Funky

- Indian

- Middle Eastern

- Turkish

- Latin

- Acid

- Tribal

- Jackin

- Jazz

I am all over the house Genre! I also love funk, jazz and world music. Just love it!!

What was the last record store you visited and what did you get out there?

I bought 20 records in delhi at the Jazz Weekender. There was a guy named Nishant that was selling some really cool music. I bought some yoga exercise sessions by Rekha who is a Bollywood Icon. Also bought some Karnatik Classical (South Indian). There were 2 Sufi Qawalli records as well.

HAMZA RAHIMTULA

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