In an exclusive interview with The Pioneer, electronic music artist Faraz Ehsan, better known as ‘8-Bit Culprit’, delves into his journey of redefining India’s underground House and techno scene. With his innovative soundscapes and evocative performances, Faraz has become a key figure in shaping the nation’s electronic music culture, leaving audiences captivated on dance floors across the country
shikha duggal
shikhaduggalwork@gmail.com
The dynamic House/Techno identity of Faraz Ehsan, ‘8-Bit Culprit’, comes from the colourful streets of India. Known for pushing the envelope, this creative artist creates captivating soundscapes and lights up dance floors with performances that are unforgettable. Thus, this artist electrified us with an exclusive interview as well as by bursting into the scene and elevating India’s flourishing electronic music culture! “Incorporating new components and methods into my fundamental styles while maintaining their emotional resonance and core energy has always been a challenge for me,” in his distinctive manner, he says.
At the age of 15, Faraz began DJing and in 2008, he got his first residency at a nearby nightclub. He is greatly influenced by musicians that led his early forays into avant-garde electronic music, including Sphongle, Perfect Stranger and Trentemoller. Today, when the electronic music scene is brought up, he says, “Over the past ten years, India’s electronic music industry has grown significantly, thanks to societal changes and a growing underground movement. I’ve actively worked on honing my skills over the years by concentrating on performance dynamics, modifying my sets as needed to fit the space and producing immersive experiences.”
Soon after, production became involved as Faraz wanted to compose music to give his performances more depth and hypnotism. In 2016, he released his debut single, Slugger. “My approach to music production has been greatly influenced by my knowledge of how to operate a room as a DJ. In order to keep things interesting during breakdowns, I’ve naturally tended to create tracks that reflect my DJ approach, with surprising switches or shifts. Every piece of music I write aims to disrupt monotony and infuse it with new vitality.”
Then he remembers, “The creative process may be both very individualised and group-based. For me, a song usually begins with an idea or feeling I wish to express. I might write down a melody or rhythm that encapsulates that concept and let it develop naturally. I occasionally use field recordings or samples as inspiration, incorporating textures that speak to my experiences. Whether it’s through complex beats, atmospheric layers, or sudden changes that keep the dance floor moving, the aim is to create a sound experience that captivates listeners. It’s a combination of exploration and intuition, with each component adding to the track’s overall story.”
His nickname, ‘8-Bit Culprit,’ conjures nostalgia with a twist of the future! “For me, the name has a particular meaning. I can remain true to myself since it reflects my upbringing and worldview, which are based on traditional values. A key component of my music and brand is nostalgia. I grew up playing video games a lot, thus the name ‘8-Bit’ reminds me of that bygone age. I was always a little bit of a threat as a naughty child and I was caught for both things I did and things I didn’t do, which is how I got the moniker ‘culprit.’ I still have that naughty child inside of me that is ready to release the dirtiest and funniest songs to make the dance floor lively.”
Faraz has a very straightforward approach to music and follows the maxim “less is more” when creating his compositions. His idea for clever underground music is to communicate a tale without regard to genre. Every performance set or song he creates is in tune with his current mood, making music the primary means of communicating his feelings to his audience. “Beyond any particular style or genre, my music is a genuine reflection of who I am. I enjoy writing music of all genres, incorporating elements from my life while always trying to maintain authenticity and originality. I strive to create a unique vibe within the well-known frameworks of house music, jungle/breaks, etc., by primarily merging textures and rhythms that represent my particular interests from other musical genres. I want to keep my songs trending while being distinctively my by subtly pushing the boundaries of sound design and groove,” he adds.
He is adamant that progression is essential and that his music should have a beginning and a finish. His setups typically aim to take viewers on a memorable journey while compromising a somber, dark and melancholic atmosphere. “I think the EDM world is taking notice of the enormous talent and uniqueness of Indian DJs and producers. India will soon emerge as a significant player in the global electronic music scene thanks to its distinctive fusion of many influences and expanding fan base. By automating difficult production procedures and facilitating more dynamic, immersive live performances, AI and machine learning can open up new creative possibilities. My imprint will begin in early 2025 and I have a number of exciting releases and partnerships planned. I’m excited to collaborate with We Do We campaign to create a collective moment, strengthening bonds and community ties with my listeners.” His next professional step will be to transition to a full live presentation featuring just his own musical compositions! He has been performing a semi-live set lately, receiving some humble criticism from Indian music fans and influential figures. Undoubtedly a little-known gem, 8-bit-culprit contributes significantly to the expanding Indian electronic music scene.
