Check out our latest conversation with one of India’s top DJs - Sartek!
Sarthak Sardana who is popularly known as Sartek is one DJ who is making India proud on a global platform. From pursuing a career as a Chartered Accountant to finding his passion in music, Sartek has had a memorable and successful journey. Apart from being the first Indian DJ on Hardwell's Revealed Recordings, he has also performed as an opening artist for world famous artists such as Justin Bieber, Armin Van Buuren, Martin Garrix, Nicky, Axwell, Steve Aoki and others during the music tour in India.
We had the chance to pick the musicians brain about his inspiration, passions and all things music and here’s how our conversation went...
1. What made you start creating music? And when did you start creating content?
"It all started for me after I attended a gig by the legendary trance DJ; Ferry Corsten in 2007, back then I had no idea what dance music was all about. This gig completely changed my perspective of music, I didn’t think it was possible for electronic music to make me feel so inspired. I joined a music production academy in Delhi in 2009 to pursue my passion and love for dance music while attending my CA classes and from there I started experimenting and creating my own content."
View this post on Instagramkeep swiping to see my mini dance ?
A post shared by Sartek (@sartekmusic) on
2. What makes your content stand out?
"I try to create music that expands beyond a single genre. For example, sometime last year, I released a track called “Tere Karke” which was a Punjabi track but also had urban/Latin vibes and just recently I released another track called “Sayonee” which is a famous Indian folk song with Brazilian bass. So when it’s a Sartek track you can expect some genres overlapping each other to create something unique."
3. How do you choose what to promote on your feed and what not to?
"I love promoting upcoming talent, especially creators who have been doing something extraordinary. Also, I think it’s important to promote your friends within the industry cause they will do the same in return and that’s how the industry grows and we discover more talent. I avoid talking about politics and haven’t ever put anyone down, I think as an artist to do something like this is abusing your power and people start to look at you in a different light."
4. One instance/experience that made it all worthwhile?
"Back in 2015, a legendary Dutch DJ used to play my track ‘Backed Up’ in his sets. When he came to perform in Mumbai, the local event organisers asked me to open the show for him. I got to meet him backstage and tell him who I was and he was surprised to see that I was an Indian and we were making music other than Bollywood."
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5. What does a regular day look like?
"It’s quite interesting actually because I’ve got a pet dog. Half my time is split between my Frenchie; Casper and creating music in the studio. I spend most weekends working as I’m mostly travelling for gigs and exploring the local food in different parts of the world."
6. How do you make moolahs?
"Gigs, gigs, gigs and a couple of endorsements."
7. Where do you get ideas for your videos from?
"I have a really solid creative team who assists me with ideas. I believe in capitalizing on your strengths to maximise output over trying to be a jack of all trades. So I get my team to work on these aspects while I concentrate on what I know best and that is making music."
8. Weirdest brief ever received?
"I once did an interview, where the reporter went like “we heard your EDM track Maharaja” could you sing it for us. I was like yes ‘daa dam dum daa dam daama dham’. How are you supposed to sing BEATS!"
9. If not a producer, what would you be?
"A chef for sure but my mom thinks I would have been a professional snooker player."
10. Message/tips for upcoming musicians/DJs/Producers.
"Make your own unique sound rather than copying the latest trends. Once you put your sound out there, people will start recognizing you for your style and you’ll have a niche audience of your own."
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Sartek (@sartekmusic) on
Here's how he replied to our Quick 5 -
One Artist you want to collaborate with?
"Hardwell"
Who inspires you to create music?
"When I was just starting out, it used to be Armin Van Buuren and Tiesto. Now, I find myself inspired by a lot of Punjabi music."
Weirdest or funniest comment you have received?
"Endorsement deal for my dog which stated that I don’t need to repost anything from my page and it’s only exclusive for Casper’s socials."
Favourite genre of music?
POP-DANCE-PUNJABI
Favourite part of your job?
"Travelling to a new place every week, meeting people from different cultures and enjoying the local food {food being the most favourite part ;)}."
You can stay synced with all of Sartek’s upcoming shows and content on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!